Hi

I'm one of the "old timers" having been a CD member for over 6 years now although I don't have the time to post as much as I once did but do still visit regularly and am kept busy as one of the Moderating Team here I've had dogs all my life (ranging from a Wire Fox Terrier to a Dalmation while I was growing up) but now have 7 Cocker Spaniels. With my OH, we've been breeding (very occasionally) and showing for over 20 years and have made up 3 Show Champions during that time. I judge too and have been approved to give CCs for the first time in 2009. I'm newsletter editor & web "master" for our regional breed club and also maintain quite a few other Club websites. I've also done some freelance writing including articles and some chapters for a new book on Cockers. Other doggy activities include fostering rescue Cockers from time to time when needed. My "day job" is dog grooming although I only do this part-time now (can't stand on my feet all day anymore!)

Hello all, I've been moulded into shape by BSD Tervueren for around 18 years and for my sins have been rewarded with reasonable all round insight into the magic, mischief and majesty that is the Belgian Shepherd.
 
We've shown the breed from our first two in 1990, both enjoying reasonable success - nothing mind blowing, each gained their stud book numbers and taught us a fair bit of the ropes in our newly found family hobby.  Since then we've owned CC winners and bred our first litter producing 2 champions, one at home with us and the other in the US and have recently been bowled over by one of the males from our girl's second litter who at 12 weeks seems set to rule the roost LOL (behaviour board here I come!)

Additionally I've groomed and handled several BSD in both long haired varieties to win CCs - some for friends, others for newcomers getting started, assisted in matings (both with my own stud and others), been invited to write several articles on the breed for the dog press and various internet sites,  written breed notes for around 5 years, reported results with interviews and articles on the pastoral group at Crufts for the Kennel Gazette for 3 years, previously served on one of my breed club committees and been privileged to judge all varieties of BSD for around 14 years.  I've been passed to award CCs for the first time in my own variety later this year.

I've had a keen interest in training and behaviour in the past and been to countless seminars and a few courses run by some of the top names in respected behaviourists although I take "training" with my own dogs to no different a level than most responsible pet owners - basic good manners, pursuit of the perfect (elusive!) recall and the all important "high 5" LOL.

I also have a keen interest in nutrition but not to extremes - only to the extent of what appears to best suit each individual dog's needs but on the strict proviso that they ENJOY what's put in front of them too!  One of my dogs enjoys and excels on a raw only diet, another half and half and the latest addition eating anything he can get his jaws round so the jury's out as to his preferences!

My experience is varied and while in some areas deep in others limited - if I've learned anything at all it's that learning is ongoing and fun too

:eek: turning into "War & Peace" - I'm out of here

Hi Everyone I'm Aileen. I am the ripe old age of 52, have two children (Grown Up ) and four grandchildren and one on the way...Must speak to the kids and explain to them how to stop it! Live in Sunny Somerset with Three Bernese girlies, Pepsi her daughter Merlot and Treacle, and of course Hubby Ron.
I work in an A&E dept at the hospital and OH is a self employed builder, has been for over 30 years!!
We have a motor bike a 1600 Honda VTX cruiser and like to cruise the roads at a leisurely pace on nice dry sunny days. We follow a few of the local Rock bands around the area and are usually found on a Fri or Sat out rocking like a couple of kids!! My best friend Rosie lives next door and has a lovely JRT Floydie, they come out every day with me to walk the dogies (Even after a night shift when I walk at 7.30 am before bed! the sign of a true friend!)  and rocks the weekends away with us as well! (Not Floydie, Rosie!!)
I grew up on a farm in Dorset and had animals all around so not surprising I ended up a lover of doggies, however the first recollection of a family dog was a BC called Candy who in true farm dog style tried to bite every-ones ankles!!, still he made it to a ripe old age so obviously never caused too much damage!! LOL
Have had GSD's in the past a yellow Lab who I lost at 13 1/2 to bloat of all things!, a Lurcher who would steal anything not nailed down and lots that was!! and a couple of other colly cross/farm type mixtures!
I show my Bernies with mixed success, Merlot is my star and has her JW ChSM and 1 RCC, we shall be off to Crufts on Sat to see how we do (Ha Ha)
I am no expert on dogs but have seen a few things and amassed some knowledge during my life. I like to help out if I can. I have a fair bit of experience with Puppy strangles as had a pup in a litter with it..he is a fit healthy 3 year old now!. I have an occasional litter myself and have just brought up a singleton pup so a bit of experience there too.
Nice to meet you all.
What a great idea this thread is.
Aileen and Co!

