My first peive of advice it try to find a mentor. Yes there are things that need to be groomed and clipped. Some more than others it all depends on the dog. If I were you, I would continue to go to shows and see the boxers. Meet people who show and ask them their questions based on your dog. I can say trim the excess hair off the hind legs but if the dog has darker skin you will want to keep more on. So its always best to find a mentor, that shows, owns and breeds boxers, and let them eval your dog and tell you what you need to do.

I dont have a show prospet but in the summer go from anywhere between 2-6 dogs shows a month. I have meet some awesome people, who have taught me a lot. Also will be joining a boxer club this comming fall.

So I would not worry right now about the cooler jackets as much as you should be learning on how to practice stacking a puppy, posting and proper ear care, getting them comfortable as puppies being on a grooming table - nails and being comfortable having someone look at their mouth.

Research some handling classes and find a mentor. Good luck!

 

Are you planning on handling your pup yourself? If so, like Heather said, I would enroll in some handling classes. Is your breeder close enuf to you, distance wise to mentor you? I've learned a lot from Rhonda, Flick's breeder, but I try as well to talk to as many people as possible at shows, the more you are around, the more people will learn that you are serious and are more willing to impart words of wisdom...As far as evaluating your pup, I would use a neutral party for that, like another breeder or a professional handler if possible, the reason being, you are biased, of course you will think your pup is the best, but when you show, you need to know your dogs strengths and weaknesses and how to accent or hide them..I agree with Heather, you need to start working with your pup on stacking, being on lead, etc..Lot of things to do, which is why having a mentor is so important

 

I have no words of wisdom about preparing your pup to show...just wanted to say that he is stunning!!

 

I agree with Heather, you need to start stacking him and let him get use to you moving his legs. A book I got that really helped me out was, Raising a Champion: A Beginner's Guide to Showing Dogs by A. Meredith John; Carole L. Richards

 

Thanks everyone! They hold handling classes every Tuesday and Wednesday night at the Orlando Fairgrounds so I plan to try to attend at least one of those weekly with him. I took Bruiser to handling and obiedience classes when he was a pup and I have been helping with one of my friends English Cocker pups(I actually showed him last weekend did pretty good for both of our first times haha) I have been reading and talking to handlers for all the tips I can get. I am trying to learn as much as I can before I get him so it will be easier for me to train him correctly. My breeder is in Ohio but she has several of her dogs that she co owns down here in Florida and I met one lady that has a few of her dogs and is getting Polo's brother too so she will be helping me out with showing. Also I plan on showing him myself unless he turns out to be really really nice dog I might have a professional take him to some shows(I have been told shows tend to be political and judges will pick professional handlers for the win over owner handlers)

But basically I posted this thread to see everyone suggestions on things I needed to buy for showing, as I have nothing. Like should I buy clippers? Also what brushes do you use for boxers and what is the best nail dremal to get. Just seeing if anyone else of here shows boxers and if they had any good tips for me!

Also I will be getting most pictures this weekend hopefully! There first stacked photos at 5 weeks! I will def be posting them

Thanks =]

 

I have no words of wisdom about preparing your pup to show...just wanted to say that he is stunning!!

Ditto - sorry I'm no help - Arbie does his own grooming! :lol:

I'd agree with Heather and Willow - try to make contacts with people who show to point you in the right direction. Good Luck.