Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Marcher and I got to go to a dog show for the 1st time since April 2024 and we brought home a Major win! Judge Jan Paulk awarded Marcher Best of Winners on Saturday, 2/1/25. Marcher now has 12 points and 1 major all from being shown from the scooter. Marcher hasn’t been out very much and not a lot of show experience so I was happy we were in the ribbons this weekend.
New Normal
It has been a while since I updated the Solstice Blog. We have added new family members and faced some big challenges in 2024. That being said, we are looking forward to 2025.
As of January 31st I will be hanging up my professional hat and retiring from State Farm Insurance after 36.5 years. I spent the last 15 years as a corporate trainer/facilitator, a job I loved and was good at doing. This retirement will mean I will be developing a new normal.
One of the things I am hoping to do is leverage my people training and dog training skills into is providing some instruction in the sniffy sports that I love, I’ll be spending the winter months working on continuing education and working on training plans for the spring, as well as working with my own crew.
Speaking of crew, I will be updating pages but there are some new Cardigans at Solstice, we call them the BRAT Brothers. Joining JeffJeff and Marcher are Strider and Hoops here at Solstice, Strider and Hoops are owned by Cody Smith (our housemate) and co-owned by me, and joining the Co-Owned team along with Belle and Sammich (with Kathy Davis and Dr. Ryan Buzard) is JohnJohn/Dr. John (with Julia Dancy) of course Belle and Sammich are in the Phoenix metro area with Kathy and JohnJohn splits his time in Oregon and New Mexico with Julia.
See ya lots more in 2025!
It was a disappointing weekend, now what?
So, we all know that sometimes weekends don’t go as planned, especially when it comes to dog shows and trials. You’ve probably seen all those amazing posts on social media with friends and their dogs winning ribbons and titles, right? But what about those who didn’t have such a great weekend? Maybe they didn’t qualify or their dog didn’t get the points they were hoping for. It can be tough for them, and that’s where you come in as a supportive friend or mentor.
First things first, it’s important to acknowledge their disappointment and let them know that it’s totally okay to feel that way. We’ve all been there! Don’t try to sugarcoat their feelings or brush them off. Give them the space to express their emotions and be there to listen.
Now, here’s how you can help them bounce back. Start by asking them about the positive moments from their weekend. What went well? Maybe they had an amazing connection with their dog,maybe their grooming was on point, or they simply enjoyed being out there with their dogs and friends. It’s all about finding those silver linings and reminding them of why they love dog sports in the first place.
If they’re feeling down about a specific aspect, like conformation shows, you can suggest exploring other venues like IABCA or UKC for a different experience than AKC shows. Or explore dog sports that have a different vibe. Maybe they need a sport that is less subjective or has a different vibe like trying Rally vs Obedience. Or they try a sport that has a more every dog feel or a less formal feel. There are lots of great alternatives if they’re looking for a change. And hey, if they think they have a conformation dog but it’s not winning, offer to record their performances so they can see how they compare to other handlers. Sometimes a little perspective can go a long way!
As a mentor or friend, your role is to provide honest feedback and support their journey. Shake things up when needed, but always respect that it’s their path to navigate. Your encouragement and cheering from the sidelines can make a world of difference.
Remember, disappointment is just a temporary setback. By helping them see the positive, exploring new possibilities, and offering your unwavering support, you can help them turn their disappointment into motivation and come back stronger than ever.
Meet Our New BRAT Brothers at Solstice Kennels: Strider, Hoops, and JohnJohn and other doings at Solstice
Hey there, lovely readers! It’s been a hot minute since I last shared an update on our blog, but don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about you. Life has been keeping me on my toes, juggling all the things that bring me joy and fulfillment. Here at Solstice, everything is going great. We’re embracing the best of both worlds – indulging in doggy things and savoring all the wonderful experiences that life has to offer.