Hi John & the Gummettes (pack of 4 weimaraners and 5 labradors) from Selby, Yorks.
I have had labs all my life and dont think i could live without one to be honest.
The current pack are wendy (13 Choc), Alice (12 Blk), Ben (12 Ylw), Millie (6 Choc) and Ruby (10mnths Choc). The weims are a recent addition Pippa (6), Fallon & Spartacus (2) and Lizzie (4). There may be another addition, but wont know for another couple of weeks if Lizzie is expecting.
A typical day starts at 5am walk 2 lots for 45 mins each, go work, return and walk 2 lots for 1hr each.
I started showing with Lizzie & Sparty, both qualified for Crufts each year, I was really pleased with that.
Have done some HPR work with Pippa, but that is purely recreational, people said how difficult they are to train, especially compared to a Lab.
The Labs go along to shoots in beating line, hope to train Ruby to do lots more, there is my next challenge.
I have a really bad job at the moment with network rail, no job satisfaction, but well paid and I get plenty of time off.
My son is 25 and the twins 22. The youngest is getting married on Gundog Day at Crufts 2009 so I wont be able to go as I have to give her away, bad planning couldnt have been worse.
I dont consider myself to be experienced with dogs, I only offer advice when I have personal experience to offer so dont join in all the debates on here.
I believe everyone shopuld be able to express an opinion and be bold enough to accept opposing views.

Hi,

I'm Emma from Chester and own one fabulous, gorgous lab called Henry who is 5 now.  We currently work Nov (won one) and A in obedience classes. He is my first dog and I am honoured to have him in my life.  He has taught me so much and is my bestest fwend.

With more hard work and fantastic support from my trainer we are hoping to win our 2nd novice and progress up the classes.

Up the labs!!!

See they can do it too!!!! 

Hi
My name is Nikki.I am 39 and have 4 children,4 step children and 3 step grandkids!I live in Rochdale,Manchester but spent the first 33 years of life in dover and ramsgate in kent.
I have owned dogs all my life...my mum owned and had a couple of litters of rough collies and we have rarely been without a dog.
At present I have 3 norwegian elkhounds and a shiba inu with hopefully another shiba arriving this year...nature permitting.I also have ragdoll cats and an african grey parrot.
My biggest claim to fame dogwise is winning 2 RCC's with my eldest elkie...one at Crufts 2004....not great but more than I ever hoped for when I started.
Nikki

I'm Karen from Ipswich. I'm not much of an expert but I have owned dogs for the last 15 years and breeds include GSD's, a Rough Collie -gawd bless him and a Chinese Crested Dog - who was a little cow but very smart!  I have done obedience, agility and heelwork to music with all my K9's. I used to help out with instructing at obedience and agility classes and I have completed 1/2 of a canine psych course & I will do the other half one day... when time allows (probably have to re do the first half!). As my old timers are past it now I am spending more time surfing the internet whilst they laze around. I am thinking about getting another dog, just have to persuade OH that we need a 3rd dog in our lives.

K

Hi there.  My name is Louise and I live a few miles east of Brighton in East Sussex.  As my nickname suggests I have dachshunds - wirehaired and 3 of them.  The two boys I show and the girl sadly didn't make the grade to show but we love her dearly and she is boss dog lol.  We have also had a GSD for most of our married life.  Currently we have Carly who is now 11 months old.  We do obedience with her and are thinking about agility - not that I have done it before with any of my dogs.  We are hoping to do a taster class over Easter. 

I work as an adviser for the government regualtory body The Pensions Regulator - we look after private pensions - mainly those offered by employers to their staff.  I basically manage the administrative function for one of the areas dealing with cases reported to us.

Am I an expert?  Well yes, I am compared to many and no, I am not compared to others who have had dogs for years.  I guess it really depends on who you are comparing yourself to.  But I am always happy to share what knowledge I have with others.

I'm Kate from Essex - I am no expert but I read a LOT, find the whole subject of dog training and behaviour fascinating and have a geekish memory for trivia/dog facts and a certain amount of practical experience, having owned a few dogs

I'm Julie - have had dogs for 20 years - currently have 2 Alaskan Malamutes, a Labrador, a Border Collie and a part time Border Terrier. Lost my GSD nearly 4 years ago and still miss her every day.

My dogs are shown and worked - between them in conformation, obedience, agility, racing (sled - well rig) and weight pull - we used to do flyball and herding but not enough time for everything as unfortunately I have to go to work (teacher). Some of my dogs are also PAT dogs.

I am involved in Malamute Rescue and have recently become a homechecker for Husky welfare too.

Lots of other pets - 4 degus - Tony, Dave, Ian and Guy, 4 rats - Bernard, Graham, Tom and Martin, 2 spiny mice - Raggy and Tidy, 1 hamster Albert and guinea pig Zippy also have a pond of fish including a 25 year old koi who recently had surgery on ou kitchen table to remove a tumour and was swimming with his pals 3 mins later!

