Well, today we took Hogan to his first "show", to soak up the atmosphere and for me to watch a few classes.

It was an open show, so not massive, but it was really busy.

Hogan was a little star, his walking on a loose lead is coming along great now (finally) thanks to a choke chain, it really seems to have made a difference, and he spent most of the time walking relaxed at my side, or sitting down next to me watching the dogs in the ring.

I met a friend there who shows GSP's, and she has several show champions (so knows her stuff). She, actually, was the reason I went. She met Hogan, and had a bit of a play with him. It was great to see him stacked by someone knowledgable instead of by the numpty who usually does it (me !).

Here is a little clip:

She then said that one of the ladies on the commitee wanted to meet Hogan, and she loved him too. She said he had a lovely head, and good "angulation"

Anyway, we talked a little more, and they were advising me on how I should move forward with Hogan. Now, I do tend to take people with a pinch of salt, because the ringcraft people believe thats ALL your dog should do, so do the obedience people, and so on. So they told me that first off, I should give up obedience, and doing  both in one week is too much.

Thoughts? I personally don't agree. Hogan is great at both - we have a "ringcraft" lead and an obedience lead, they are held in different places, so he DOES know the difference. In the beginning, it was hard because he kept trying to sit, but it's a lot better now, especially as we have done a lot more work on the stand.

Secondly, the said I needed to put more weight on him, and build him up. She said I should be aiming to get his ribcage down level with his elbow. She said it would be a good idea to add raw tripe to his feed. What are peoples opinions on this?

Thirdly, she asked how much I exercised him. I said he gets between 30 minutes each day off leash, and 10 mins on leash. She said this is WAY too much, that he shouldn't be running off leash at all. In fact - they both said that he shouldn't be running off leash until he is at least 8 months, this will make him too lean and stringy for showing. What are peoples opinions on this? Obviously if I am doing too much I really want to know now so I can correct it! I want to do what is best for him.

Anyway, here is a little pic for you. Lyn (my friend) brought two of her dogs, and Hogan was slightly bemused by them.

Mum, THEY LOOK LIKE ME!

Every person you meet is going to have a different opinion on what to do with your dog in every aspect of his life. Do what works for you. Also I think if I had to choose between off leash exercise and showing, my dog would be getting the exercise. Hogan sure has grown up quick. He looks great and you seem to be really devoted to him. He is very lucky.

IMO - which im not sure is worth much as im very inexperienced.............but the gsp's we met yesterday at the show (which had achieved there JW, CC etc)
 were very toned well put together dogs, not flabby and unconditioned at all. I wouldnt say the were fit enough to hunt for 6hrs every day but unless you train
specifically for that to build up staminer, then what dog could?
I think as long as we (Shelley, me and Hogan) are having a good time, and enjoying life/experiences, that is all that matters We are very careful not to put his young bones under any undue stress,but its in his nature to have the 'ZOOMIES' as Bev calls them lol, I think its vital to his mental wellbeing to release this energy.