Now, let’s talk about my health journey. In December 2023, I underwent Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery, and boy, has it been a game-changer! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve managed to shed a whopping 88 pounds since I embarked on this transformative path. However, despite this success, my back and mobility issues have taken a toll on me. But fret not, because on August 20th (which also happens to be the day after my 62nd birthday, yay!), I’m scheduled to have surgery that will hopefully restore my mobility and allow me to truly enjoy life again. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ve been sitting around twiddling my thumbs. I’ve been actively engaged in Scentwork, Barnhunt, FastCat, and NASDA activities with the Solstice gang..
Speaking of companions, we’ve welcomed three new BRAT brothers into our Solstice family in the past year. Strider (Hurrikane On The Mound), Hoops (Hurrikane On The Court), and JohnJohn (Vestaiva Ostara Up In Smoke) have joined our team. I proudly co-own these three young boys with my dear friends Cody Smith and Julia Dancy. Strider and Hoops live with us here at Solstice, while JohnJohn is living his best life with Julia Dancy in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. All three of these boys are having a blast, participating in various doggy activities alongside Cody and Julia.
In addition to the new additions, we’re cherishing precious moments with our 15.5 and 14.9-year-old girls, Bailey and Banner. They’re simply enjoying the simple pleasures of life – eating, sleeping, sunbathing, and being with us. Caliwags just turned 8, and she’s getting back into the swing of things with Barnhunt and learning the ropes of Urban NASDA games. We’re also considering training her for potential therapy dog visits in the future. As for the boys, JeffJeff and Marcher, they’re the competition boys, exploring the world of dog sports. Marcher is on the lookout for major wins to complete his championship, while JeffJeff is having a blast with Scentwork, Barnhunt and NASDA and whatever adventures we embark on. Once my back is all sorted out, we’re hoping for even more fun times together.
In the meantime, I’ve been expanding my doggy resume, adding some new credentials to my resume. I’m still honored to hold the positions of President at both the Atlanta Obedience Club and Richmond Dog Fanciers. Additionally, I’m busy serving as a secretary for AKC Scentwork trials and NASDA trials. In addition to being CGC/Trick dog evaluator, I’ve also taken on the roles of FitDog 2 Instructor, ATT Evaluator, Farm Dog, and FETCH judge. Once my back is on the mend, I’m excited about the prospect of judging or evaluating dogs up close, as it brings me so much joy to witness their incredible abilities.
Now, here’s something I’m really looking forward to – offering coaching opportunities for the dog show community. I often come across people on social media who are eager to dive into dog sports, whether it’s conformation or any of the companion or performance events. However, many of them have no idea where to start, what motivates them in dog sports, how to connect with breeders, or how to effectively work with their own dogs. As an experienced trainer and certified coach, I’m determined to put together programs that will help both new and experienced fanciers reignite their passion for the game. I’ll be sharing more details about this exciting endeavor as it unfolds, but if you’re interested in learning more, feel free to shoot me an email at mentormejinnie@gmail.com.
That’s all for now, folks! Thank you for sticking around and supporting our journey. Stay tuned for more updates and adventures with the Solstice crew. Until next time, keep wagging those tails and savoring every moment of this beautiful life.
My Weird and Wonderful Dog CV
I have an interesting Dog CV; I often get asked how or why I am involved with such and such dog club. First of all, my mentors taught me to give back to the Fancy, they didn’t say only give back to your breed or local club only, they taught me to give back to the Fancy.
In or around 1994 or 1995 is when I first learned about dog sports and dog clubs. I took my crazy GSP Siegfried to an obedience class at Rio Grande Obedience Dog Club (RGODC) and really enjoyed the people at the club. Being a big Mystery novel fan, I soon found the mystery series by Susan Conant and Laurien Berenson and decided I wanted to train and show dogs.
My dad had battled cancer for a long time, and he had told me to find something I love and do it. I had shown ponies and horses as a kid and I loved the human/animal bond, but I couldn’t keep a pony in my yard, so dogs it was, although crazy GSPs were probably more work than a pony.
So, dogs it became. I had enjoyed the folks at RGODC and soon joined the club. I went on to be a multi term President and Director of the club as well as chairing Obedience, Rally and Agility matches and trials. I got to judge matches and teach puppy classes and had a wonder start to my dog education.
