Category: Handling training

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Handling training Show dog training

Winning Paws First Junior Handling Training Day

Winning Paws First Junior Handling Training session
Yesterday (Saturday, 18 August) was the first handling session I organised under the Winning Paws name. Having been a Junior Handler myself, I wanted to offer the chance for the juniors to attend a training session. I was so pleased I was able to offer this session for free and I enjoyed myself and learnt something, I hope the attendee’s did too. Numbers were kept to a minimum but allowed the handlers to train with a different group of people.

The weather was hot and this meant keeping the dogs in the shade and lots of breaks back inside where it was slightly cooler to allow dogs and handlers to have drinks and a rest. Lots of mini Q&A sessions did lead to some interesting discussions with parents getting involved too.

Well done to those who attended. You all listened well and wish you all the best for your future handling classes.

What’s planned next?
I plan to run some more training sessions in the future and already have a waiting list. If you would be interested in being the first to know about any future training sessions, please get in contact via the website and as soon as any events are planned, I will let you know before posting on the website events page and Facebook.

Future sessions will include;

  • Junior Handling
  • Adult Handling
  • Breed Showing (getting the most from your dog for the show ring)
  • Different Breeds (A variety of different breeds available for handlers to practice with to acknowledge and respect different styles of handling required to suit different breeds)
  • Many more…

Don’t forget, I’m also available for group bookings for pre-existing ringcrafts or groups. Contact me for more details and costs.

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Handling training Judging

To small to reach the table?

To small to reach the table?
For junior handlers, with table dogs, it can be sometimes end up that a small handler has to put a dog on the table which is far to high. There is nothing worse than seeing a young handler struggle to lift the dog to a height just because it’s a table dog.

There is no reason why the handler cannot ask either the judge or steward not to put the dog on or take the dog off the table. As a judge I would personally prefer to help a handler that asked than watch one struggle and possibly injure their charge.

The other way, if the dog is happy and has been trained for it, is to show the table dog on the floor, if the handler explain that they want to show the dog on the floor as they do not feel capable of safely placing the dog on the table, a judge should not knock a handler for this.

If the handler does choose to place the dog on the tab;e but cannot see over, or top and tail a stacked breed, then there is no reason why a handler cannot use a small (but sturdy) stall/step to stand on behind the table. Just make sure that it is low enough to be safe for the handler and it is placed out of the way of other exhibitors while not in use.

Hope this gives you some ideas for young handlers.

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Handling training

Shadowing

Shadowing
What is shadowing?
This is a technique used in handling classes. While the dog is standing, the judge will walk round the dog, or to the other side and expect the handler to move out the way not breaking the golden rule of never getting between the dog and the judge. This means the handler must become the judges “shadow”.

For shadowing, the handler must be able to walk around the dog without the dog moving. This can be practised anywhere and simply the dog needs to learn to stay.

It is easier with a stacked breed where you can hold the head, harder with a free stood dog.

To start with, I would stand the dog in the normal position. From here I will do slight movements, commanding the dog to stay and then praising. Building this up from just little movements, helps teach the dog what you want. I.e a free stood breed, while standing in front of the dog, my first movements would just be shifting my body weight.

Then you want to move onto taking a small step to the side. I.e if you are top and tailing your dog, I would take a small step to my left, giving the stay command, going back to the original position and praising the dog.

Keep building this up until your moving more and more. Praise the dog while they are standing still only. If they move, start again.

This technique builds the dogs confidence and teaches them the command.

Have fun training!

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Getting started Handling training Show dog training

One must queue….correctly!

Standing in line
When in a class, everyone will be in a line/queue. Here are a few pointers to remember when you are standing in a line with all other handlers.

Firstly, work out where your dog prefers to be in the line and try to get to that position. Some dogs show better if they are first, others are better going last. In mixed breed classes, normally the table dogs go to the front. However, some judges will ask for the smaller dogs to be at the end of the line so always listen for instructions from either the judge or steward upon entry into the ring.

