This time a year I always get excited, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is just around the corner! For almost as long as I can remember, I have firmly planted myself in front of the TV for two nights and watched the show in its entirety. Why?
Because, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is the “Superbowl” of the dog world. It is the best way to stay up to date with the latest trends and styles. I would throw a Westminster party, and have my friends and grooming staff over and we would all be glued to the TV for two nights. After the show we would talk for hours about the newest breeds that had been accepted by the AKC or about unique haircuts and new styles
The show was important for me because I was actively competing in the pet grooming contest arena I can't tell you how many times I would review those tapes before I stepped into the contest arena. By watching some the most spectacular dogs in the country compete at this level, I was able to get a clear image etched in my head before I stepped into the ring at a grooming competition. Visualization is a key to success.
Secondly I used the Westminster show as a way to help keep my grooming staff up-to-date with the latest styling trends and once I opened my school, The Paragon School of Pet Grooming, we continued to use the show as a key learning tool for students. Today you can even order a great DVD of the entire Westminster Kennel club show, commercial free. On the training room floor at the school, the review of each annual show was instrumental in our students learning breed identification and trims styles.
This year's show will take place on February 9th and 10th. I've also just learned on February 5th there will be a program hosted by CNBC called “American Originals: Westminster Dog Show”. This show is going to be talking about the inner workings of the AKC competition as well as the booming $43 billion pet care industry. Check your local TV listings for actual airing times in your area or follow the links below.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/28578757
http://www.cnbc.com/id/25007002