I also joined the Tracking Club of El Paso where I held numerous positions and assisted with Tracking Test. Tracking in the SW desert is amazing to watch.
As much as I enjoyed the companion sports, I really wanted to do confirmation and have a Champion Show Dog. So, I went to an All-Breed show and stalked the person I had seen showing German Shorthaired Pointers and introduced myself. That introduction led to my joining both local GSP specialty clubs the El Paso Del Norte GSPC and the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Las Cruces. I joined just at the right time as the El Paso club was hosting the GSPCA nationals and I got to hit the ground running and learned a lot. In additional to learning about the National Specialty show, I went on to learn about specialties and supported entries, assisted with Hunt Tests and Field Trials, and served multiple terms on both club’s Board of Directors.
My new confirmation friends encouraged me to learn about dog shows by stewarding at all-breed shows. I joined the New Mexico Stewards Association and became a professional steward.
I learned so much from all these great dog clubs that when it came time to find my first show dog, I had enough credentials that my eventual mentors took a chance on a newbie and sent a fabulous puppy all the way across the country to a new show home. As a proud owner of not just my pet GSPs but now of a show puppy I also joined the GSPCA the parent club for the German Shorthaired Pointer. I finished my beautiful Windy completely Owner Handled and bred my first litter which produced my lovely Wicca who was the 2003 GSPCA Best in Sweepstakes (entry of 99).
Now that I had a show dog my mentors encouraged me to join the local all-breed club. I tried and tried and tried. I didn’t realize at the time that many AKC All-Breed clubs were often little fiefdoms and both the El Paso Kennel Club and Mesilla Valley Kennel Club (in Las Cruces, NM) were just such clubs. They were both run by the same people and their friends and refused to allow anyone to join. Both but on 2 All-Breed shows a year and did nothing else for the dog communities they represented. That really annoyed me and in 2005 I sent out 100s of letters to all the area dog fanciers I could find with the idea of forming a new All-Breed club that would support the area fanciers and do more than just put on a dog show for our friends. Onate Trail Dog Fanciers (OTDFA now El Paso Dog Fanciers) was born from that letter writing campaign.
Telling me I can’t do something is a good way to get me to do it and after the AKC said no, we could not have another AKC dog club in the region I and the members of the club set about proving the AKC wrong and our efforts eventually forced the closure of both EPKC and MVKC. Eventually it was discovered that MVKC had not been dissolved correctly and the Lifetime members of that club who were still in the area were able to resurrect it and the two cities now both had a working kennel club. As President and Founder of OTDFA I was happy to lead the membership through the AKC accreditation stage all the way through licensing and approval to hold an All-Breed Dog Club. As part of OTDFA I had the opportunity to judge confirmation matches, run handling classes, teach good manners classes through UTEP’s continuing education classes at the University and put on Responsible Dog ownership events throughout the city of El Paso, TX.
It was during this time I became a Canine Good Citizen evaluator and it also during this time that my breed focused shifted from the GSP to Cardigan Welsh Corgi. I got my first CWC, Stoney in 2000 and joined the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America (CWCCA). I also met my best friends because of corgis.
As a member of the CWCCA I have served on various committees and in 2012 I began the 1st of 3 terms as an officer/BOD member of the parent club. Additionally, as a member of the CWCCA my dogs and I have represented the breed at both the Meet the Breed in NYC during Westminster KC week and at the AKC National Championship in Orlando Florida. In 2019 I was honored to receive the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award from the CWCCA.
In 2006 I was invited by a dear friend to join her in Northern California to help out a friend who was the Show Chair of Richmond Dog Fanciers (RDF). RDF had moved to new show grounds in Dixon, CA and the club was in need of some help. My friend volunteered me! Off I went to Northern California, and I have been going ever since. Things have changed with RDF as I am now serving as the Club President. I know it is weird that I don’t live in California, yet I am the President of an All-Breed Dog Club there. RDF is what is known as a proprietary club, one of the few that remain in the AKC that are clubs owned by private individuals and as such don’t have the same membership demographic requirements as other AKC clubs, so our membership is spread out around the country, and we come together to put on one of the friendliest shows around. And just to add one other odd thing to my dog resume for the last 2 years I have been a member of the Associated Rottweiler Fanciers of Northern California and currently sit on their Board of Directors. I know weird, but helping the fancy, not just my breed and no I have never owned a Rottweiler.
