Dog Show Number 2!

Well, we got our first dog show under our belt.  Now Oscar is getting warmed up for his second show in Albert Lea, Minnesota.  Oscar and I are going to try something a little different this time.  We are actually going to try out a handler and see how Oscar does.  I wanted to try a handler just to see how much better he will look with a professional than with me.  This show will also have a puppy championship so wish Oscar luck!
We are still doing a lot of practicing.  You might wonder what exactly is involved in Oscar and my practicing...  Let me show you....  :-)

What's in your pocket?

First we need to find just the right spot in the drive way so we might circle a few times...  Notice Oscar is checking me out trying to see what kind of treats I have...

Then it takes getting our feet in just the right spot...  Usually Oscar is pretty good at this...

Then we need to make sure we get our show collar in just the right spot to ensure Oscar's head looks super duper handsome.

Yes!

Then, once we are in position, we search for the treats in the pocket.  Oscar is full of anticipation and excitement (and drooling) thinking about his upcoming treat.

Then we do a little "baiting" with the treat.  Oscar is pretty good at nibbling now, but when he was a wee puppy, he used to gnaw my fingertips off when we practiced.  I'd finishing up with bloody stumps for fingers...  but luckily no permanent damage and now the nibbling is tolerable...  :-)

And here is our perfect pose!  We stand here for awhile practicing to be still and calm.

Then it's time to take a lap and practice our attractive running!  Oscar's attractive running....  no amount of practice would make my running attractive...

 Then we put on the brakes pretending we are running up to the judge and stopping right in front of him/her.

Next we pretend to be looking at the judge so the judge can see our wonderful expression.  That's what the judge told me in Omaha...  That Oscar has great expression for his age.

And then after a good job, Oscar gets a couple more treats and I set him free to play.  It's a lot of fun practicing.   Usually its a once or twice a week thing.  I don't want him to get bored.
We are excited that our friends Jill and Kruz will be at the Albert Lea show as well.  I think there are going to be lots of Mastiffs so it's shaping up to be a fun weekend.  I have to admit there is some pressure off me because a handler will be going in the ring with him but I'm going to miss it a bit I think.  Oh well.  It's a test.  :-)  Anyway, wish us luck next weekend.  Gotta get to working on those nails next week!  Talk to ya later!