The Winning Edge ... Winning With Pure Bred Dogs ... How To Show Your Own Dog ...
FORM
FOLLOWS FUNCTION, SUCCESS BY DESIGN, TYPE VS SOUNDNESS
My, my ... such big words for the novice. What the **** do all these terms mean? You're not alone, my dear. Sometimes, even those who have been showing for years on end in the Philippine dog show circuit still haven't encountered ém. And some will never will. And you, since you happen to come across these pages ... there's hope for you.
I remember when a long time ago when I was around fifteen going sixteen when I first bought my show dog. All along, I've just had pets, didn't know anything about dog shows and stuff. I just want a dog. My dog was my best friend. We got into all sorts of trouble together. My dog woke me every morning so I wouldn't be late for school and as soon as I walk out of the school grounds, it was my dog's face on our car's window I look for. We would spend the rest of the day in between home works having fun. And so the story goes, I got myself my first Shih Tzu whom I was informed that I can show.
SHOW?
Oh, okay. So of course, the breeder told me things and I followed. And there I was showing my Shih Tzu. The bug bit me. Before you know it, I was showing not just one dog but one dog out of every breed in the Toy Group. So in and out the ring I go, getting ribbons, certificates and sometimes trophies with the judge shaking my hand with a smile. Most of the time I see how happy I made them and so with the other older people around who have always given their support. They were all well-meaning, warm and friendly. They taught me things. Honestly, there were more good people around back in the 70's. It's different nowadays. But you see, despite of the big difference, I had good people around me acting as mentors but I nevertheless did my homework. Computers were not a big thing then, no cel phones and text messages, no internet-chat boards and message forums. Just Alemar's and there's only one National Book Store. If you wanted books, you gotta have some relative living abroad so they can send you these books as Christmas presents. One book that I still have and from time to time read over and over again is that of "How To Show You Own Dog" by Virginia Tuck Nichols. A book I've had since I first started showing. Yeah, yeah ... we all know about the books T.F.H. publications come out with but you'll pick up good points from this one. Now here are a few, according to Ms. Nichols and of course, with my own two cents worth:
WHO ARE THE PEOPLE WHO SHOW DOGS?
GETTING READY FOR THE DOG SHOW
YOU DON'T NEED A PROFESSIONAL HANDLER
And to continue, now that I've got your attention ... you may want to get a hold of Winning With Pure Bred Dogs, Success By Design by Dr. Alvin Grossman and Beverly Grossman and yes, The Winning Edge . It is not enough that you read or have books stack on your bookshelf. There are things that need be experienced first hand to have a better understanding.
To play a game, one must first know the rules of the game then play it. I've never been much of a poker game player nor was I ever lured by card games, gambling and stuff. There's a saying that when one is lucky with gambling, one is unlucky with love. O gee, I have unconditional love all around me. And that is how we play the game, my dear ... our winning edge. I will certainly not divulge the secrets of Cob's success but I will tell you at least what mistakes I made in the past for you to avoid. That's all there is to it.
Welcome to the Club of Doggone Crazy People!
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