2013 brought a lot of change to my world. My job packed me, my mom and the dogs and moved us to Atlanta, Georgia. It has been a transition moving from a place where there 8 show weekends a year within an 8-hour drive to a place where I can throw a rock and hit a dog event. It has given the dogs and I lot of opportunities. Unbeknownst to me my new house was less than 2 miles from the Atlanta Obedience Club’s training building and of course the first club I joined in Georgia was AOC. In the last 10 years I have served multiple terms as President (currently serving in that role) and as a BOD member, I have chaired or been Secretary for Obedience, Scentwork, Tracking and FastCat trials and tests. I am the club Scentwork Trial Secretary. I have taught AKC StarPuppy classes, beginning manner’s classes, Scentwork classes and run confirmation handling practices. We have done public outreach and hosted Responsible Dog Owner’s Day activities. In 2019 AOC awarded me the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.
Here in Georgia I have also served as an officer and board member of the Georgia Canine Coalition, an organization that works to protect the rights of dog owners in the state. I was honored to represent AOC at the Capitol when Governor Nathan Deal declared May 1st as National Purebred Dog Day in Georgia.
I have also had the opportunity to belong to both the Lawrenceville Kennel Club and the Atlanta Kennel Club. All-Breed clubs are often strange beings and at the times of my membership neither of the clubs fit into my lifestyle. So currently my only membership in an All-Breed is Richmond Dog Fanciers.
So, in additional to all of the above, I am a CGC Evaluator, Trick Dog Evaluator, ATT Evaluator, FitDog1 Instructor and Farm Dog Judge. My dogs are registered with Barnhunt and Bailey was the first Cardigan Welsh Corgi to earn a Senior Barnhunt title and Sienna our late Brussels Griffon was the first in the breed to earn any Barnhunt title. The dogs are also registered with NASDA, and I will be the trial Secretary for the upcoming local NASDA trial in December.
I am thankful for all the trust that has been given to me over the years and I hope I can continue to contribute and make a difference in the dog world.
Needless to say, I keep busy with all the things, and I try to make myself available to help those new to dog events and typically I try to not only talk the talk but I walk the walk or as they say, “I have the receipts”.
What do they say when you are not in the room?
Dog breeding is both and art and a science, it takes vision and creativity
to see what two dogs will bring to the breed. It takes diligence and science to
turn that art into a living breath creature. Once, the wonderful creatures are
created it takes, time, money and a whole lot of lack of sleep to raise a well-rounded
socialized puppy who is ready to be placed with a new family. When a breeder
sells a puppy (yes, I said sell because we don’t give our hard work away for
free), the breeder is basically making a promise. I promise that I did
everything in my power that this little 8, 10, 12-week bundle of joy has every
chance of living 14+ years as your healthy, happy, beloved companion. Whatever
expectations the breeder set have a very good chance of being met.
What type of breeder do you want to be? What do you want to hear people are saying about you when you are not in the room? Me, personally, I want my puppy buyers and those I help to say, WOW,
Jinnie is always great, she raises great puppies or she did everything she could to help me find the right puppy. That could include contacting other breeders on their behalf or finding clubs or events that could be of help if they want to try a sport or even just going over the rules or equipment they might need.
Sadly, not everyone seems to care what people say when they are not in the
room. In dog sports reputation matters, it matters what people say about you.
Today with the instant access via social media whatever you say is in an
instant in everyone’s ears. Reputation in today’s world is often based on
hearsay, rumor, gossip and innuendo instead of facts. A single comment or
opinion posted on the socials can be instantly taken out of context and forwarded
to others will ill intent. And why does this happen? Because those who do not
have a reputation often try to build one on the shoulders of those who have
them.
