Pure Dog Talk

Dog Show Tips for Beginners: Navigating the Learning Curve

[caption id="attachment_15805" align="alignleft" width="522"] Matt Stroud with his dogs and his new children's book, "More than a Ribbon."[/caption]

Host Laura Reeves welcomes Matt Stroud (known to some on Facebook as "Kermit the Dog"), an enthusiastic owner-handler of Schipperkes. Matt shares his journey from being a shy high schooler navigating 4-H with a poodle mix and a Yorkshire Terrier, to returning to the dog show world as an adult with his Schipperkes.

Navigating the Learning Curve Matt candidly discusses the fragmented and confusing realities for newcomers, noting that while the sport is more visible than ever, basic logistics—like navigating superintendent websites to enter shows—can be overwhelming without insider knowledge.

The Power of Mentorship and Responsibility A major turning point for Matt was meeting his tough-as-nails mentor, Audrey, who bluntly told him his struggles in the ring were his fault, not the dog's. Matt emphasizes the importance of accepting personal responsibility for grooming, conditioning and handling, rather than blaming judges or competitors.

Highs, Lows and Dealing with Negativity Matt shares the incredible high of winning an Award of Merit at his first Westminster, contrasted with a humbling weekend where a lack of preparation resulted in losing every class. He also provides practical advice for handling "mean people" ringside: avoid vague-booking on Facebook and instead speak directly to the person to clear up misunderstandings.

"More Than a Ribbon" Matt introduces his beautifully illustrated, rhyming children's book, More Than a Ribbon, A Dog Show Story. Inspired by his own journey and the beauty of outdoor shows like Palm Springs, the book is designed to help kids (and adults) normalize losing, learn that they cannot control every outcome and find comfort in their community.

Matt's Top 3 Tips for Beginners:
Filter the advice you receiveand consider whether it empowers you to improve.
Take personal responsibilityfor understanding ribbons, placements and ring procedures.
Never give up, because even through dry spells, your winning moment will come.

Understanding Puppy Heart Murmurs and Congenital Heart Disease

In this episode of Pure Dog Talk's "Veterinary Voice," host Laura Reeves and Dr. Marty Greer explore the complexities of congenital heart disease in puppies, offering essential guidance for breeders on diagnosing, treating and navigating cardiac health in their litters.

The Importance of the First Vet Visit & Puppy Murmurs

Dr. Greer emphasizes the crucial need for a thorough veterinary exam before placing any puppies in their forever homes to protect the breeder's reputation and ensure the puppy's health. A heart murmur occurs when blood flows backward through the heart, creating turbulence. Veterinarians grade these murmurs on a scale from one to six, where a grade one is incredibly subtle and a grade six is loud enough to be felt through the chest wall without a stethoscope.

To ensure an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Greer advises that the puppy must have all four feet on the exam table in a completely quiet room. While some early, subtle murmurs resolve over time or are simply caused by typical puppy anemia, any persisting or loud murmur requires an echocardiogram.

The 5 Common Congenital Heart Defects in Puppies Dr. Greer details the most frequently diagnosed congenital heart defects:
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA):A condition where a fetal blood vessel fails to close after birth. While serious, it is the only defect on this list that can be surgically corrected, often using a minimally invasive Amplatz catheter, allowing the dog to live a completely normal life.
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD):A hole between the heart's two ventricles. Depending on the size of the hole, dogs with a VSD can live normal lives as family pets, though they are usually not suited for high-endurance performance events.
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) & Pulmonic Stenosis:A narrowing of the blood vessels exiting the heart, known to be genetic in breeds like Newfoundlands. These dogs typically require lifelong medication and may face a shortened life expectancy.
Tricuspid Valve Disease:A dysplasia or malformation of the valve on the right side of the heart. Currently, there is no surgical correction available in veterinary medicine and these dogs generally face a poor long-term prognosis.


