Category: Getting started

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Getting started

Winning Paws Ringcraft (Stotfold)

Winning Paws Ringcraft (Stotfold)
I’ve just got in from the first Winning Paws Ringcraft, held at the Roecroft Centre in Stotfold, Bedfordshire.

I (Roxanne) and my friend Jane Ashwell-Carter have taken on the slot of Roecroft Ringcraft after it faced closure. Both of us wanted to keep this local, friendly ringcraft going and it has been in my mind for ages to set up a ringcraft class and with Jane this will be a great partnership and with the help of her son Michael.

Our first night I can only claim as a success. We are so pleased with the amount of support that turned up for our first night and hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Although we weren’t expecting the amount that turned up and didn’t plan for it, we think it went well. Don’t think every session will be the same, we will try and do different things each time to get the dogs used to different things.

I just want to share some lovely comments we have received already on our opening night from Facebook;

“Thank you both for a most enjoyable evening, thank Michael for helping look after my dogs and look forward to the next one. Good company, good training and nice cuppa and cake.”

“Viva sleeping soundly after her first session. Many thanks ladies, see you in two weeks.”

“I am looking forward to the next one! Excellent environment for my pup to be in and chatted to some lovely people and not forgetting the first class training too! So pleased with Bo this evening. Thank you.”

Editor note: Due to time commitments of both Roxanne and Jane, the ringcraft in Stotfold has now closed. This was a hard decision, and we both miss the club.

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Getting started

The long day at a dog show!

The long day at a dog show!
Dog shows are known to be long days. We start early, get home late and spend a lot of time waiting around! Today in particular! As I write this, I am at a show at the kennel club building!

It was a later than normal start for us and I was picked up at 10pm (I have the pleasure of going to shows with my parents). We were third in the ring behind two numerically strong breeds so didn’t have to be here at the crack of dawn.

Judges ahead of us appeared slow but eventually we got into the ring. I never took note of this time and we were far to busy having a laugh and joke with friends.

After taking best puppy in breed we now have the long wait for the rest of the Gundogs to also be judged. It’s getting dark outside and still plenty of breeds to do.

But do I regret coming? No way! I have had a great day with friends, some lovely results and now I can’t wait to watch our puppy in the puppy group and support our best of breed.

Its been a great show, although long day. I have spoken with friends, put the world to right and now look forward to another cup of coffee and taking the dogs for a walk.

This is what showing is about!

FUN!!!!!!!!!!

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Getting started Show dog training

The importance of socialisation

The importance of socialisation
Some show dogs can be made or lost depending to how well they were socialised as a puppy. Even with perfect conformation and breed type, any dog needs the correct temperament to make it in the ring. A dog which is shy with people and wilts like a flower when you take them to new places, will never perform well enough to win in the ring. This said, it’s important to remember the difference with “reserved with strangers” and shy in the ring as some breed standards will describe the breed as the former.

General socialisation
To help with socialisation, take your new puppy everywhere you can with you. Expose him/her to as many new places as possible with as many different people, dogs, situations, noises, etc.

Also attend puppy training/socialisation classes to introduce new dogs and a different hall.

Specific socialisation for show dogs
Introduce from an early age, lots of different kinds of surfaces to walk on including grass, cement, concrete, carpet, linoleum and rubber matting so different surfaces are a norm for a show dogs.

Encourage people to pet her all over her body including down legs and picking up paws. This will help to simulate a judges movements of “going over” your dog and get him/her used to be touched. Also don’t forget to gt your pup used to having strangers looking at her teeth, just be careful not to over do this and never push it when a puppy is teething.

Confidence
All of these experiences will teach you pup to take everything in their stride and give them the confidence.

Confidence is a key trait found in all top show dogs that gives them the winning stride and attitude that judges love to see.

Of course, top top it all, the handler also needs to be confident.

 

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Getting started Show dog training

Space Perception – the science behind showing

Space Perception – the science behind showing

Handling a dog isn’t all glamour, there is some science behind it which I will try and explain one at a time.

“Spatial Perception is the ability to evaluate how things are arranged in space, and investigate their relations in the environment. Good spatial perception allows us to grasp the arrangement of our surroundings and our relationship to them. It keeps us from constantly colliding with the objects around us.”

Now, before you think I’m crazy, think about it. In a ring (normally square) there will be many things placed around the ring to be aware of including tables, other exhibitors and dogs, ringtape, stakes, and even flower arrangements, poles, spectators legs or drain covers.

It is important as a handler, you can quickly evaluate the space before moving, to miss any hazards which may hinder your dogs performance.

I have in the past seen many people run into tables, poles or other exhibitors for not looking where they are going, don’t let it be you! Stop, look and think where you can and can’t run in the ring!

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Getting started Show dog training

Getting your dog used to being “gone over”

Getting your dog used to being “gone over”
If you want to start showing your dog, no matter what their age, you must get them used to having their body touched.