Breeders and exhibitors who have great reputations built them by working
hard using both art and science, creativity and vision unlike those who like to
cause mayhem. Those that like to cause mayhem really want people to think they
have a great reputation so they try to steal them from others, they are lazy and
greedy. They are jealous, they carry big chips on their shoulders and they try
to level the playing field by trying to make the reputable look bad so they can
look better. Guess what? it doesn’t work that way, cream rises to the top.
So, all you dog people whose egos are such that everything you breed is show
quality, stop selling so called show dogs to new people who can’t win and will
get discouraged and talk about the experience. All of you “breeders”
who have a dog who can’t win in the show ring, take a look at the why and maybe
don’t breed that dog just because it is what you have, work harder and get a
better dog to bring the breed forward. Admit that you are just doing it for the
money. And for God sakes, those of you what are producing genetic defects, stop
trying to pass them off as a one-off! If your girl produces a cleft palate* in
one litter and a cryptorchid* in a 2nd, pull her from your breeding program and
stop selling those puppies from those litters as potential breed (show) quality
dogs. The same goes with any genetic issue.These kinds of things might bring you some cash but they will never enhance your reputation and dog people never really forget.
New people, we need them, we need them to buy our dogs as pets, as potential
show and/or event dogs. It is our job to help them. Please be a mentor if you
sell a puppy to someone, answer questions or if it is about a sport, you are
not familiar with help hook them up with a mentor in that sport. Don’t sell
them a puppy and disappear, especially if they want to play dog games. Don’t be that breeder that has the reputation of never helping or answering questions.
If you offer to mentor a new person, even if it isn’t from your breeding or
even from your breed, do not expect them to be your bucket b*tch or your minion,
they are your peer and there to learn, it is about helping them succeed, not
about your success. Be the person they talk about in a good way when you are
not around.
New People! You are new, you do not know everything even if
you have learned a lot. Listen to those with experience. You do not have to
agree with everything they say but listen to what they have to say and apply it
to your situation as needed. Appreciate that they probably have done or seen
what you are about to experience and want to help. Don’t be that new person
that experienced people talk about as a know-it-all newbie. (And go read the
rules of the sport you want to play) And if you are a new breeder please ask
for help. Breeding quality is hard and your reputation depends on doing it
right. The first person you should always go to is the breeder of your dog and hopefully they are the right type of breeder who will know their line and know how to help you.
I am obviously writing this post because there are people out there who need
to read it. They are doing all the things mentioned and more. There are some
people who are now weaponizing the new Social Media AKC sportsmanship rule to
cause trouble for people who disagree with them. There are breeders who insist
that every dog they whelp is a potential breed champion and selling them to
uneducated new people with ridiculous contracts and expectation. There are new
people who don’t want to wait for a well-bred puppy so they buy what is
available or import something from somewhere and then try to win in the show
ring and when they don’t, they say it is all political. Then they breed litters
to start their “line” with their ego being more important than moving
the breed forward.
Reputation matters and where you start is just as important as where you end
up. I hope if you were to hear what people were saying about you when you were not in the
room would make you proud, if it doesn’t then you have work to do.
*Cryptorchidism is the medical
term that refers to the failure of one or both testicles (testes)
to descend into the scrotum. The testes develop near the kidneys
within the abdomen and normally descend into the scrotum by two months of age.
In certain dogs, it may occur later, but rarely after six months of age.
*Cleft palate of the lip or hard palate are easy to see, but soft palate
defects can sometimes require sedation or general anesthesia to visualize.
Affected puppies will often have difficulty suckling and swallowing. This is
often seen as coughing, gagging, and milk bubbling from the pup’s nose. In less
severe defects, more subtle signs such as sneezing, snorting, failure to grow,
or sudden onset of breathing difficulty (due to aspiration of milk or food) can
occur.
