Cardigan Complex

Yup, when the time comes, they will be in and out of my house too! Both the co-breeder and I feel that puppies need to be socialized with all dogs and new places and things. My dogs are grand with puppies, and Simon loves puppies, so… hahah, I have a built in babysitter.

Poor Simon. ;) I am totally only paying him five dollars an hour for it too. I’m sure he’ll save it all up and buy himself a Wubba.

Awwww… thank you! :)

Actually, my love of showing comes from cats. I started with Household Pets when I was like oh, five. The cat was bigger than me. Then we had an Old English Sheepdog my parents showed - and then horses. When I moved out, I still showed cats (my Korats) and then got into working GSD’s that progressed to a show GSD, and then when she finally passed away- I went to Cardis. :)

Still have the cats. Will always have cats. Love cats, shhh. ;) I could totally do a cat blog, but man, the internet is full of better cat pictures than mine.

Honestly? My tips would be this. Find a breed you love, and then find a breeder that is willing to mentor you. Talk to all the people you can, go to dog shows and look at all the dogs you like and make notes as to the breeders. Most of the time at dog shows I don’t have time to talk until I’m done showing, but man, I love to talk with folks about the breed and if you just say, “I know you are incredibly busy, but I’m interested in the breed and would be interested in learning how to show, could we talk later or could I get your number so I can contact you when you’re not so busy?” I will make time for you, you bet! Most folks are awesome about that. They love to talk their dogs. It’s just showing is a ton of busy prep and a bit of stress of course.

If I was to give one bit of advice, it would be this. Chances of getting an amazing quality girl from a show breeder if you haven’t proven that you will show (most people start and then drop out) is very slim to none. Your best bet is to start with a boy. That’s what I did on both of my breeds of dog, and I got a much higher quality boy to start out with and as breeders saw I was serious and sticking with showing- then the offers of “I just might have a girl for you…” started coming in. That’s how I ended up with Tempe. Her breeders knew I showed and would show and I would stick with it. It’s good for them and good for me. Plus they know they’d have to pry her out of my cold dead fingers. ;)

Hahah, actually… the bedlam isn’t too bad here. When that time comes, Tempe sleeps in her crate next to the bed with the crate cover on. I don’t let her out of my sight and of course, she’s not allowed alone outside by herself or with the boys, period. Usually I take her to work with me and she sleeps behind the counter all day and that helps a lot to break it all up for the dogs.

The boys really are good and don’t get stupid until the actual day (and boy do they know.) Simon’s actually a pretty easy going dude about it, he’d uh… rather play ball than hang out with the girls, and always has.  The worst I get is a whole lot of whining and a bit of howling. :)

I’ve had them out around all sorts of girls in heat and ever since they were puppies my rule has been “mind your manners.” I say leave it and I mean it - and they do. No lifting your leg all over the place, no throwing yourself at girls. Honestly? The two unfixed boys are politer than Riley, and he’s been fixed since he was 10 weeks old. I don’t like rude boys and neither do most girls. ;) It’s totally uncalled for and can be redirected postively somewhere else.

Nah, not a weird question at all. :) Lots of folks I know run mixed households and it can be tough to live with. I have two good tempered boys with good minds and good manners, and I appreciate them every day for it!