Best Practices for Breeders

Because there are currently no DNA tests available for these genetic cardiac diseases, breeders must rely heavily on physical screening. Dr. Greer strongly recommends that echocardiograms on breeding stock be performed exclusively by board-certified veterinary cardiologists, as the imaging is highly user-dependent and easily misdiagnosed by a general practitioner.

Even with meticulous screening, it is still possible to produce a puppy with a congenital heart defect. Because of this, both Laura and Dr. Greer stress the importance of open, honest and gossip-free communication within the breeding community when these issues arise.

Patrick McManus on Harmony, History and Pugs

[caption id="attachment_15774" align="alignleft" width="399"] Patrick McManus judging the Pug Dog Club of America National Specialty.[/caption]

Host Laura Reeves sits down with pug breeder, AKC judge and artist Patrick McManus to explore the fascinating intersection of fine art, breed type and the living history of purebred dogs.

The ultimate Renaissance man, McManus is known as a dedicated pug breeder and judge, as well as an incredible artist whose unique Cubist renderings of dogs are breathtaking.

Purebred dogs serve as "living history," representing a specific place, people and time. As humans evolved and migrated across the globe, dogs followed and were selectively bred by people to perform specific services or to provide "pure exotic joy." Today, breeders and judges act as the curators of this ongoing historical record.

For an artist and breeder like McManus, studying the history of fine arts and the history of dogs are "one and the same thing". Observing how dogs were historically depicted and bred helps artists and judges alike understand the "why" behind a breed's unique shape, ensuring they can accurately evaluate if every physical part of the dog is functioning in complete harmony.

This evolution of purebreds is deeply intertwined with fine art, as historical art provides a continuous visual thread of canine development. The presence of dogs is documented everywhere from the ancient bas-reliefs of Welsh castles to the masterpieces of renowned painters. For example, Edgar Degas frequently featured Brussels Griffons—which belonged to fellow painter Mary Cassatt—in his pastels and paintings of horse races. Georges Seurat also famously incorporated dogs into his pointillist works. Sometimes, a breed's history is tied directly to other art forms, such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier being named after a character in a novel.

This visual history helps trace the lineage and geographic journey of ancient breeds. The ancient Lhasa Apso from Tibet, for instance, eventually influenced the development of the Pekingese in China. This lineage of "exotic" or brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds—which includes Pugs, Japanese Chins and Brussels Griffons—reflects generations of human selection.

[caption id="attachment_15775" align="alignleft" width="495"] One of many of McManus' paintings and artworks.More topics from McManus:[/caption]
From "Pug Boy" to Judge:Patrick recounts his early entry into the dog world, starting with a childhood fascination for Pointers and Setters before buying his first Pug at age 15 and earning the affectionate nickname "Pug Boy".
The Artist’s Eye in the Ring:Patrick explains how studying art and movement naturally translated to evaluating dogs. He discusses how the principles of Cubism and observing how pieces fit together help him assess whether a dog is moving in true harmony and balance.
The Importance of Mentorship:Patrick shares his emotional gratitude for the icons of the dog show world, including "Mama" Charlotte Patterson, who took the time to mentor him when he was just a teenager starting with a pooper scooper.

New Purina Pro Plan Grant Program Levels the Playing Field for All Dog Clubs

Host Laura Reeves is joined by Purina’s Heidi Hartman to discuss the exciting evolution of the Purina Parent Club Partnership (PPCP) into the brand new Pro Plan Grant Program.

For years, the PPCP distributed funds based on Pro Club member receipt uploads, which unintentionally favored highly popular breeds with large club memberships, leaving smaller clubs with minimal funding. The new Pro Plan Grant Program is designed to level the playing field, ensuring that a small breed club with just a handful of members has the exact same opportunity to secure a grant as massive organizations like the Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever clubs.

Now, any qualified 501(c)3 parent breed club can apply for a grant of up to $5,000. These funds act as a strategic partnership to support vital initiatives, including canine health research, educational outreach, breed preservation and rescue programs.

