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The pain of dog shows

Connor99

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Hi all,

I hope you don't mind me posting, this is a first for me, but given recent events would like some sound and serious advice, and please, don't be backwards in coming forwards.

My partner and I have had Italian Greyhounds for just over seven years. We now have 6 !! And being a gluten for punishment have never said no, I used to be the alpha male in the house! Now I get a corner of the room, haha. But wouldn't have it any other way.

For a little history many moons ago we started with one Italian, what a star, she was our first, we knew little about the breed but loved their caring nature, a year later I sold my car- my pride and joy so we could get another.

Through this my better half got into showing, and granted we have had positive and negative experiences, broken legs being one of these but the pleasure and happiness outweighs all this.

Fast forward to the present. We now have six! We hit brick walls at all corners, breeders wouldn't talk to us, my better half having been a horse show expert wanted to show ours, so slowly we bred our own. At shows, instead of being greeted we have been met with disdain, comments of all kinds behind careless whispers thrown in our direction, why, I really do not know.

Despite this we carried on, I've always been there to support my wife and so suggested we join the Italian greyhound club, that way we can seek advice from those that have far more experience on our younger years, but no joy, an application sent and no response. We're even kennel club assured breeders.

This week, I receive a call from my wife after a show, in tears. Yet again, kicked and mentally abused by an Italian owner. Your dogs are no good, you've bred the wrong lines, "if I was you I would clear them all out and start again"! "Being an assured breeder means nothing, anyone can get that status". And I doubt anyone would let you have a show quality IG. "I'd sign her over to the rescue society"

So my question is this, and granted not all owners are the same, but, Where can someone go for sound and friendly advice? Somewhere you can just enjoy being around similar like minded folk? Show ring or just a society gathering?

I'll travel the earth to be there, just to see my wife smile and not become apprehensive and worried the night before a show because of the demeaning nature of so many show folk.

I ask because I'm not sure just how much more punishment she can take. I fully understand its a competition, and so does she, but how are folk supposed to progress and learn without help. We're relatively young, perhaps that's why other breeders don't talk to us, but surely by that very same token we're supposed to be the people to keep the breed showing?

Apologies for the rant, but on a very serious note I don't know how much longer I can keep letting my wife endure this, her experiences over the last year have been tenter mount to bullying and I don't know what else I can do to support her.

Thanks in anticipation

Joe
 
Oh my god that is horrific to read, all you want to do is show the breed of dogs you love and enjoy them I cannot understand the mentality of these people. I cannot offer you any advice as I have never been involved in the show world except having been to view a few shows (both my boys are neutered as I think there are enough people who know what they are doing in this world breeding dogs without me joining in, and therefore I cannot show mine)

Can you get in touch with the person who you originally bought your dogs from and ask for opinions and advice from someone who knows the breed and the IG showing world and obviously liked you well enough to sell you a dog in the first place.

I agree with you that you would think that a young eager couple would be welcomed in to the show world as you are the future.

I have a friend who shows his beagles and has been overwhelmed by the kindness and help that he has been given by more experienced breeders and show people, they tell him the truth about his dogs and offer guidance to help him succeed, he has come up against some negativity from certain corners but the over all experience for him has been very positive.

I hope you get some help and can continue doing what you enjoy with your dogs :flowers:
 
What a horrible experience :( All I can say is that there used to be an active IG forum on here but it is now rarely used... however going back to the days when it was used, there was often negativity and bitching and back stabbing going on. I know this might not be any help to you, but I wonder if this is common amongst IGs rather than being a personal attack on yourselves :unsure: Really sorry to hear this and hope it improves soon. Every breeder needs to learn their breed from those more experienced than themselves and it sounds as though you are trying to go in the right direction, best of luck in the future :cheers:
 
There are idiots in all walks of life.....

Seems to me the show ring.... atttacts people who think their dogs are better than yours....and they probably have the mindset that they are better than you....

I would just do your own thing....mind your own business and let the results do the talking...
 
Hello Joe

I have not been on here for a long time and am very sad to hear about the experience of your wife.there are some in the breed who can be very scathing, but there are also many who will do their best to help you. please persevere and the more you are seen hopefully you will be accepted. I found it hard at first but thankfully am now an active shower. as all I occasionally get disillusioned but I brush myself down and slog on
 
Dear Connor99 & Simon13 it would be great to know who you actually are???

IGs are a very small breed & most of the folk know each other & most of us have been showing many years, we have racked our brains to try & think who on earth you can be & who has treated you so badly & why, i really cant think of anyone in the breed who for absolutely no reason would be so nasty & hostile to people, unless of course there were good reason???

These posts all make interesting reading & leads people to believe how awful the IG showing fraternity are, so perhaps you would like to introduce yourselves with your real names & maybe we get to the bottom of all this & make the showing world a happier place for you?
 
Nina you know me well! As always I see the best in people and hope that the attitude of many in the showing world is improving and I do my best to give good reactions in all teh shows I am involved in the management of.

Simon
 

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