[Soundtrack]

 so many dogs are owned by more than one person, why is that?
 

Sometimes a dog that is being campaigned will have more than one owner in order to split the expenses. Or if a breeder has a nice bitch or dog she might "share" it with another breeder to cut down on expenses or make room in the kennel but still have access to it's puppies or stud services. Also, some breeders will do this when selling a quality dog to a newbie, since you can't sell a show dog on a limited registration. You really want to make sure you get along with the other people before you do something like this......

 And what is an agent? Do dogs have their own agents?

The agent is the handler in the ring. Often people will hire a handler rather than show the dog themselves, the handler will often decide which shows to enter, make the entries etc. Campaigned dogs will sometimes live with the handler for the duration.

Also, how hard would it be to start a club in my area. The closest one is in northern va. which is not very convenient if someone wants to become really involved? Has anyone ever done this before?[/  

That I don't know. I'd think you'd want to join a club first to see how they work? If you could find others nearby that are experienced club people that would probably help.

[ October 10, 2005, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: Soundtrack ]

 

[Soundtrack]

Too true! The closest shows that I go to are an hour from me, most are 2-3 hours and often I'm gone overnight to shows. Special events like specialties I'll go a loooooooong way (like from Ottawa to St Louis). My agility classes are 1 1/2 hr away, the local kennel club meetings and obedience classes are an hour away too.

 

[Soundtrack]

If you haven't tried a "ring routine" then I suggest just watching. If you have an instructor (who has trialed dogs) have them run you through the routine to see if your "team" is ready. Make sure you read the rules (online at the AKC website or you can order a copy (I believe they'll still send it to you for free). Even if the dog is fine, I've seen a lot of points lost through handler error just because the human half of the team was not familiar with the rules.

There's a Yahoo group devoted to obedience trialing with bassets, they're great help with training and trialling tips.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BassetHoundO...?yguid=77714709

Also one for Agility

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BassetAgilit...?yguid=77714709

and Rally-O

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BassetRally/...?yguid=77714709

and Showing

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BassetShowri...?yguid=77714709