You can do this by regularly doing a “hands on” body feel of your dog. Take both hands and go over your dog from top to toe. Start from the head and feel your way down the body. Down the front legs onto the feet. Up to the shoulders and back and around the ribs. Continue down the body towards the tail. Stroke down the hind legs (back legs). Touch the tail and gently lift it or put it down depending on the breed. If you have a male it must get used to having its testicles felt.

Also get your dog used to being touched at any time, often judges will re-check shoulder placement or muscles before making a final decision.

Each time you put your hands on your dog, do it slightly differently, as no two judges will be exactly the same!

And don’t forget lots of treat and praise to make it a positive experience!

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Getting started

Knowledge of Dogs

Knowledge of Dogs
In handling classes you may be asked questions on dog anatomy or breed- specific questions about the breed you are showing or about other breeds and groups. Therefore it is important to know and understand dog anatomy and know the history of the breed you are handling and roughly know the breed standard and characteristics.

If you are handling dogs in the breed ring, understanding the dog anatomy, construction and the breed standard will allow you to ‘judge’ the dog you have in the ring and understand it’s streghts and weaknesses. Once you know what these are you can try and hide the faults where possible to make the dog look better.

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Getting started

Respect and Manners

Respect & Manners to the judge and other exhibitors
Keep making eye contact with the judge but be careful not to stare them down. Remember you are there to show your dog off to the judge, be polite and always present the dog for the judge to see. For example, stand the dog where the judge wants them stood and get out the way of the judge by stepping aside if needed.

When doing circuits and if you are first in line, ask the handler behind you if they are ready to go and check the other handlers look ready before setting off. Also be courteous to other exhibit by not letting your dog wander towards the centre of the ring and keep your dog calm not jumping around in the line.

Don’t forget to always thank the judge and congratulate the winners of your class.

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Getting started Handling training Show dog training

Shorten that lead….

Shorten that lead….
If I had a pound for every time I told a handler to shorten their lead….

If you are having problems with your dogs movement, try shortening the lead. This doesn’t mean tightening the lead.

The shorter lead will give you so much more control and most handlers find the new lead length and arm position gives them more control and is more comfortable.

Give it a go and let me know how it goes.

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Getting started Handling training Show dog training

Learning curve

Learning curve
You will never stop learning when it comes to showing dogs (or anything else!) but is there such a thing as learning too much? I don’t think so.

Talking about purely show ring training/ handling, you can never learn too much. Try to go on as many workshops as you can with different trainers. Each trainer will have different handling and training styles and each day your dog may perform differently, as well as many other factors.

Be careful though as you may get conflicting advise. This is where you need to use these different styles to find the one that best suits you and your dog and to develop your own style of showing.

If you find a trainer you like and enjoy their sessions, go on the same one a year or two later. You might pick up on something you missed previously.

Enjoy the training sessions as use them to your advantage.

Happy training!

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Getting started

Which class to enter? Part 2 (Crufts qualifiers)

Which class to enter? Part 2 (Crufts qualifiers)
When entering a champ show to qualify for Crufts there are two things to consider. 1) does your breed have CC’s on offer and 2) which class is a qualifier?

Breeds with Challenge Certificates (CCs) in the UK
If your breed has CC status (I.e dogs can become UK Champions) then make sure the show you want to enter has CCs on offer for your breed. If the show doesn’t have CCs for your breed, only Best of Breed and Best Puppy in Breed can qualify. If the show does have CCs on offer for your breed, then you can qualify by winning first, second or third in a qualifying class. Qualifying classes for Crufts 2013 are;

Minor Puppy
Puppy
Junior
Yearling
Post Graduate
Limit
Open
Veteran

If your dog gains it’s Stud Book Number, this qualifies them for life.

Breeds without Challenge Certificates (CCs) in the UK
If your breed does not have CC status (therefore can’t become a champion in the UK) then all shows are qualifying shows if your dog wins first, second or third in any of the above listed classes or a Best of Sex or Reserve Best of Sex. You can also qualify in AVNSC or AV Rare Breeds if you win a first, second or third in one of the above listed classes.

Other ways of qualifying for breeds with or without CC status include;

  • If you win a first prize in any breed class at Crufts the previous year.
  • If you have won Best of Breed at a Premier Open Show provided there were more than three breed classes (more than five classes for Stud Book Band E breeds) scheduled for the breed.
  • If you have won Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show or Best Puppy in Show at a General or Group Open Show for that qualifying year.

Import Register Breeds
For the first time, breeds on the Import Register can also qualify for crufts by winning a first, second or third in Puppy, Junior, Post Graduate or Open, or has been awarded Best of Sex or Reserve Best of Sex at General or Group Championship Shows in AV Import Register classes.

For full information on qualifying, including overseas dogs and other (rarer) ways of qualifying, all information is available at www.Crufts.org.uk and the Qualification rules for Crufts 2013 can be found here.