This weekend’s episode of DogCast Radio – episode 76 – is now available. It includes the interview with Lady Margaret Flack that I talked about in the post, “Puppy farming in the UK”. It also includes an interview with David Frei, (http://www.davidfrei.com/) co-host of the National Dog Show sponsored by Purina. (http://www.nationaldogshow.com/)
In the early days of DogCast Radio, I would get nervous before every interview, worrying what I would say, what they would say, and about technical difficulties that might arise. Now, having done so many interviews, it’s more of a routine, and I am a lot calmer. However, I was nervous about talking to David Frei, simply because he is a television personality. Shallow I know, but there you go.
I have found the best antidote to nerves is to know my subject. So I researched the show and David thoroughly, and had many questions ready. In the event, David was very charming, and a pleasure to talk to. He talked about how dogs qualify for the show, how they progress at the show, what judges are looking for, and he explained a few show terms. On that subject, I found a very useful glossary of show terms at the Purina site. (http://www.purina.com/resources/nds/viewersguide/index.html)
David also talked about his own dogs. He has had great show success with both his Afghan Hounds, and Brittany Spaniels. His Spaniels are also qualified therapy dogs, and David finds that aspect of life with his dogs extremely rewarding. David is the co-author of The Angel By My Side, the story of Dakota, a brave service dog.
During my research, one thing that intrigued me is that there are only six benched dog shows in the US each year, the National Dog Show being one of them. It surprised me as they are much more common in the UK, and I had assumed that to be the case elsewhere. The more I realise I don’t know about dogs and the dog world yet, the more I want to find out, so I suppose I am in the right job where I get to meet and question dog experts and owners.
And if you don’t know what a benched show is, check out that glossary and start extending your dog knowledge!
Take care,
Julie x