When standing your dog in the line always leave yourself room in front, approximately 2 meters. This is your escape route if the handler behind you crowds you. If you find yourself too crowded you have a number of options;

  • If they have room politely ask the handler behind to move back.
  • Move to the end of the line.
  • Ask the steward if they can move people back.

Always try to keep in line with the dogs in front of you.  If you stand back towards the edge of the ring you appear shy and reserved.

If you stand too far forward you will appear to be pushy and forcing yourself on the judge.

Also, avoid getting boxed into a corner where your dog could get obscured from the judge’s vision. In this instance, either start a new line or show your dog across the corner.

Wherever you are in the line, ensure your dog is stood when the judge is looking at him. Always keep one eye on the judge and one on the dog at all times, checking that you dog hasn’t moved and nor has the judge. You always want the judge to be seeing your dog at his very best.

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Handling training Judging

The great debate – Junior Handling

The great debate – Junior Handling

There has been a lot of debate recently on forums, Facebook and the dog papers regarding Junior Handling and what is/isn’t correct, what judges should be looking for etc.

This has been something of discussion for many years ringside and amongst friends. Many years ago I remember Jackie Hurley (Jersey Junior Handling Association, JJHA) spent time offering Junior Handling judges days based on her thoughts about handling. Something I have not seen anyone else do. I think she also produced a judges list based on new judges and experienced judges.

My pet hate has always been handlers that can’t perform the basics, although can jump around their dog and want to do patterns maybe not seen in the breed rings!

I like to see handlers who can show their dog to its best advantage. When asked for a triangle I expect to be shown the dogs movement. So when a handler is showing the rear or front movement, the dog should be in the judge’s line of sight without the judge having to move.  When showing the side movement, the dogs should be parallel to the judge to ensure the dog’s movement for the judge is seen at the best angle. Therefore straight lines are important; however corners are a different matter. The faster the dog and handler is moving, the harder it is to do a tight turn while keeping the speed. So therefore a good handler will do a turn which will keep the dog moving.

On an up and down, the straight lines are as important as in the triangle, so the judge can view and asses the front and rear movement. The turn at the top can then come into debate. Should it be a show turn (keeping the dog between the handler and judge) or an about turn which will break that rule? The about turn is used in the show ring as taking a dog round you will keep them moving, although sometimes when showing your dog, a show turn is better for a particular dog for a few reasons! So should both be allowed? Or do we keep the challenge for the handlers to not get between the dog and the judge?

So what about send-ons? This can be asked of either when doing circuits or when a handler is asked for a straight up and down and round to the end. In the breed ring we would break the rule of getting between the dog and the judge, but in the handling we would do a movement possibly never seen in the show ring. It’s a movement that has to be trained and isn’t naturally to a dog. I have seen many handlers who can’t seem to gasp this movement. But you do have to train the dog to do this and gain their confidence.

But overall, IN MY OPINION, Junior Handling should be about judging how good the handler is at showing their dog. It doesn’t matter if the dog they take in isn’t the greatest example of it’s breed, or even a crossbreed, but does the handler allow the judge to be able to assess their dog in all ways while blending into the background.

Maybe it’s time to get a group together of ex juniors and parents who can produce a “Breed Standard” blueprint for handlers and have a judges list, seminars etc which will help societies select judges that know about junior handling?

 

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Handling training

The Three Turns

The Three Turns
There are three turns that can be used in handling classes to ensure that you never get between the dog and the judge. When showing your dog in the breed ring, these are less important.

The Inward Turn
The dog and handler both turn on the spot, inwards towards each other and the lead is passed to the other hand. This is typically used at the top of an ‘up & down’ when the judge has moved to the left to view the profile movement of the dog.  It is also used in the ‘T’ and ‘L’.

 

The Show Turn
The dog is slowed and turned on the spot as the handler moves round the outside of the dog. This is used at the top of an ‘up & down’ when the judge has moved to the right to view the profile movement of the dog and is the easiest turn to do if the judge stays in position.

