Cheyenne Specialty 2010

Isabella and I entered the RMIWA Specialty 2010 held at Lyons Park in Cheyenne, WY. It was our first specialty and seeing over 100 Irish Wolfhounds in one place was breathtaking. I met so many welcoming and lovely people who shared tips about grooming, stacking and showing in the conformation ring, even though we did not place, it was a wonderful experience. Randy was a real trooper and took pictures, set up and took down all the equipment you need for showing, and drove most of the time. We spent twelve and a half hours at the show site and it was a very long day. We stayed for the dinner and it was great to hear the judges comments. We did well, but I learned that I need to practice striding out to allow Isabella to show off her lovely movement. So both judges did not see her at her best. Here are a series of pictures from the show.

 

 

 

"Do Right By Your Dog"

I was really nervous about showing Isabella this past weekend. When I mentioned this to my friend Meredith Acly, dog trainer extraordinaire, she shared her mantra that she uses before running her dog Sully at agility trials: "Do Right by your Dog". In other words, your job as half of the team is to be clear in your communication; to use your body language and cues to set your dog up for success. Keeping this in the forefront of my mind allowed me for the first time in any competition to be calm and focused. We had fun! This is my goal: to have a happy and confident dog who enjoys working with me. Enhancing our bond each and every time we are competing together is what matters the most to me.

Thanks to Meredith for sharing such a wonderful tip. Cheers!

Utah Beehive Cluster--May 8, 2010

Isabella's and my first conformation show. She was 13 months old. We won reserve, beating a 3 year old female! Pretty good for our first show. The judge was kind in her comments recommending that I have a great looking girl and to keep practicing!

Mount Ogden Kennel Club Fun Match January 31, 2010

Isabella and I went to our first Fun Match! Hosted by the Mount Ogden Kennel Club on January 31, 2010. Isabella was 10 1/2 months old. Nancy and Dean Laney, my breeders, were there with Isabella's two brothers. It was great to see them! Nancy and Dean gave me some great tips and Randy took a lot of pictures. Here are a few from the match.

Here is one of Isabella's brothers: Rudy

Show Practice-- One More Time!

Now presenting

Nalaney's Isabella of Arrian's Grove!

Show Practice 6 months old

Isabella and I are learning how to stand for the conformation show ring. We are taking lessons, and this is after one week of practicing. Not too shabby, don't you think?