I am a nosey sort of Gal
I spent the past weekend doing one of my favorite dog sports, Barnhunt! I realized this weekend that I have been involved in the sport for most of its existence. The sport started in 2013, and Bailey earned her RATI aka Instinct test in January of 2014. I was away from it for a while as I didn’t really have a dog who was into it after Bailey retired so I am just coming back into game and other than some rule changes and some class enhancements the main things haven’t changed. Now, I have only Barnhunted in Georgia with my regional competitors, but the main thing that hasn’t changed is good sportsmanship and welcoming atmosphere of the local Barnhunt crowd. There are always a few hyper-competitive people in any dog sport (or any sport for that matter) and a few grouches, but the majority of the crowd is supportive, helpful, and welcoming.
Being supportive, helpful, and welcoming is so important in dog sports, but some of our dog sports are not very good at those attributes. Being a nosey sort of dog club gal, I made a point of chatting up several Barnhunt competitors this week, I took notice of these competitors because they were all under 25 (under 23) and I made a point to ask these young ladies about their involvement in dog sports, how did they get involved? Which sports did they like the best and why or why not? Thankfully, they didn’t act like I was too much of a weirdo and were forthcoming in their comments. They had different levels of involvement, family who were involved, some did “all the things”, some just a few things, one was just starting out with her puppy, as her friend has introduced her to Barnhunt. They were competing and helping, enjoying their dogs and the event. When I asked about the different sports, I got some candid answers.
Sports they liked, Dock Diving as it was fun and exciting, FastCat/Cat because their dogs loved it, Rally because it was laid back, Barnhunt and Scentwork again because their dogs liked it and it was fun, Agility because of the action and physicality of the sport. Disc event because they were fun and active.
Notice what is missing? The tradition dog sports, Conformation and Obedience. One comment about conformation is you must get the right dog (true) and that isn’t easy, and the most telling comment of the day was about Obedience, and I will quote “Obedience competitors are terrifying” and the comment was agreed upon by those in the discussion. As the President of an Obedience Club and an All-Breed Club, those comments are terrifying!
So, dog sport folks, look at the common denominator in this small conversational sampling, what stuck out to me was that dog sports are supposed to be fun, and we need to find a way to put the fun into some of our less “fun” sports.
Anything goes, what would you do to put fun into dog sports? How would you make them more welcoming? Especially Confo (as the younger crowd calls it) and Obedience? Let’s brainstorm, I am all about stealing ideas to make my clubs better.
Dog Show Newbies
Newbies, it is a term that has been tossed about forever, some people use in with distain, some with excitement, some with empathy and some with just downright meanness.
Dog show people always say young people are the future of our sport, yet they fail them time and time again. So, I thought to look inward and outward on some of the reasons why dog people can be so weird.
Once upon a time before the internet, finding a nice show dog was a weird and sometimes time-consuming process. You had to go to shows and meet people, you had to make phone calls and make personal connections, you had to know people to help you on your way. You had to join kennel clubs or training clubs. It was more in person or at least more personal communication. People could put ads in the newspaper or flyers up on their local areas and those already in the show world could use their club/show publications. National Parent clubs would have breeder referral person to return calls about finding quality puppies, but it wasn’t an easy road if you wanted to get into the “Fancy”. You actually had to know about the Fancy so often times the “newbie” wasn’t really all that new.
But those were the old days, not 2023, where the “young” people who want to get into dogs have a whole different path to enter the “Fancy”. Today, in our 24/7 instant access, people have a different mindset. They see our dog sports on Television (which the Fancy loves and hates at the same time), and think, I love dogs, that looks cool, so let’s give it a try. If you are a “young” person aka anyone under 40, you have always lived in a world where there was information available, everyone has an online presence, they have Social Media, businesses have QR codes that provide instant info, experts have blogs, podcast, YouTube and Tic Tock channels if you want to know or buy something you just go to the website and BOOM there is your info or entry into the information that you want or need. Easier and friendlier, too.
But…… The dog Fancy isn’t modern, it is controlled by an over 40 mostly female crowd who often don’t give a rat’s butt about social media or an online presence (other than gossip and bragging, I said I was looking inward) and they are busy and won’t answer your questions via text. The Big Daddy of all dog sport things aka the American Kennel Club and its website leaves much to be desired and many Breed Parent clubs may not be as helpful as they should be, this leaves a big hole open for those dog people who are often driven more by profit and ego to be the people that the “Newbies” can communicate and acquire dogs from in a way they are used to acquiring and learning things.
