Have you ever been on the steep leg of the learning curve? Of course you have; you’re human, and not one human being has popped out knowing everything about how to do everything. The learning process can be slow and frustrating, and yet it’s important to honor the process as you go through it.
Attention all sporting breed (except Lagotto Romagnolo), hound, Standard and Miniature Poodle, and Airedale owners: Now hear this! While most hunting seasons may be several months away, if a-hunting you are thinking you’d like to go with your dog–or to do some field work–and you should be, the new year means it’s time to start preparing not just the dog but yourself for this new task. This is especially true if you are as much of a rookie as the dog may be when it comes to hunting, hunt tests or field trials.
Wayne Cavanaugh’s article in January on “The Sanctity of Standards” gave me much to think about. After growing up in dogs on the West Coast, I returned to our sport in 2021 after a 25-year break living abroad and raising kids. In ways, I found our sport much changed. What was familiar, unchanged, and delightful was the passion we find in individual judges, exhibitors and breeders who are truly devoted to our sport, and to their breed or breeds. Being new to my current breed (Harriers) but not to the sport, gave me a valuable perspective around standards and breed education. As a student of my breed, I’ve watched as much judging as I can, attending seminars, and interviewed a number of people with tenure in the breed. I’ve been surprised by how many of our lifetime colleagues share history with this rare and intriguing breed. You would be surprised at how many of our well-known faces have a “Harrier story”. I owe thanks to so many of them for sharing their stories and experiences with me.
Yes, indeed. Where are we going with this? Honestly, I am not sure. Join me on the journey. Perhaps we can figure it out together? It all goes back to being at home for a few consecutive weeks. Normally, I am not. A very cold winter, with intermittent snow and ice, prevented me from doing many of the activities I enjoy when time allows. Days and weeks of ice-covered pavement offered no opportunity to get in my miles outside in the fresh air. Turning to the treadmill is a poor second. However, my treadmill has wifi. Wifi enables me use my iPad. It keeps me entertained when Mother Nature can’t. No complaints in that department.
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! Will Alexander has an in-depth conversation with Jason Hoke. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
The changes came fast. Your once active Doberman Pinscher opts to nap rather than play. When she tries to follow you around, she pants and coughs. Her legs and paws swell.
“Oh my gosh! I have Danish-Swedish Farmdogs in two weeks! I’ve never even SEEN one, much less had my hands on one and now I have to judge them!” OK, I may be being a little dramatic, but then again…
Every breeder dreams of the dog that makes it all worthwhile. Investing incalculable time, work and money, day after day– and there are NO days off in this biz. But finally, it all pays off. Jackpot, that dream dog arrives and justifies all the other stuff; and at that point, it often seems like a miracle, which is perfectly reasonable under normal circumstances. But this story is about a true dog breeder’s miracle–actually several miracles–starting with the arrival of the star of this story.
Having just returned from my Crufts Breed assignment, the experience has prompted this month’s article.
With the 2025 Westminster show in the rear-view, what better time to reflect upon the incredible depth of talent demonstrated by the Junior Showmanship competitors?
