After the last person to board frantically shoved his bloated carry-on into a space designed for far less, the pilot made an announcement: there was “unfortunate weather in Denver.” He explained that we’d be delayed and that they were going to add more fuel just in case we had to circle. A typical collective moan followed, but with less enthusiasm than before the new era of constant delays and cancellations. I guess we’re just getting used to it.
Most of you have either heard or read about the challenges the American Kennel Club is currently facing. Whether it’s plummeting registrations, declining participation at dog shows, internal conflict, or being sued by PETA, they have serious problems that would seem to require an all-hands-on-deck search for solutions. Yet, somehow they seem to dwell on minutiae that, in some cases, exacerbates these issues.
Click here to read the complete article 10 – August, 2025 Click here to read the complete article 10 – August, 2025
Could you introduce yourself that way? Nearly everyone who’s been in conformation for less than five years should just go ahead and answer “yes.” And far too many people who’ve been in the sport years longer would answer “yes” if they were being honest with themselves.
Despite popular perceptions about Westminster, it is not only about winning. In reality, it’s more akin to our sport’s annual convention. Anyone and everyone affiliated with purebred dogs converge in New York to share ideas, learn from experts, renew friendships, hang out, and most importantly, check out the dogs. And that is not limited to top-ranked dogs or popular breeds.
It started a few decades ago, when some Parent Clubs decided to do something to recognize dogs that achieved in multiple venues.
Click here to read the complete article 267 – July, 2025 Click here to read the complete article 267 – July, 2025
Looks can be deceiving. Beneath the smile and veneer of control, even an experienced junior handler with a nice winning record may get a case of the jitters before going into the juniors’ ring. It is the same sort of competitive anxiety that plagues many of us adults who compete in the conformation ring. Some highly experienced owner-handlers and even professionals, I imagine, have learned to use those stomach-churning sensations to their advantage. Instead of allowing negative thoughts and feelings to overwhelm and negatively impact their handling in the ring, they productively channel the negative energy.
