Page 34 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

Interview

Do you groom your own dogs? At what age do
you begin to groom your puppies?
Yes I do and I am very picky. I bath all my puppies
for the first time around 3 weeks and it all begins
there. Nail trimming starts even earlier to ensure
that their claws don’t hurt their mum. It takes a
lot of work to groom a Show dog. Fortunately I
love grooming and I think I always will. I did a lot
of workshops in the beginning and tried what I why something didn’t work. Be realistic and honest,
was learning on those dogs at home who were especially with yourself. I am my own worst critic
currently not showing or retired from the ring as and judge my own dogs and breeding the hardest.
I feel I learn best by doing and practising. You need to see your own faults, so learn from
them and to make the next step towards change.
Do you show outside of your own country?
What show would you like to attend that you Do you judge? If yes, what do you look for when
have not yet attended? you are judging? If you don’t judge, would you
We mainly show only outside of Austria. I do not like to in the future? When exhibiting what do
enjoy the atmosphere of indoor shows and that you look for in a good judge?
is mainly what is offered here in Austria. I love I don’t judge yet but I am working on becoming a
to walk my dogs even when we are at a show as judge in the near future. A good judge for me is a
they need a good run to relax their minds. person who respects the dogs and the hard work
that has gone in behind them to put them in the
I would love to attend Westminster Kennel Club ring in the first place. To Judge any Breed you need
Show and USASA Nationals which are both on to be able to see their strengths and weaknesses.
my wish list. My dream is to show one of my own In a breed like Aussies, a dog which can’t move
bred-by dogs there. I am already planning that soundly, can’t be correct to the standard. Always
hopefully, some of my youngsters at home could refresh yourself of the Breed standard of the
shine in those rings. breed you are judging beforehand. It is ok to forget
things especially outside your own breed but you
Do you have any advice for our readers who should be prepared to remind yourself of things
would like to become successful breeders? before stepping in the ring to judge them.
If you don’t know, then ask. If you are scared about
something or don’t have a good feeling about Is there anything you would like to add?
it then ask your Breeder friends. They may have I hope everyone who reads my interview will
already made that mistake themselves and they understand and even share some of my thoughts.
will share their experience with you and hopefully We don’t need to agree on everything. But stay
prevent you from doing the same. To be successful kind and helpful to each other. Together we are
it takes so much more than just wanting to be an strong and can make our breed even Stronger.
Australian Shepherd breeder. I am forever planning Thanks to everyone who helped me to where I
my future litters, it is not a process that you can am now. I hope you all enjoyed my interview.
rush. I can tell you combinations I want to do in 5
years time with dogs who are already on my radar On behalf of the Australian Shepherd Magazine
but these plans also have to be fluid as things and our readers, we would like to thank you
change meaning we need to move plans around for this wonderful interview and we wish you
and adapt. I always set my goals high and consider continued success with your breeding.

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34 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023