As a person who helps plan, organize and run rabbit shows we know there is always going to be that one person, usually a newbie, that makes mistake after mistake.  For this show, we were those people.  We thought we finally had our shit together, and boy where we wrong!

Day one for us, day two of the show.....ring time 9am.  We get there about 8ish, Kassie collects our numbers from the ring steward, and we put them on.  We then get the dogs out and get them ready.  My number was called first.  Number 9.  Well, it took us a minute to realize that my number was upside down; thankfully, the ring steward fixed it for me.  I take Torvi in.    We go around the ring, and then up on the table for examination.  The judge takes a step back after feeling her hindquarters.  Then comes forward and feels again.  Then steps back with a puzzled look.  I know that look.
"Is she missing something?"  I asked the judge.  To which he responded, "Yea, testicles!"    I asked the steward to read me the name of the dog assigned to #9.  That dog was in fact Odin.  Not Torvi.  
We were those people who didn't bring the right animal before the judge for examination.  Now, in front of everyone.  Kassie and I had to switch numbers, thus holding up the show, as she quickly got him into the ring.
​

Day two for us, Day three for the shows.  Today, our ring time was even earlier, 8am.  We got there in plenty of time to practice with Torvi and see if she will respond to Kassie better with the new martingale show chain.  And we soon discovered that was a no.  
Of course no event is complete without that one person spilling their drink all over the place.  Yup.  That person was me.  Somehow, someway, my 40oz thermal coffee mug flew from our cart and spill coffee on the floor, the ringside fence, judging table and even Odin.  So here I am with my Dog Wipes trying to mop up coffee from the floor, and the judging table while Kassie is using the same wipes to clean off Odin.  A lady came by to see what I was doing, and took the table, and removed it from the show ring.  She also pointed out to me a mop by the door, which I went and got to clean the floor.  A new table was delivered into the ring.  
I soon discovered the lady who took the table, was in fact the judge.

With the coffee all cleaned up, and I still had almost a full cup, the show began.  Although this judge was super kind and sweet, Odin really didn't want her touching him, but was okay with the guy judge we had yesterday.  I don't understand this boy.
​Odin earned the same placements as he did the day before.
Same for Torvi.  She showed well, with very few issues. Other than when she was supposed to stack in the ring, she instead wanted me to hold her and kept jumping up.

Besides that, his breeder was going to be there.  There was four other Smooth Dachshunds entered, that would give Odin a chance to win a point maybe.  But, that was not the case.  Frustrating.  
Odin showed a lot better thanks to the help of local friends who made the time to help me with his table/exam work.  He shied a bit, but not like he did in Missoula.  Odin has also started to self stack at the end of the lead, which is super nice.  But more work needs to be done!
Odin came home with four blue ribbons, and four purple ribbons, but no points.  The more important thing we came home with from this show was more knowledge.  I fear how the point system works will forever confuse my brain, but.....AKC keeps track of all that so I dont have too!  We met some new people, and Kassie was able to get some advice from several other breeders, including Odin's on how to best handle him in the ring.  Showing dogs is more than just stacking them up, you have to find the right pace to move them around that ring so best show off the top line and leg work.  Odin winning does not only depend on him and how he is built, but on how we display him to the judges.
It is frustrating to come last each and every time he was in the ring with competition.  But, he is just a puppy, he is new and we are newish.  Looking back at my rabbits, I didnt grand a rabbit right out of the gates either.    So back to work, and get ready for the Helena show!​

On day two, Torvi went for her AKC Canine Good Citizenship Title and passed with flying colors!  Her certificate should be in the mail soon, along with a CGC Patch.  Torvi ended up getting a bigger ribbon than Odin, since now she has a title after her AKC Registered name! 
On day 3, Torvi took the plunge and finished up her OFA testing.  She had her Patellar Luxation (knees) done and additionally we did her Spine.  Those results should be up and posted soon as well!  We are hoping that this will qualify Torvi for her CHIC number.  These numbers are provided by OFA and show that Torvi has received all required health testing per her breed and it is available for the public.
While Torvi was hanging out, watching Odin show, we had several people ask why she wasnt in the ring as well.  Of course we said, because she is working on getting her pre-bab(ies) figure back.  So.....will Torvi be going back in the ring in Helena?  Perhaps.  I am sure she will, but the big question will be, is Astryd ready?    If entries where due today, I would say absolutely not!
So with that being said, we are hoping to make a few trips to Kalispell on the weekends for Odin, Torvi & Astryd to go to Handling Classes offered by the Flathead Kennel Club.  So, off we go......training, practice, and more training! 

We have not ever finished a dog before, even though we have shown before.  And trying to understand the showing and point process of an AKC dog show to me is like reading stereo instructions in chinese.  But here we are blessed with this opportunity with a beautiful bred Chocolate/Tan Dachshund.

Odin did great gaiting around the ring, on his down and back.  He got up on the table just fine and Kassie was able to stack him as normal.  The judge approached his face first, touched his muzzle to check his bite and moved over to feel his body.  This is when Odin decided he was not so sure and shied away from the Judge, almost falling off the table!  He won his 6-9 puppy class and earned his first blue ribbon by default as he was the only pup entered.

I'm not gonna lie, I am disappointed.  I had my hopes up so high and dreamed of this  happening.  I was so excited to learn that enough dogs where entered for a point to be able to be earned.  Seeing this other dog get the point makes me want to continue to show Torvi, again I am biased, but I thought even she looked better.  

But as disappointed as I am, we have learned a lot this first time out.  Odin needs to be touched more.  His breeder suggested getting him out, putting him up on a table and have strangers treat and touch him.  And we did just that for most of the afternoon after the show.  Tomorrow is a different day, a different judge and a new opportunity to get that point!  Odin was bred for this, now it is up to us to help him bring it out and show it off.