more info on competing pleeeease!

[DragonsMom]

How do you get into a competition? How is it run? Is your dog groomed when you get there or before? Or do you just "tweak" it at the competition? What are the categories? Are there groups for beginners, etc? What exactly happens at the competitions? Any tips for someone who goes the first time? How much money is involved in going? How many people usually compete? I really want to get into competing, but first I gotta know all about it!

[winterroo]

Find a show close to you, preferably with a novice or first timer class (if you qualify...check the rules). You can go to the GroomTeam USA website (google it) to find the different shows throughout the year. You take your dog into the ring bathed and prepped (nails, ears, pads, sanitary, brushed), and do the finish work in the ring. Usually the classes are Sporting, Non Sporting, Potpourri (mix or non breed specific trims) and Terriers. Some shows have minor variations. Words of wisdom from a seasoned competitor are this-find the lowest division you can enter into. Dive in with your eyes wide open. Get critiques from your judge no matter what your placement or lack there of. Be a good sport! If you want to whine about the placement, do it way out of ear shot! $ involved depends on entry fees, distance away (do you have to stay at the hotel or can you drive there and back home easily). Number of competitors varies by show. I have been in the ring with 1 or 2 other competitors, and I have been in the ring with 15+ competitors. Where are you located?

[ejmj30]

Just go for it. Look on a show's site and they have entry forms with rules for contestants. It's so much fun. Competing makes you learn so much and quickly. You get knowledgable people critiquing your dogs, and can learn so much from everyone. I have competed twice and didn't know a thing about it! I'm so glad I did it, and now I"m hooked...course now I just want to start winning...that's the tough part.

[sheilabgroomer]

Were you guys scared or very nervous your first competitions? I would love to try this also, but I have such "stage fright" that I would be afraid I would totally freeze or do something stupid like run a 10 blade down a leg....lol

[winterroo]

I was TERRIFIED the first time I competed!!! I didn't sleep well for at least a week before the first time! The more you do it, the easier it gets! Now it is no big deal!

[ejmj30]

Same here!!! I was sick to my stomach every time I thought about going into the ring...plus I was pregnant, that didn't help, lol. Intergroom '07 was my 2nd time, and I'm much more comfortable. I went in with a goal of just roughing my dog in, and I did it. Last year I was so nervous I just smoothed my dog out perfectly and he looked like a balloon, lol. Now I've got at least 4 more comps planned for this year. I can't wait!

Just jump in head first, what's the WORST POSSIBLE SCENARIO??? You stand there and freeze and don't even get the first foot done? So what, you got over the nerves part of it this time, and the next time you'll be good to go. It's nerve wracking, but right now I go in with the attitude of it's just a seminar that I'm looking to learn something. Someday I'll win...I hope! but for now, I'm in there to learn. Some people go in after they're ready and fabulous, but I find knowing I have a comp to look forward to makes me learn faster and makes me keep my dogs in an annoyingly long coat and makes me groom him really well. If I don't have a reason to do it, then why kill myself after a long day of grooming someone else's dog? It makes it all worth it. Plus sooooo many people look at you like you're some kind of goddess when they hear you're going to a grooming competition, lol. Plus you get really nice ribbons just for entering (at least at intergroom you do) that you can hang in your shop and look like a superstar! Do it, you can thank us later!

[RevWind]

My first and only so far was Intergroom last year in poodle. My ONLY goal was to finish in the time alotted. I typically take 3-4 hours on a standard. We were given 2 and a half and I had 2 minutes to spare! My most basic of basic goals achieved. I really wish I could have gotten the advice from the judges. That's what I really wanted, but they all disapppeared.

[ejmj30]

you really have to track them down. I waited for almost 20 mins outside the photo booth this past year waiting for them. I got all 3 critiques, and it was well worth it!

[RevWind]

you really have to track them down. I waited for almost 20 mins outside the photo booth this past year waiting for them. I got all 3 critiques, and it was well worth it!

I didn't know where they had gone. I knew no one to ask. Now I know better.

[doggroomer123]

I would like to compete but i dont have a dog to use...and i think i would do something stupid, like clip with the wrong clipper blade (i get nervous easily!). I also think i need more experience (3 years with dog shows and grooming showdogs, 1 year grooming others). I am afriad that i dont have enough experience (i know a lot, but im still reluctant to enter in a competition). It seems like a lot of fun though.

[barknpurr]

I would like to compete but i dont have a dog to use...and i think i would do something stupid, like clip with the wrong clipper blade (i get nervous easily!). I also think i need more experience (3 years with dog shows and grooming showdogs, 1 year grooming others). I am afriad that i dont have enough experience (i know a lot, but im still reluctant to enter in a competition). It seems like a lot of fun though.

A good groomer is a good groomer. Years of experience does not necessarily make them a better artist than you. The only way to tell how you rate is by competing. If you have access to show dogs, you are well ahead of the game.

[doggroomer123]

True...i can groom a show dog (my english cocker is a show dog) he is very beautiful and i think he would be a good dog to groom. He is sooo perfect on the grooming table and will just stand there for anything. i need to find more info on the competitions first. I want to make sure that i know what exactly i am getting into, what the rules are (i dont want to screw up), and things like that. thanks.