My Sighthounds ... and Me

Presentation at Exhibitions

If you have a new dog only every 12-13 years and thus shows are done a relatively short time, you have forgotten soon, how this job is optimally functioning. This means every time to start again, to learn and to deal with the issue. As it is known, everything makes only fun if you are successful! There are also some dog owners who think that dog shows are totally unnecessary, since the result is always subjective and directed the "end of the leash."

Admittedly, I can not say that the first exhibitions with Daoud made much fun at all, because one thing was clear, we both had to learn a lot and a master has never been fallen from the sky! I think that Daoud first thought it would not be necessary to run around in a circle being on a leash, similar was my feeling. This attitude to exhibitions had to be changed first! So we showed the spectators what they should not do when they are in the ring.

But then I joined a ring-training with my dog and focused it as a good exercise for discipline. When I asked “What is the best position for my dog? How should I run to present my dog in the best way?”, everything went much better! But these were just two of many questions and my young dog had no sense to do what I wanted, nor did he think much of discipline. By experienced exhibitors I got the advice to act with patience and love, that my young dog will not lose enjoying this issue. As these experts were right, for a Saluki is so sensitive, when you are impatient he will cramp at once and you can not show him perfectly any longer. Okay, my young dog always showed great temperament in the ring, but I do not want to carry a sleepyhead with a tail between his legs behind me. What should I do? I thought: "Practice makes perfect" So we visited some exhibitions in the Junior Class just to practice. But my young Saluki smelt bitches being in season (which is strangely enough, are now allowed at shows) from long distance: He had his "olfactory organ" on the lawn and I could not pull him away! He also became a true macho at once, that was clearly to be seen how he carried his tail. The very nice feathered was no longer elegantly worn and hanging behind him (although it was not happily curled over his back!), but it was blowing cheerfully like a flag behind him. Yes, it happens to be - my Daoud – is so as he liked to be, always ready for any fun, just a happy and cheerful boy! And that can be seen in his "barometer" of fun significantly. That I have already known of my Gorazan!

In the Intermediate and Open Class the issue “exhibitions” went 0better. But I had always to keep my concentration on my dog, and to know where something was to be seen, what is in or at the ring. That meant I had to watch my Saluki continually to place him new, because he wanted to look quickly at a dog behind him, or somewhere was a loud hum, which reminded him of the racing machine. Even in the intermediate class, we were able to reach a total of five V1 VDH-qualifications, so after waiting one year he got the 6 th and was entitled to get the German Champion VDH. In the meantime, we have received that document and we are proud to have a German Champion VDH in our family.

Now my dog is In the Open or in the Champion Class, we have achieved within two weeks 2 CAC (certificates to get the title German Champion DWZRV). Furthermore, we all in the family are pleased that we have not only a fast Saluki, but still a very beautiful one. So our Daoud corresponds precisely to our ideas!

The third CAC - as qualifying for the Champ. DWZRV - in Straelen

In the shortest time Daoud has received (3 CAC under three different judges) and thus reaches the queue for beauty champion DWZRV in the Open Class. This is a cause for joy!

On 26 June 2011 our Saluki dog issued from the judge Mrs. Gabriele Schröter his third CAC and an excellent rating in Straelen: V1, CAC, VDH, BR, BOS

"3 years, greygrizzle, complete scissor bite, safe behavior, middle high, masculine outlooking, highly typical head and expression, correct top and under line, angled properly and harmoniously, excellent chest, correct paws, correct fleet-footed movement."

It's just a concern to mention that the atmosphere at this show of the Düsseldorf Racing Association in Straelen was at its finest: On Sunday the sun was shining and the open-air show took place in a good mood, with a delicious food and with an excellent organisation on a horse farm near the Lower Rhine. Everything was fine and okay. The results were transmitted and printed directly via cyberspace. The headquarters was located in a specially converted indoor riding arena. Even the delicious hot and cold buffet was properly served in an adjoining barn. Therefore Daoud was not only the cause for joy having done a good performance in the show, but also that I met Mrs. Kleineberg again (we've known us for a long time). She swung - as always - the courageous and friendly spoon over the physical well of everyone! Therefore, my thanks to all assets of the Düsseldorf Racing Association, which helped to make this day could succeed.

I can well remember when I let my Whippet run on the track of Niederkrüchten forty years ago. Therefore, I wish the Club that it will soon find suitable grounds!

 

I would like to thank the following people for kindly providing photographs: Heinrich Brake, Thorsten Budenz, Helmut Dietz, D. Fährke, Stefan Kopriva, Tamara Niebel, Markus Pannen, Alexandra Quast, Per Quast, Rudolf Schwab


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