Hi everyone *waves* nice to meet some of the people behind the names
I'm Liz, have the pleasure to share my life with 4 Deerhounds and a Lurcher. I do not consider myself an expert, tho I think I "know" my dogs, the hounds have been a learning curve from our first male, right up to our first litter last summer.....I've made my mistakes along the way, but like to think I learn from them. Have learned a lot from forums like this, and hope that someday I can pass the advice on....

I am Cathy, I am a physiotherapist, I live in the west midlands. No husband, no kids and no desire for either. I have two afghan hounds currently and have been owned by afghans for the last ten years. I am no expert on dogs, but have a few years experience in caring for them, and have trained my two current dogs under the KC good citizen scheme, one to Gold standard ( rare for an afghan). They are both well balanced well behaved dogs, because I have brought them up properly, and I feel that may in some way qualify me to offer advice to others on occasion

Hi, I'm Joan I'm a mother of two grown up kids who won't leave home!

I have owned dogs for 25 years, starting with Cocker Spaniels but I wasn't lucky with their health, so while the kids were small we plumped for good old mutts from a rescue centre. When the youngest started high school we got our first Malamute and we now have five - 7,6,5 years and two at 21 months. We show, work in harness, backpack and thoroughly enjoy our dogs. We also have our "Malamute family" all over the country, friends we have met and meet up with.

Nowhere near an expert yet! I learn something new almost every day and love it. I ran Mal rescue for two years but had to give up due to work committments last year and that was a very steep learning curve. I love the challenge of the breed.

Hello everyone, I'm Sara.  I read everything almost daily but rarely post.  I could not have got through the days of puppyhood without reading on here.  She is now 4, black lab and loved by all who meet her.  Always had dogs from being small lost my heinz 57 sometime ago and miss her to this day.  No expert by a long way and would never dare enter the show ring (she is still too mental really!) CD is part of my daily life though and when the internet crashes its what i miss most!

I'm Sam live in the beautiful Lake District with my hubby, 2 children and animals.  At the moment we have 2 kittens, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, hens, cockerel and of course my lovely Flatties.  Josie 6 and her daughter Suki 17 months.  Suki is the 1st dog I've shown, which I've really enjoyed despite been incredibly nervous before hand (aaaaaaaaahhhhh Crufts in 3 days )
I'm no expert, I ask you lot for advice!

Hi Im Tracy live in Shropshire, been a member for 6 years plus dont post much but read whats going on everyday.  Had gundogs for over 20 years at present we have 3 labradors and 7 German Wirehaired Pointers with another due from Holland in November.  Used to run the puppy class at a local obedience school until I moved back to Shropshire. The Labs are not shown or worked anymore, we do show and work the wires.  

Tracy

I'm Niki, I live in Scunthorpe but I'm a Kentish girl born of two Londoners

I haven't got vast dog experience - one spaniel mix as a kid and the four I have now, two dobes (fawn dog and red bitch), a rott mix bitch and a lab X collie bitch.  I'm no expert by any means, though dobes are what you'd call my breed even though I've only had the 2!

I've been studying canine behaviour and training for almost 3 years (with another 2 to go at some point) and I'm just planning starting up as a one-to-one trainer/behaviourist.

My lot don't go to any classes at the mo as I can't afford it, but I have done agility with all of them at one time or another and Remy has his Bronze good citizen.  Remy, Soli (the red dobe) and River (lab cross) are hopefully going to be competing in agility, starting this year with any luck.  Opi I don't know, maybe competitive obedience as she doesn't like agility!

Hi everyone. I'm Paula and I live in Scarborough!! I am also hopelessly addicted to Champdogs!! We have 4 mastiffs at the moment, Winston, Shana, Tonka and Bessie and I enjoy showing. I also have horses and used to event but I have been unwell recently.

I am a retail manager and am in no way an expert on dogs which is why I'm always on here!! We've always had dogs in the family but the showing is fairly new to me but I love it!!

I tend to do more reading then posting.

Okay, I'm Karen, mother of three. An Australian terrier and one arriving in April (sooo excited).
A part time physio aide. Job tha I love mostly, but would so love to be a stay at home person.
Just one previous dog (lab) and many cats, rabbits, tortoise, and the obligatory goldfish too of course.
So an expert on nothing...........but always happy to volunteer past experiences and advise if able.

Karen

I'm Kate, i live in the North West of England and work in the Legal profession at present.

I don't profess to be an expert on anything except perhaps lurking on champdogs without posting very much at all!

