Show Help.....PLEASE!?!

If you want a Golden, get a Golden - my first show dog is a Doberman... and dobes are just as competitive (if not moreso) than Goldens! And yes, he's pointed... owner handled.

Showing dogs is very expensive... around $28 dollars per entry, per day. Factor in transportation, training, lodging, supplies, *the dog itself*... just be prepared for it all! I'm actually happy that my show dog isn't a dog that will finish easily, because I simply can't afford to campaign a *really good* dog... I'll save that for when I'm older and richer! I was offered a dog that ended up finishing at 14 months of age, and is now being specialed... no way could I have afforded that dog's show career!

Thanks Sizzle

Yes this Golden will be handled by ME...owner handled!

Yes, I am starting to save up for a Golden NOW!! and for all the goes with Showing!

Just wondering but how much do they usually go for....I mean how much do they usually cost?

I would plan on $1200-$1500 for a show golden. I looked into them once because I was possibly interested in getting one and that is what the show breeders around here are selling show pups for. By the time you are ready, I would plan on $2000.

If you want a Golden, get a Golden - my first show dog is a Doberman... and dobes are just as competitive (if not moreso) than Goldens! And yes, he's pointed... owner handled.

Showing dogs is very expensive... around $28 dollars per entry, per day. Factor in transportation, training, lodging, supplies, *the dog itself*... just be prepared for it all! I'm actually happy that my show dog isn't a dog that will finish easily, because I simply can't afford to campaign a *really good* dog... I'll save that for when I'm older and richer! I was offered a dog that ended up finishing at 14 months of age, and is now being specialed... no way could I have afforded that dog's show career!

$2000 is probably a good estimate. It's not hard to save that much, especially when you're young and don't have to worry about utility bills, credit card bills, rent.... yadda yadda yadda.

Ilsa was $1000 as a pet back in early 2002... Ronin was more - he cost me less than usualy since he was abused and I co-owned him, but he was still a pretty penny.

I don't regret a single cent of it though. They're worth it all, and more.

For a Golden, I'd imagine you'd need a table with a grooming arm and noose, a dryer, brushes, shears, towels, a dremel... and don't forget some nice show outfits!

Luckily, conformation training seems to be pretty cheap - I only pay $3 per hour, once a week. And a lot of the training can be done at home.

Show leads can be cheap, but it seems to be the trend in Goldens to have super-fancy show leads. I just bought Ronin a new show lead, and it ended up costing about $80... for ONE lead. But he's been shown for about a year on a $15 lead before we bought the "ritzy" lead!

What I suggest to everyone who wants to get into showing, no matter what the breed is to get a mentor. Get a local breeder to agree to let you fallow them around at shows. Learn from them and take handling classes.

What I suggest to everyone who wants to get into showing, no matter what the breed is to get a mentor. Get a local breeder to agree to let you fallow them around at shows. Learn from them and take handling classes.

If you get a great prospect from a breeder and that breeder wants to finish that dog, you should make some kind of financial arrangement with the breeder. It is to their benefit that the dog gets finished. Also, if they want to special the dog, they should contribute to that too.

I have seen the golden ring. It is very competitive (but I agree it is not as competitive as the dobe ring). However, if you have a great dog, learn the grooming tips to help with the presentation and are ready to go the long haul, you can do it.

Go to shows.

Talk to breeders. Talk to owners.

Get a pro handler to mentor you. They are always looking for kennel help. That way you get handling and grooming classes from a pro. At some point, you will be showing dogs for the handler because of multi wins in classes. Then you will be ready when you get your pup.

Cole's Mom

If you get a great prospect from a breeder and that breeder wants to finish that dog, you should make some kind of financial arrangement with the breeder. It is to their benefit that the dog gets finished. Also, if they want to special the dog, they should contribute to that too.

I have seen the golden ring. It is very competitive (but I agree it is not as competitive as the dobe ring). However, if you have a great dog, learn the grooming tips to help with the presentation and are ready to go the long haul, you can do it.

Go to shows.

Talk to breeders. Talk to owners.

Get a pro handler to mentor you. They are always looking for kennel help. That way you get handling and grooming classes from a pro. At some point, you will be showing dogs for the handler because of multi wins in classes. Then you will be ready when you get your pup.

Cole's Mom

These are all great tips, BUT I think your first time around you can only expect so much and make certain arrangements. I think with your first dog, you have to pay your dues and can't be so demanding...afterall, the breeder is trusting a novice with one of their carefully bred, quality animals. Personally, I would make sure you make it clear to the breeder that YOU want to finish the dog and you don't want a handler on it or someone else showing it. Just be clear about what you want from the beginning and the breeder will choose the right prospect for you.

I think breeders make great mentors. It's a person you know and feel comfortable with and they show up to the shows you are at. My first and only mentor was my dog's breeder. She taught me everything I know now and then I branched off into handling classes etc. to learn more.

And lastly, don't just look for someone who breeds from "champion lines"...you want a dog from champion parents or at least having one of the parents being a champion. This is not too much to ask for and you will be able to find it with patience.

Maybe you can ask for your show Golden now and get into juniors It's cut throat, but can be a fun way to learn if you keep it fun...