Duke is a two year old male Black/Rust Miniature Pinscher that has proven to be a wonderful addition to my life and family. My five year wait for my first show dog was worth every second seeing that it led Duke to me. I just can't imagine my life without Duke in it.
Duke and I our first night together Duke with his "sister" Hope
Duke came to me on Feb. 28th and quickly settled right in, bonding with me strongly. He is my shadow, my dog, my friend. Once we had plenty of time to get him settled in and bonded with the family and comfortable with his new life we signed up for a handling class taught near me. This is where the real work began for even though he has been shown often in the past Duke seemed to have some serious issues. Once we started our handling classes I knew right away something had gone terribly wrong somewhere, he was terrified of the table and anyone acting as a judge coming towards him. We had a seven week course and not one time during that class was anyone other than me able to touch him. I began to have very serious doubts about being able to enter the ring with this boy but I sure wasn't going to give up on him. Somewhere inside this fantastic boy was a Show Dog and I was determined to find it.
Working diligently with him using many methods of socialization and putting him situations that he was comfortable with strangers and having fun we slowly started to see some break through. Every now and then I would see that spark in him that left me daring to hope.
Finally the big day came, he was entered in a show. I considered this first show to be a part of his training with our only goal that he went into the ring and HAD FUN! This was a small show with no majors but a perfect situation for Duke and I. This was my first time in a show ring and would be considered Duke's "Come Back" show. I simply wanted to see Duke comfortable and enjoying himself.
On Tuesday June 18th the motor home was loaded and we were on the road, we still had three more days to prepare Duke for this show and plenty of friends to give us that little extra help. Our first stop was at the home of friends near Kalamazoo, MI where we set up camp for two days. Several times during this stop as I stood in the background Duke was worked with, again he was balking on the table, again my heart was sinking. When we pulled up camp in MI we headed to Valparaiso, IN.... Our show site and no turning back now.
Left to Right
Terri Snider (ME), Jim Wolfe, Crystal McClain, Brad McClain
SHOW DAY
Friday June 21, we have a 1:00 ring time. Duke is showing excitement that can barely be contained. We were entered in the American Bred Class and the only dog in the ring. Our number was called and with a quick glance to my friends looking for reassurance from them I walked to the table with Duke in my arms. I whispered to him, "This Ring is Yours, enjoy it" Not knowing what would happen I stacked Duke on the table, talking gently to him as the judge started walking towards us. I was prepared for anything... but Certainly not what happened next. Duke never moved a muscle, he allowed that judge to go over every inch of him without so much as a twitch. A quick pat on the back by the judge then we were asked to show him a triangle. At that point it was ALL FUN, Duke hit that floor ready to entertain, a blue ribbon was given and within a blink of an eye it was over... WE DID IT!
Going back into the ring the second time he was awarded Reserve Winners (dog) Our first show was in the bag.
Click on Thumbnails for larger photo.
Saturday June 22 we're back in the ring again in American Bred and the only Dog. Once again Duke let it be known under no uncertain terms he knew what he was doing. A win there had us back in for Winners Dog then on to our BOW (Best of Winners) for a point.
Click on Thumbnails for larger photo.
I'm not sure right now where our next show is going to be or when but I do know it will be soon. Duke only needs his majors to finish and we'll do it having fun and loving every minute of it.
You can see Duke's Pedigree Here