Key Takeaways & Important Dates:
Equal Opportunity Funding:The David and Goliath dynamic is gone. Small and large clubs now have an equal shot at earning substantial funding for their initiatives.
Application Timeline:The simple online application process opens onJune 1and closes onSeptember 30.
Approval & Payouts:Grant applications will be reviewed by a diverse committee between October 1 and November 30. Winners will be announced in December, with funds dispersed in January.
Purina Pro Club is NOT Going Away:While the PPCP donation matching is ending, you should absolutely keep uploading your receipts! The Pro Club and its redemption programs are still highly active.


How to Apply: Starting June 1, eligible clubs can access the straightforward online application to submit their grant requests. You can scan the QR code found on Pro Plan Grant Program literature at Purina dog show booths to apply directly. Remember, the application must be submitted by the board of your parent club.

Wheels Off, AirTags On: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Flying Your Dog

Host Laura Reeves gets the ultimate intel from Alicia Morrison Jones—an Afghan Hound breeder who clocked roughly 200,000 miles flying her own dog before going behind the counter as an Alaska Airlines employee.

Ditch the travel anxiety with this ultimate survival guide to flying your dog, featuring insider secrets on crate hacks, cargo hold myths and the non-negotiable rules you need to know before takeoff.
The Truth About the Cargo Hold:Stop panicking about the baggage hold.It is fully pressurized and temperature-regulated, often running about 10 degrees cooler than the passenger cabin. Your dog gets their own isolated, strapped-in section away from the regular luggage and they usually have more room down there than you do in economy.
Crate Survival Rules & Fees:Be prepared to pay the new pet fee of $200 each way.
Ditch the collapsible crates:Alaska Airlines no longer accepts them. You must use a solid, stationary crate.
Know your aircraft limits:The absolute maximum crate height for a 737 is 30 inches.
Wheels Off:Crates can no longer have wheels attached. Take them off and label them with your name and phone number.




The Ultimate Travel Hacks:
AirTag Everything:Strap an Apple AirTag to your dog's collar or secure it to their crate for instant tracking and peace of mind.
The Zip-Tie Hack:Secure your water buckets to the crate door with zip-ties so the clips don't break off during heavy turbulence.
The 10/30 Health Certificate Rule:Your vet health certificatemustbe dated within 10 days of your initial departing flight, which then covers a 30-day travel window for your return trip.
Absorbent Material is Mandatory:Don't get left behind for a biohazard issue. Pad the bottom of your crate with secure, absorbent material.
Beat the Clock:Arrive a minimum of two hours early to survive TSA, complete the extensive paperwork and get your crate inspected.




How to Get Denied Boarding (What NEVER to do):
Ban the Flexi Lead:Never walk your dog through the airport on a flexi lead—it is a massive safety hazard for other passengers and pets.
Keep it Quiet:If your dog is heavily stressed, banging on the crate door, or barking incessantly,the airline will deny you boardingfor safety reasons.




Summer Embargo Warning: Watch the heat. Summer temperature embargoes officially drop on May 15, so start planning your travel carefully around the cool hours of the day.



This year Alaska Airlines decided to set summer embargoes for select airports.




Here is a breakdown of the embargoes for 2026:




*Austin (AUS)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.




*Baltimore (BWI)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.




*Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.




*Detroit (DTW)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM.




*Dulles (IAD)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.




*El Paso (ELP)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.




*Houston (IAH)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.




**Kansas City (MCI)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026.




**Las Vegas (LAS)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights March 27, 2026 through October 15, 2026.




*John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM.




**Oklahoma City (OKC)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026.




*Palm Springs (PSP)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.




*Philadelphia (PHL)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.




*Phoenix (PHX)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights April 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.




*Pittsburgh (PIT)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.




*Sacramento (SMF)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.




*San Antonio International (SAT)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.




**St Louis (STL)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026.




*Tucson (TUS)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.




**Tulsa (TUL)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026.




*Washington D.C. (DCA)

Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM –...