Great Falls Cluster AKC Dog Show

So much to say about this show! Where do I begin!?  
I guess first off, lets just say Kassie & I were a bit nervous.  Was Odin ready?  Did the work I did with him since Missoula pay off?

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!​

Other than the conformation show we did on all four days, Odin also had his OFA Eye Exam done.  Those results should be posted soon.  
Torvi also attended on day 2 and 3.

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! 

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2025 Great Falls Cluster Photo Album