I grew up with my grandfather's kennel of working cockers and had my own dog when i went to university thanks to a friend whose parents and aunt breed labs, she has bichons.  We have co-owned swedish vallhunds for the last 13 years and bred just 2 litters in that time.  I also own 2 German Spitz - very much a recent venture - the oldest being 3 - and i am still learning lots about the breed.  I currently live with my own 2 vallhunds and 2 spitz and a friends 5 vallhunds - it's quite a busy if somewhat noisy house at times.

I have shown my vallhund with moderate success, making up one champion and owning another dog with a stud book number.  Two of the dogs from my second litter have cc's and rcc's and from my first litter a puppy went back to his native country where he gained his title.  I have been secretary of a general canine society.

In the past I have worked as a vet nurse, as a volunteer at an animal charity and at a hydrotherapy pool.  currently I help out with rescue for both my chosen breeds - and seem to specialise in older dogs who have spent their lives in kennels and have no idea how to live in the house!

Kate

I'm Siobhan,aged 37 and  live on the Hants/Surrey border, have owned GSP's for 11 years but still a complete novice!!!! Love to show, working as a retail manager means I can work my schedules around the shows, great for me!!! I have 2 daughters aged 10 and 8 and plan to marry my wonderful other half next year.

Hi, im Donna

i have never been without a dog all my life ,the first ever dog i remember was
a black lab called funily enough ' blackie' who loved to chew bricks !!
then over the years we had a jack russel
and two other JR type crossbreds.
the first ever dog i owned myself was an english bull called casper.
i now have an EBT zoe (9) she had one litter and we kept Daisy (6) from her.
i have a tarantula called Betty she will be approx (20)
and a bearded dragon called rolfe harris(7). have shown zoe and daisy in breed club shows
but i was not very good at it so retired from that,  not dogs fault (bring back rolleyes please )
i work in a DIY store that used to have a pet Dept.
kept rats at a one time, cos they got to old for the shop and i took pity on them and took them home!!
dont post a lot on here but i read every day, found lots of helpful advice.

p.s. have 1 daughter (19) grandaughter (10 months ) 'step' son (18) and OH 43

Well hullo everyone.

My name is Dougie, 29 year old.

My family have been in dogs (showing and breeding) for many years now. I have been showing from about 4 years old, but stopped for the past 5 years now. As it stand i have just matted one of my bitches with my boy and hope to have a topper of a new pup soon.......I have 4 kids, 4 dogs and 1 wife

Hello and nice to meet you Mark, and everyone else

I'm Shelly married with 2 beautiful children I have been on CD for a couple years or so now and Iam no dog expert but love learning knew things and read almost anything related to dogs, if I can offer some advice Iam willing to help or if need be am more then willing to have advice given to me- I wanted to be a vet but I never made it that way. Have had all kinds of pets my whole life and well still do- we sorta have a zoo- 4 boston terriers, 2 ferrets, 3 budgies, 1 cockatiel, 2 finches and 1 bearded dragon = 13 in all lol - out of all of them they were given to us because the owners didn't want them anymore except for the dogs
We did have a shepherd /collie cross Cuervo and also a wolf/rottie- Taz was my baby and wish we could have another animal like him, Cuervo was my hubbies when I met him- sadly they both have passed on.
I have bred my bostons the reason why we have 4 of them I did not have the heart to pts Dozer rectal prolapse and he's now going to be 7 in sept and T-bone had cherry eyes which we fixed and decided to keep her as well. I wanted to get back into it again but 4 dogs is enough and I have to much on my plate now with the kids and their sports.

My husband and I started to get into riding and he had an accident in the summer middle of august and the bike was totalled and he broke his ankle, someone turned right in front of him- but he has a new Monster Ducati 2008 for summer and I have a Buell Blast 2000 to learn on so going to be trying for my license this year- fingers crossed

I have found ChampDogs to be a great place for alot of things besides just our furbabies and I have also learned a great deal from this forum

Hi I am Barbara and I am an Elkaholic, LOL :D

Was never allowed a dog in childhood.  Always been mad about animals, only one in the family.

#When I started work full time I started to breed and show Rabbits.  Had to give these up when I got married and moved to a flat.

On moving to Bristol in 1988 with my one year old daughter and ex husband to a house had a pup booked who arrived a week after we moved in.

She was a compromise between me and my Ex, he wanted a GSD which is what his family had, I wanted something smaller and more manageable for me, as prime carer.

My marriage broke down when I was expecting my second child, and sadly my Groenendael bitch died young at just 3 1/2.

I had always liked Spitz breeds and had especially liked the Keeshonds I knew from Ringcraft and had also met them many years earlier.

I wanted a larger dog than the Kees and knew there was a breed similar in looks with more practical coat.

Did my research and found that they would fit into my new family well, not being as needy as the BSD's, but would be happy with what I could give them.

