The Conformation Conversation

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses the importance and reason for making it a point to attend "the Big Three", Westminster, Orlando and your National Specialty shows.

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette discusses the importance of supporting our puppy people when an issue arises and avoiding blaming others. 

Official Standard of the Samoyed General Conformation: (a) General Appearance-The Samoyed, being essentially a working dog, should present a picture of beauty, alertness and strength, with agility, dignity and grace. As his work lies in cold climates, his coat should be heavy and weather-resistant, well groomed, and of good quality rather than quantity. The male carries more of a "ruff" than the f...

Official Standard of the Chinese Crested General Appearance: A toy dog, fine-boned, elegant and graceful. The distinct varieties are born in the same litter. The Hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the Powderpuff, completely covered with hair. The breed serves as a loving companion, playful and entertaining. Size, Proportion, Substance: Size - Ideally 11 to 13 inches. However, d...

In this episode, Vicki discusses the importance of reflecting on your previous goals and ways to effectively set goals for the upcoming year without it feeling daunting or overwhelming.

Official Standard for the Basset Hound General Appearance: The Basset Hound possesses in marked degree those characteristics which equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or t...

Official Standard for the Vizsla General Appearance: That of a medium-sized, short-coated, hunting dog of distinguishedappearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built, the coat is an attractive shaded goldenrust. Originating in Hungary, the Vizsla was bred to work in field, forest and water. Agile andenergetic, this is a versatile dog of power, drive and endurance in the field yet a tracta...

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette discusses the need for established breeders to be open to talking to new people and being kind and welcoming to them. 

Official Standard for the German Shorthaired Pointer General Appearance: The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter, an all-purpose gun dog capable of high performance in field and water. The judgment of Shorthairs in the show ring reflects this basic characteristic. The overall picture which is created in the observer’s eye is that of an aristocratic, well balanced, symmetrical animal w...

Anyone who advocates for the well being of their dog deserves respect and grace and should never had to face pressure or judgement.     

Official Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel General Appearance: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an active, graceful, well-balanced toy spaniel, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate. It is this typical gay temperament, combined with true elegance and royal appearance which are of paramount importance in the bre...

Vicki discusses ways to help prepare you for whelping a litter of puppies.

Vicki discusses reasons why a person may experience periods of not winning in the show ring.

Vicki discusses how dabbling in other sports can benefit a show dog during breaks in showing or along with being active in the show ring.

Vicki talks about ways to improve your performance by adjusting your own body language and behavior in the ring.

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette and several other breeders discuss their thoughts and reasons for breeding.    www.showdogprepschool.com

In this episode of the podcast, SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor talks to Rebecca Lanier, LMFT about ways to approach difficult conversations. Learn about proven techniques used in marriage and family therapy to help communicate in a healthier way. 

In this discussion, Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette talks with Mindset Coach, Rebecca Lanier, LMFT about how redefining winning in order to help people cope with performance anxiety and ring stress. 

Official Standard of the French Bulldog General Appearance: The French Bulldog has the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built, and of medium or small structure. The hallmarks of the breed are the square head with bat ears and the roach back. Expression alert, curious, and interested. Proportion and Symmetry - All points are well distributed a...

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette interviews Silky Terrier breeder Karen Oglesby.

Official Standard of the Doberman Pinscher General Appearance: The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. Size, Proportion, Substance: Height...

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor interviews Kay Peiser of Kaylen's Chinese Cresteds, Standard Poodles and Boxers. 

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette interviews Kate Obitz on her progress and success with Vicki's From Shy to Showy program.

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses handing off the torch to new breeders with Laura Reeves. 

Vicki discusses what a healthy, mutually beneficial mentorship might look like.