We have a new person who is excited to get started, they see the beautiful dogs, they have fallen in love with a breed, and they want to go play in the ring. They see adorable puppies and generation of winners sporting Kennel names and winning top prize, and they think, I WANT THAT! So, they go online and start researching. Lord help them if they start with the AKC website as all of us who use it know just how cumbersome it can be. So, they search and the find websites that are nicely done, they are updated with upcoming litters and lots of fun pictures, they have some show dogs on their pages and an easy way to contact them. The new person says, “Wow, cool, they are friendly and welcoming, and they have show dogs, and they answered my email or text. The new person now has a puppy they either paid a bunch of money for or signed a contract with the breeder for puppies or breeding rights, and off they go to the shows. With the ego or profit breeder as their mentor or with no help or support at all.
They go to the shows many times without support because the folks they got their puppies from are either not knowledgeable since they are only interested in the next litter, or the new person feels like they can do it on their own without help. They go to the shows, and they lose, and they lose again, and then again. They lose to the old ladies or the professional handlers again and again, and pretty soon, it is no longer fun, they don’t really understand why they are losing, and then they are disillusioned and bitter. Maybe their breeder keeps telling them that they are losing to “Faces” They blame the system, “only pros win”, the established breeders are nothing but gatekeepers trying to keep them out and from winning. They either don’t ask or stop asking for help or knowledge because they have decided the game is rigged and their dog is just being overlooked because they’re not a pro or part of the establishment. They don’t stop and really look at their dog or try to find out why they are not winning, not believing that just maybe, their dog isn’t up to the competition, maybe isn’t the dog they had hoped for when they got their puppy but instead of taking a step back they go ahead and breed their dogs and offer the puppies to other who may be their peers or even newer newbies and that does the breed NO FAVORS.
So how can we stop the cycle and welcome people into dogs? Performance people are much better at it than conformation folks. Is it because conformation folks feel like they really are gatekeepers? I have heard that more than once, where a long-time successful breeder actual say that, they say they are gatekeepers and dog snobs and are proud of it, shoot I have said it and been proud to say it and in some cases will continue to say it because as a heritage breeder it is my job to preserve, protect and promote my breed. But are we protecting it by locking people out? I am not talking about those folks who really are unsuitable based on their circumstances or goals, but what about those that we just do not take the time to know? Those that maybe do have a mediocre dog and could use some knowledge, do we blow in and tell them that their dog is “trash”, or do we try to get them to see the difference between a breed worthy dogs and beloved companion or sport dog? If we know their show dog came from Miss Make Money Mary’s kennel do, we automatically paint them with the same brush or do we welcome them into the grooming area, or sit with them during groups or invite them to lunch? Do we answer their questions with respect and kindness? Or do we just look at them and shake our heads and let them flounder away until they either give up or become just like Mary?
We know there are always going to be people who can’t or won’t take critique. They can’t or won’t look inward to see the differences between their dogs and the winning dogs. We know there are people who are just going to make excuses and there are going to be people who will paint everyone with the same brush and not see people and dogs for who there are, not who you assume they are.
So here are some notes:
Notes for Newbies – Don’t get in a hurry. This is a long game hobby. Don’t always go for the first or easiest puppy. Your long-time breeders generally don’t have a need to advertise, so it may take some time for you to get that winning breed quality show dog. If you have a dog already and it isn’t winning, stop and compare your dog not only to the standard of your breed but the consistent winners in your breed. How are they groomed and presented? Make yourself a mentee and become the lifelong learner, not a know-it-all newbie. Respect the knowledge, and again, no matter how bad you want it don’t be in a hurry. This is a passion and not really something you can buy your way into, even if it seems like that sometime. Don’t always assume that everyone is out to get you, or all the cards are stacked against you. Sometimes and a lot of times, the other dog is better.