Have had 6 generations of Norwegian Elkhounds since 1992, showing with a modicum of success.

I find canine interaction with their own kind and us fascinating.

Hi all, sorry only just seen this thread so here goes.

My name is Lisa and i'm 28 oops no sorry i'm 29 (old age setting in) i live in Dover, kent.

I have two gorgeous children 10yrs & 6yrs both boys,and the main reason i come on here is that i also own two adorable and addictive bernese mountain dogs.
Firstly there is Vanya she is going to be 6 in april she is an absolute angel everything you could wish for in a dog and then theres Logan he's coming up for 11 months he is equally as lovely and extremely funny.

I researched the breed before we got vanya but am not an expert but i do learn a lot from you all so a BIG thankyou.

Hello, I'm Jessica and i live in South Wales.
I've had dogs all my life. Raised with German Shepherds, my mum and sister still have them, but I've owned Samoyeds since 1996 and Alaskan Malamutes more recently, from 2001.

I currently share my life and home with 2 Samoyeds and 5 Alaskan Malamutes and have 3 generations of our breeding here.We show our dogs occassionally and they are worked in harness for exercise and fun.

We are members of our Breed Clubs and help out with Rescue.

Im continually being outwitted by my pack and my dogs teach me something new every day, but when i think i've got them sussed enough to consider myself an expert, I'll let you know

Hi I'm Jenny and have had dogs since I was 16, never allowed to have one before that.. I have a daughter of nearly 12 who helps handle the dogs in the ring, especially since I now have a knee problem and she also does JH. My husband just sighs and says oh another dog staying or oh another show this weekend....!!!!
I started with German Sheperds and then had a Weimeraner, what a steep learning curve he was....
When he was pts at age 14 I couldnt bear to get another one incase I compared them too much and so an ESS was bought, I then caught the showing bug and also had a PLS and a Smooth Collie, my poor PLS had terrible hips and then cancer so was pts at a relatively young age to stop her suffering further and the smooth collie made my husbands asthma worse so she was rehomed..I then saw an article on Spanish Water Dogs and a couple of years later was in the position to be able to buy one and now I own/am owned by 6 of them....I still have one ESS she is now 10 and the SWD's range from 51/2 years down to 9 months...I hope to be able to class myself as a breed specialist sometime in the distant future, but an expert hmm who knows...Too much to learn, something new happens all the time and I hope to never stop learning about SWD's and dogs in general....
I am just starting out in judging SWD's and hope to be able to find the time to go to seminars and steward to try and progress further up the judging ladder...As Ive said sooo much to learn but not always the time to do it....
Ive made some good friends showing and also here on CD..Long may it continue.....
Jenny B

Hi I'm Wendy, I live in Essex but I was born and bred in North Wales.  I grew up with Yorkies and Toy Poodles, only two of which were bought, all the rest were obtained from rescue over the years.  Returned home to UK last year having lived abroad in three different countries during the last ten years.  I am owned by two gorgeous Siberian Husky girls.  Misty is 3 yrs 8 months and Foxy is 22 months going on 6 months.  I am definately not an expert but I am fascinated by my breed (and I guess all dogs) and could watch them interact for hours (just now sitting here watching them in the garden).  I think Misty an old soul and I should have named her Mystic or Mystery.  Foxy is, well, just Foxy, she has all the Siberian traits and then some x 3, lol.  I feed them raw and run with them every morning for an hour before work, weekends I walk them with OH who just refuses to run.  If I had been told 10 years ago that would get up at ridiculous o'clock in the morning and go running in all weathers with two dogs I would never have believed it in a million years, but such is the appeal of my girls and I would do pretty much anything to keep them happy.  So here I am in my late forties fitter than I have been in years - lol.  :D

Hi

I am Louise, i own and love my 2 Slobber Dogues Mason male nearly 2 (on the 25th) and Ruby girlie 3. I was going to become a vet nurse due to having difficulty finding accomodation next year at uni with the Dogues, i have since been able to stay so i am sticking with uni. Im doing a degree in equine science, but i am considering a swop to the animal behaviour degree, we are a joint bunch of people doing the same thing so its a simple changeover i hope.  My parents got our first dog who is now 8, we found him christmas eve in a plastic bag outside sainsburys, he was around 8 weeks old. I have had a constant connection with pepper, and since found my calling with dogs. Not saying i am an expert but i seem to have a natural ability with dogs well all animals really. I enjoy there company over majority of humans and love them to bits.  

  I dont know everything about dogs, but i aim to know something before my day is done out. I read alot about them, having a uni library is good, i dont have to pay 80 for a specialist book

I dont exactly know what i want to do as a career yet but i hope it involves my four legged obsessions. I am not a big fan of cats, i also have 6 rats, milo, rico, coco, floss, chyna and bonni i did have a horse, but i had to sell him once i came to uni. Dogs are my number one though.

