How do you get dogs to compete w/?

[sheilabgroomer]

Do you ask the owners of likely dogs that are customers, and if you do, what do you compensate them with (if anything). Sometime in the near future I would like to enter a grooming competition, and none of my dogs would do (Lab, Boxer, balding Ckr). I would want to ask the owner of 3 PWD's who are regulars. These dogs would be perfect! The one I am really interested in (Tao) is a curly coated girl and she is a retired show dog so she is used to this type of environment. When I ask should I offer free groomings or boarding, or just offer he money? What is the usual practice? Thanks!!!

[bitty]

My usual practice is to offer free grooming on whatever schedule you think to prepare the coat. That way they don't have to do any work to keep it up. They get a free clean and brush out dog and I get control of the style and travel schedule. No surgeries, teeth cleaning or anything without me knowing about it. One year I had a client get her dogs teeth cleaned on Jan. when my competition was in Feb. Had to take another dog because she had a bald front leg from the vet shaving an IV spot. About 50% of the clients I inquire with will respond positively. The others are unsure about travel and I understand that. No biggie I have plenty to choose from.

I do recommend you choose those that are comfirmationaly sound and have great coat it will make things so much easier in the long run. Good Luck!!

[Peaster]

I woulden't pay them money to use thier dog but may give them free groomings leading up to a show to have them bring the dog in for prep and practice. I think that most owner that say yes are complamented that you think so highly of thier dog that you want to use it.

[foxhound lady]

I used the free grooming thing. I had one Poodle great little guy, told mom about maybe using him for a grooming cerf/competition and she said no problem. Had him all ready for cerfication and then they canceled at the last minute She was very cool about his haircuts (make him cute) and letting him spend the night before the testing.

[ejmj30]

I used a customer's min poodle the first time, and just asked another customer if I could use her Kerry. The first I asked her if I could, and I gave her free groomings several months beforehand. No problem she used to be into human hair styling so new the whole routine of competitions etc. The 2nd offered her dog to me when I told her I was competing with my dog if I was ever interested. I called her to double check if the offer still stood, and I said I'd groom her for free til comp. in June. The Kerry is a retired Ch. so that will help a lot.

[bow_wow_wheels]

Orrrrrr.....

Sheila, you might know someone like me who has a conformationally sound Mini Poo used to the competition ring and English Cocker (who is a well balanced dog with a title at both ends LOL!!) who loans them out to her friends

[Lucy in the Sky]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but I have a few questions. Are the terriers clipped or stripped? can you use a guard comb to set the length on a poodle for say a kennel clip? or if you want it rough, should you do it the week before for scissor finishing?
I ask about the terriers, because say you choose a westie... most pet westies are clipped, not stripped. So, do you then have to find one to strip?
Sorry to have so many questions. It sounds so exciting to groom in a competition.

[bitty]

Lucy, terriers can be stripped or clipped. Often you see clipped terriers in the Novice classes, but once you move up in class you don't see them clipped so much. For poodles you could use a comb to block your dog in, but not a week before. All dogs should have 8+ weeks growth. I would recommend doing the competition hair cut 8 weeks before, then let it grow. Nothing clipped but pads, nails and sanitary, ears cleaned. Some judges don't mind you using combs other frown on it. Most just want to see a great hair cut in the end. Check the rules for the competition you choose and read them carefully. Sometimes you need to bring a clamp and arm, sometimes an entire table. Bath your dog the same day of your class if you can. When the class is done being judged ask for a critique so that you know what you can improve on. Good Luck!! Hope to see you out there.

[doggroomer123]

IF you have a cocker (english) are you allowed to clip the back? because most pet cockers are already clipped.

[bitty]

Your allowed pretty much to do what you want, BUT I would would only do all hand work on a spaniel (except head, ears etc). Read the rules to each competition carefully. Some have clipped classes and hand stripping classes for Terriers. You don't see much clipping done outside of the Novice or beginner classes.

[doggroomer123]

I guess i would clip because i would enter in the novice class...then later i will strip or groom a poodle or something like that.

[barknpurr]

All dogs should have 8+ weeks growth. I would recommend doing the competition hair cut 8 weeks before, then let it grow.

Actually, most shows only require a 6 weeks growth, or a noticeable change in appearance. They need to see that the dog has it's guard hairs. There is a fine line to walk, you have to be careful. There are some dogs with really dense coats, that you can walk into the ring with at 4 weeks worth of growth. There are others that need every bit of the 8 weeks to make a difference. That is one of the reasons why knowing the dogs you are going to compete with makes all the difference in the ring.