Notes for the “Classics” or the Established Fancy – Answer the dang email or text! Put up a rudimentary, informational, and educational website. If a new person ring side, speak to them, don’t just look down your nose at them or their dogs. Don’t judge them based on their appearance! So, what if they dress differently or
have body ink or colored hair, just because they don’t look like your version of a dog show handler doesn’t make them less. If they ask you about their dog, be honest with your opinion and give the “why” and do it kindly, there is enough snark in the world. If you have a new person who wants to learn from you, teach them, don’t try and turn them into an acolyte. If you have taught them well, they will be a credit to you and your kennel.
Here are three stories I will tell; these are 1st hand stories about how the establishment shoots itself in the foot.
At a show stewarding for a foreign judge in a non-sporting breed with hair. An obvious newcomer walks in with a dog not groomed correctly. The judge takes the handler aside, get his comb, shows him how to comb and then points around the ring and says “ask these people for help with grooming, they can show you how”. After the breed was finished not one exhibitor spoke to the new person, I heard them discussing where his dog came from but not one offered to assist and gave off the vibe that he was not welcome to ask.
I am helping a friend by taking a dog ringside. I was new to that area, and this was not my breed or group, as I am standing ringside a couple of exhibitors in the breed said hello, or smiled at me and gave off some welcome vibes until my friend came up with their special who was winning quite a bit. Not one of those previously welcoming faces would make eye contact.
A Kennel club had a match during an all-breed weekend, they accepted the AKC’s email blast to purebred registered dog owners. A family who did not fit the stereotypical dog show demographic showed up with a toy dog and two little girls dressed in Easter Sunday finery. I didn’t see what happened at the match, but as the next club meeting, there was much fun being made of the family. It was years ago, and I still hold a grudge against them for their words and attitudes.
These are just a few of the things that I have experienced, I have been in the “Fancy” for almost 30 years. I am an old lady now who fits the demographic. What others who don’t fit the demographic must have experienced; I can only imagine.
This cycle must stop on both sides, newbies, and the classics. For the health and safety and longevity of our breeds.
I would love to hear some positive ideas. What have you as a breeder or exhibitor done personally to welcome newer people? What has your kennel or training club done to welcome new people? Let’s get busy and really advance the dog sports we love, not just for today but for the future.
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Charcuterie for dogs?
Fun snacks served artfully on trays have taken off as a fun and creative way to serve yummy snacks to your friends. It had morphed into something for everyone on a tray. Fruit, sweet and yes, dog treats.
The word Charcuterie (Unless you are skilled in French, this word is hard to pronounce) actually is a form of cooking devoted to prepared meat products like sausage, bacon, ham etc. All yummy things for both people and their dogs.
The fact the #Charcuterie is trendy and we love spending money and time on our dogs Barkuterie or Barkcutrie are a fun thing.
On Sunday afternoon I went to a fun doggy themed activity. Our friends at Canine Country Academy hosted a Barkuterie Board Workshop with Barkuterie Boards. We learned how make fun treat boards for our dogs. When my friend Kathy of Dwysan Designs LLC heard about the workshop she made sure I had a custom board of my own.
Here is a how it started and how it ended.
The Solstice Cardigans gave it 💯
There is a New Kid in Town
Introducing Marcher! This sweet boy came to us from Vestavia and we are so happy our friend Cathy let him come to us. March is officially know as Vestavia’s Good Trouble at Solstice and he will be co-owned with my tribe, Cody Smith, Leslie Reed, Kathy Davis and Ellen Kidd.
March is a Rune x Quiz kid and we have high hopes for having lots of fun with him in all kind of venues.
JeffJeff is thrilled to be a big brother. Bailey and Cali think he is ok and will play with him now and again. Banner says, stay away from me Kid! Little old lady Frosty just mostly ignores him.
March is named after the late Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis’s quote “Get in Trouble, Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble” and we call him Marcher or more often March. His name will remind us of the Congressman and why he Marched. Big name for a little guy, but we know he will grow into it.
Watch for more Good Trouble in the days ahead.
Solstice Kennels 