Louise

I'm Sarah & have a year old CKCS - my first dog. Have been reading about dogs since I was about eight & have always dreamt of the day where I had the freedom to have a dog of my own (my dad hates all animals). I'm 22 & studying English at university (final year) in the North West.

Hope to have a small holding one day. OH used to breed & show goats - he would like to have one again one day along with a sow & may be a pony (he lived on a horse farm) so I hope he could teach me to ride!

That's about it. One day I would love to get a second dog & do various sports with it along with shows but space, money, time & accessibility means I am a few years away from that!

I'm Karen, aged 11 (leap year baby!), and am currently owned by 6 dogs (3 Goldies, 2 Dobes and a Sussex Spaniel - the eldest 15+, the youngest 6 months). I grew up with Westies.

I enjoy agility and take part in a few shows each year with Hamish, Lottie and Winnie. I find a sense of humour is essential when competing/training my lot! I'm not a competitive person and am very much an "enjoy taking part" sort of person.

I'm interested in anything dog-related and do tend to lurk rather than comment on a lot of the threads on this board, and have gained some useful information from others.

I work from home as a graphic designer, so am with my canine family 24/7.

Hi,
I am Denese, My family have owned Samoyeds from the 1930's when my Grandparents brought there first Sammie, My father was in the second world war from 21yrs old he was in the Sherwood foresters, when based in Edwinstowe he met my Mother and married her, when the war was over. Then late 1940's, There were very few Samoyeds about after the war but! they managed to get one from Mrs Perry, "Kobe Samoyeds" in the 1950's my Parents used to travel by train to dog shows, I and my sister were quite young. Those days dogs were not allowed in Train Carriages, My Father for the whole jorney had to stand with the dog in the corridors of the Steam trains with the dog. Brushing him and brushing in French Chalk, that was used then, to keep them white. I was brought up with Samoyeds all my life. When I married I had my first three girls in three years, then my Samoyed. I started to Foster babies, working for the local Social Services dept. Sitting on Foster Carers Committee',s, ect: My x husband and I had over 150 foster children, Still had our Samoyeds but! didn't get time to show them. I have 6 children of my own. Re-married and on the death of my Samoyed Decided as I didn't Foster anymore, my children have grown, to put all my time in to my lovely Samoyeds. Which my self and my husband now do.I know a lot about Samoyeds, With experience hands on, also the experience past down from my parents. but! not a lot about other breeds, only the basics.I don't think any-one knows everything about any dog, We all learn every day.
They are all diffrent just like people.
Regards
Denese 

I'm Marion, I live in Scotland with my husband and two teenage daughters and am owned by a Bernese Mountain Dog called Bramble who is nearly 4 and a Gordon Setter called Treacle who is nearly 3.
We also have a budgie, jird, cat, fish and a tortoise called Fluffy who replaced my daughter who went off to uni in August .
I've had dogs for as long as I can remember, Bernese and collies (Border & Rough) and of course my darling Swedish Lapphund Dakko who we showed extensively in the nineties (Import Register - the long road to nowhere ).

No time to show anymore but I love dogs and I've learned lots on here!

Im Emma .. hurtling ever faster towards 30 and have owned dogs now for over 10 years. Im another from a non doggy family - maybe thats why i have five now, making up for lost time!

I have a deep interest in training and behaviour stemming from being thrown in at the deep end with difficult/problem rescue dogs. It was definately a case of sink or swim and I'd like to think I'm now swimming.

I own 5 dogs + 1 foster greyhound, and last year got my first pedigree doglet, Kelda - she (and her lovely breeder) have introduced me to the wonderful world of Deerhounds and also of dog showing.

Ive been on champdogs on and off for a loooooooong time (not as long as some though,hehe), probably 5 years (i cant remember how to check).

These days I also moderate a well known tv dog trainers forum and put all I have learned in my years of owning nutters to good use on there. When im not glued to the computer, I run my own business making...... leather doggy stuff! So errrrr, my life is rather dog related really!

When, in a rare moment im not thinking or doing something doggy, i keep tropical fish, giant african land snails and grow my own veggies.

