A couple of weeks ago I went to Orlando to go to the Junior Showmanship Jamboree. My mom and I went and had a great time. It was an event for kids between the age of 9 and 18 that like to show dogs in Conformation. That is when you show dogs in the ring but are judged on how you do, not the dog. I want to get a job one day showing dogs and this is how you learn how to do it. I take classes also, but this event was really helpful and fun. Did I also tell you that it was FREE!,

The Agenda for the day

Gift Bags for all the kids that went to the event

Some of the prizes for the winners

The ribbons that were awarded

The first half of the day was spent with all the kids sitting and listening to experienced people that have been doing dog shows for years. The man in blue was the head person. He had a bunch of advice for us. There were also groomers, judges, stewards, other older kids that have moved from junior to adult status, and many more. They told us that we are the future of the sport and that it is very important for them to help us so that the sport that they love so much is passed on to others that love it as much as they do.

Rudy and I ready to start the day!

The group of kids at the event

A photographer telling us how to get the dogs to pose, and using me as an example

Since I was new I got to sit in front

They provided breakfast, lunch and even dinner for us. We had about an hour break to change our clothes, walk the dogs, and eat lunch.

Taking a break for lunch

Now Rudy and I are ready for the competition portion of the day

First a bathroom break for Rudy

All the dog crates for the show

This is me in the ring for the very first time. I was soooo nervous. The man in the ring that I was in told me to relax and just have fun and that would show to the judges that I should be the winner in the future. He was right. Plus, I remembered all that my trainer in my classes told me the same thing. The dogs really know when you are having fun and the act better.

Being mentored by judges in the show ring

Keeping Rudy’s attention while judging

Here is a video of me and Rudy walking in the ring for the very first time!

https://youtu.be/glGuM2syMBw

A video of me putting Rudy up on the table for inspection by the judge. The judge said I did perfectly. I was so excited to hear that.

https://youtu.be/i4hO-tSE048

Video of us learning how to exit the ring. You wold not think that knowing how to exit the ring is a skill, but it is.

https://youtu.be/BDduF9Sod3Y

After we finished with the first mentoring session I had to wait for the second session to begin. The second session was when we had to do a real competition. I got pulled out as one of the ones that would get to compete in the final competition. I guess that is like second place. I couldn’t believe that they pulled me out. I mean, this was my first ever competition. I do work with Rudy all the time and go to classes, but it was so great to know that all the hard work helped.

If you cut a little slit in your number sheet and put the rubber band in it then the rubber band will not go up or down and the number sheet will not fall off. My mom even said that one girl put extra dog treats under the rubber band. I will have to try that next time.

Here is us at the end of the day. We had such a good time and Rudy did so well. I was so proud of him.

My mom took me for a milk shake after we finished.