So, having stopped showing a number of years ago, I decided to show Rene. Having believed that I would never show again, Rene had not been socialised or worked on at all. As we have our own land for pleasure and exercising our dogs Rene had not even been off our territory. Now, showing such a dog, especially an unsocialised, untrained 4 year old Canaan Dog, is not particularly a good idea!!
We first went to East of England Championship Show last weekend. Well, as an unsocialised and untrained Canaan Dog would be, Rene was not very happy! Pam O'Loughlin kindly handled him for me. I was pleased with the fact that he stood for the judge, not backing off. Although I have seen him move better! And he was not over happy with moving straight back to the judge, but considering everything I was very happy with him. He was awarded 1st in Limit Dog and was awarded Reserve Best Dog in AVNSC Utility.
Today we went to the Peterborough Open Show, which had Canaan Dog breed classes. I was chuffed when the judge, Marion Sargent (Tegwani), awarded him 1st in open class and Best of Breed. We then had a fair wait for the Utility Group, which is the next stage you go to when showing dogs. Norma Naylor (Aniday) was judging the Utility Group. I was shocked when she shortlisted Rene, and even more shocked when she awarded us GROUP 3!!
Thank you Barbara, for staying and supporting me. Thanks also to those who said how nice Rene looked in the ring, and also how good it was that a Canaan Dog be placed in the group. Most of all, thanks to Marion and Norma for liking my boy!
Today was a real pleasure for me, and not just because Rene did so well. What a change it makes when the judges actually ENJOY their task and like the breed they are judging. I can never understand those judges who decide to judge a breed that they don't even like, and make it obvious that they don't!
So, I guess the question is.... Will I now start showing again? Well, you'll just have to wait and see, won't you! 