Hi, I'm Fiona, am older than I'd like to be (42)   I live in Scotland with my partner Jack and my 16 year old daughter Eilidh both of whom are wonderful.  Sharing our house are at present 2 miniature poodles, Maisie (4) and Saskia (11) and 2 bernese, Benson (11) and Hamish (9).  I show the poodles and Jack shows the bernese although somehow I always seem to get conned into bathing and presenting the bernese as well!!!!! I have shown poodles since I was 12 Years old and hopefully later in the year will mate Maisie and have my first litter in 20 years! I dont really 'do' breeding as I prefer to buy something in to show (less hassle that way), I will be looking for a new pup to show and although I am going to mate Maisie I still have a real 'want' for a white standard poodle (I will get one )  We are also looking into importing a bernese as ours are getting on a bit and Jack too would like something new to show.  I play at obedience with the poodles but Jack takes it a bit more seriously with the bernese and has done well in competition at working weekends etc. My daughter puts up with the dogs but her love is horses, she works at the local stables at the weekend and had her own horse, Frankie, until last year when he was put out for retirement where he is living the life of riley .  I have been on CD for about 3 years and post now and again, again I am no expert but do know a bit about poodles and grooming and am more than willing to offer my experiences with both.  Have only ever bred one litter so no doubt when I mate maisie I will be on here in a panic looking for everyone elses experience!!! Our lives seem to revolve around the dogs and the stables but hey, there's not a lot wrong with that but I think most of the people I work with in a primary school think we are nuts

Hi, I'm Simone, I'm also older than I'd like to think I am (36) and live with my husband and our seven month old daughter Alix.  I share Roxy, a four year old toy poodle, with my parents.  She's a fabulous little girl with the sweetest nature.  We've had toy poodles since I've been three.  I stumbled across CD when we were trying to find a toy poodle after our last little boy was PTS.

Hi there my name is Julie and I live in North London with my two cats and a dog called Harvey he is half yorki and sorry about the spelling Chillwara he is lovely and full of fun.

Hi I'm Claire and I'm owned by a lovely xbreed terrier called Stitch!

He's my first dog so I'm still on a learning curve even though I've had him for 4 1/2 years I'm no expert on anything 'dog' but I'm quite handy with a spanner if your car needs fixing!!

I live in Northants and work in Leamington Spa (loooovely shops ) and I'll be 30 at the end of this year

Claire

Hi im suzanne, im 23 and live in scotland.
im a veterinary nurse working at a large referral centre, love my job, wouldnt swap it for the world! Get to take my dog to work which is a real perk!
always had pets, growing up had dogs, cats, budgies, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Been brought up with GSDs, love them, my family have 2 at the moment, gorgeous big boys, so friendly and loving.
bought my own house last year with my boyfriend, and at the moment we have a beautiful kitten, almost a year old, and my first Ridgeback, 13weeks old, hopefully I'll be showing him soon, first time so im very nervous!
Love everything to do with animals, and hopefully will end up with a few more soon.

Hello everyone, I'm Alice. I live in Cheshire with my OH and our two wonderful dogs Samoui (Alaskan Malamute) and Gypsy (Cavalier), a Persian cat and a grey tabby cat. I'm so looking forward to the end of the year when I will have my first Samoyed - although I've been involved in the breed for 13yrs now. I'm on the committee for the regional Sam breed club and show my friends Sams. I'm completely hooked on dog showing and try to attend as many shows as I can throughout the year - hence I am going to Crufts for all four days this year

I work for a chartered surveyors which I love, but my dream is to be a kennel maid, always has been!! I love all dogs and am fascinated by all the different breeds - would never say I was an expert, but I do have a fair bit of knowledge on them, but intend to carry on finding out much more. I've been reading Champdogs for years now but only just become a fully fledged posting member, but I love it and it's answered all my doggy queries so far!!

Hiya

I'm another lurker really

I'm Paula, i live in Wales and have a Lurcher and 2 GBGV's.

Over the years i've lived with an Old English Sheepdog and a Collie X these 2 along with my Lurcher were rescue dogs.

Our dogs are family members although we do show a little as well.

Paula

Hi I am Debbie, married and a mum of two boys 18 and 21, also mum to a 4 year old dobermann.  Had him since he was a baby and absolutely love him to bits.  I registered on here when my dobe was a baby and have had a lot of help and advice from lots of people here.  I owned a dobe years ago and after years of not having a dog we decided to get one.  This boy has been hard work, and still is.  This site has helped me loads when I haven't know what to do!  Thank you.

Hi, I am Sandra,I have just joined the forum today,although I am have been a member of champdogs for a year or so.I live in a small Hertfordshire village with the crazy gang - 3 English cockers & a sprocker.
I have been with dogs all my life.I have had a variety of rescue dogs,including a Rotti-x that was thrown from a car on a busy main road.I also have had German Shepherds (my dad was a regimentel policeman,so have always loved the breed).I have owned cocker spaniels for the last six years,I show two of them at the local dog shows,also take the youngest one that I bred to dog training which we both enjoy.
I would not say that I am an expert on dogs,I learn something new everyday about them.After my German shepherd died,I did not feel I could have another dog but  two lonely years afterwards we got Connie,a blue roan working cocker and I have not looked back - could never be without a dog now.

I'm Paula aged....far older than I'd like to be I've lived with dogs from when I was born and been involved in their care from a very young age.  Got my first dog to train from scratch at 16.  Have been studying dogs most of my life, watching the 'packs' of dogs on our council estate in the 60's/70's was fascinating (and a rare privilege) and added to my interest in all things dog, love reading about animal behaviour and would love to study it formally, but at my age and where I live, probably won't get the chance    Having lived with several different breeds (all rescues except the first) and a rescue Xbreed (AfghanX) I was finally able to get my first Bedlington 8 years ago after a lifetime of wanting one.  Fell into showing by accident and have done far better than I deserve, being a newbie (but a very quick learner!)   Now have 2 Bedlingtons and possibly another soon - watch this space!    Can't tell you about my work related to dogs as it might be construed as advertising LOL

Have learned loads from this forum, hopefully have been able to also help and support a few people with my posts.

Hi all, Im Cath and I live in Australia in a rural area about an hour and a bit out of Brisbane QLD. I was a latecomer to dogs. My parents owned a Basenji as there first dog when i was 14. They eventually gave him away when i was 16 to friends. My partner has always owned Border Collies as he was a farm boy for much of his life.
We now own Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, 2 Cardigan Corgis and 2 Papillons. I show, have done obedience and tracking and also participate in herding with my dogs. I also breed all except the Cardigans so far but as they are only young will wait and see with them. One of my BC girls has a son in Austria where he has done well for his owner. And have a few in other countries as well.
I have been a lurker on CD for a long time and have only just joined. I enjoy the conversation and bantering that goes on.

Cheers

Hi Im Zoe,
Live in Hampshire, with my husband two children and three Bernese mountain dogs.
I do show my Bernese, with my youngest who is home bred came 2nd at a single breed open show in Dec 07.

I love everything about dogs, and planning to take a course in Dog Behaviour, my dogs are my life.
Not sure where I got my love of dogs as my parents like dogs but would never have one, used to walk my neighbours dogs when I was younger to get my fix!!!
You could say I get my love of animals and dogs from my aunt how now lives in Lincolnshire, she has about 49 rabbits, two rescue dogs and fish!!

xx

I'm Nicola and this is my first CD post although I've been lurking and reading for a while now. Thought this was as good a one as any to start with although I can't figure out how to add a reply onto a thread without responding to an existing post so I apologise if I'm quoting anyone here!

As you can probably tell from my username I have Working Cockers, 3 of them to be exact - Alfie is 2, Tilly is 3 and a half and Rodaidh is 15 months. I don't breed and definitely don't profess to be an expert(!) but I do train and work my dogs and have got an excellent breeding mentor for if/when that time ever comes. I was hoping that my youngest one would be my foundation stud dog as he is a superb boy but he's been diagnosed with a luxating patella so it's back to the drawing board on that score! I've only had wockers for a couple of years but I've been helping my Stepdad to train and work Springers since I was 11 or 12 (I'm now 26) so have been around working gundogs for a long time. As well as working during the shooting season we take part in scurries and fun tests at game fairs in the 'off' season so we're building up a nice rosette collection from those. We've also had a Golden Retriever and a GSD in the past but I'm well and truly a crazy Working Cocker girl now and can't see me with anything else, except maybe a Field Spaniel one day. Once my youngest has had his surgery I'm still hoping to get him into a few field tests and he'll certainly be a working dog even if he doesn't compete. I'm an active member of a few other forums, mainly Cockers Online and Dog Pages as I do a bit of fostering, homechecking and transporting for various rescues and also sometimes get the odd worker coming my way for private rehoming too via local gundog clubs and shoots etc.

I'm Christine.  I always wanted a dog when I was young and had one briefly as a child but we had to rehome her when my youngest sister came along totally unplanned - When I got married my hubby had been brought up with Irish Setters - spending most of his summer holidays as a child with his 'aunt and uncle' (Nancy Jenkins who sadly has just died was a co-founder of the Irish Setter Club for Wales and with her husband enjoyed breeding showing and judging - just thought I would mention that if anyone out there would remember her).  Our first dog was an Irish Setter of course.  Our second dog was an English Setter.  Now I have finished work I have a working sheep dog and have discovered the world of agility.   I turned to this forum for help when I realised that I had taken on more than I could chew.  Now older and wiser I still lurk around dipping in here and now.  Without folks on this forum and my agility trainer I don't think I would be enjoying my dog so much.  

Hi,everyone just joined my name is Bev and i have a 15month old GSD love the site but a bit of a novice so just looking and learning at the mo,lets hope i got this on the right thread lol.