The About Turn (In front of the judge)
This time the handler slows and walks backwards around the dog turning the dog on the spot. This is used at the when turning in front of the judge when joining two patterns together.  E.g. between a Triangle and an ‘up & down’.

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Handling training Show dog training

Don’t let your dog train you!

Don’t let your dog train you!
Dogs are intelligent animals and no doubt outsmart their owners at times! I thought I would share my story where Giles trained me back in 2010, hopefully you can learn by my mistake!

Being an Irish Red and White setter, we have numerically small classes. When he came out there were two other dog puppies and a larger number of bitches. At champ shows he generally only had 2-3 in his class and open shows varied between 2-8. He was always beaten by his sister so never got a best puppy in breed and group experience.

When he was about 18 months he took his first BOB and had his first group and his first large class of about 25! During this time he got bored, sat down and wouldn’t move in the line! So I made my first mistake, I lured him with a treat and then gave it to him, so again he sat down, refused to move, I lured with a treat and gave it to him and this went on a few times. You can see where this went. If he Sat and refused to move, he got a treat!!!!!

I have since then given myself a serious telling off as nearly two years on, he still tries it on, although now I don’t get the treats out, I just gently remind him we are moving!

I have learnt my lesson and happy to admit, my dog trained me! But I will never let it happen again, until next time!

Moral of the story….never underestimate the intelligence of a dog!

Categories
Getting started Handling training Show dog training

Standing you dog – part 2

Standing you dog – part 2
When standing your dog they can either be stacked or free stood. Most breeds will have a certain way of standing them, although some breeds it is acceptable to either stack and top and tail, or free stand them. Below I will explain about free standing your dog. If you have a stacked dog, please refer to Standing your dog – part 1 blog post.

Free stood dogs
Free stood dogs are those who are stood with little or no touching and the handler normally stands in front of the dog.

It can be said that a free-stood dog is more difficult to show although I find a free stood dog is harder to train. Once trained a free stood dog can be a dream to show.

It does require a certain amount of understanding between dog and handler to get the perfect stance but with training and patience it does happen.

If required then you can position your dog’s feet by hand, then adopt a position in front of them. Some breeds though are traditionally stood with no intervention from the handler.

No matter how you stand your dog though, it is important that you keep their attention on you and on the job in hand.

If your dog is a fidget, move them back then walk him forward into the stand or take you dog round in a circle. Personally I prefer to teach my dogs ‘backwards’ and ‘forwards’.

To keep your dogs attention there are many ways to try and each dog will be different. Winning Paws can help you work out the best way to stand your dog and keep their attention so they stay still.

A free stood bitch who requires no touching. She will happily stand still watching her handler.
This is a free stood puppy who was being baited to help keep her still and to bring her legs into position. (This was her second show in the UK and only met me as many times, so bribery was needed!)
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Getting started Handling training Show dog training

Standing you dog – part I

Standing you dog – part I
You may have heard the terms stacked dogs and free stood dogs. Over the next couple of blogs I will explain each of these terms and how best to go about standing your dogs in either of these ways.

Stacked dogs
When you stack a dog you place the feet into position and then hold the head and the tail (if applicable to your breed). It’s important to consider many things when you stack your dog to make sure you present your dog to its best advantage.

Present your dog with outstretched arms and stand/crouch back from him. Keep your own posture too, in particular keep your back upright.

Do not lean over you dog.  This will spoil the overall picture and may also affect the dog.

Always keep the dog straight from nose to tail to avoid ‘the banana dog’.

Many people find it easiest to start at the front and work back.

When stacking your dog, the order to go though could be;

  1. Position head and check for clean eyes and ear position.
  2. Now while holding the head in one hand position front legs as needed
  3. Stroke the dog as you move towards the back legs and place them in the required position for your breed and dog.
  4. Finally have a last check that nothing has moved and check that the dog is in a straight line, (Not impersonating a Banana), place the lead in the correct position
  5. If necessary hold the tail out and present with outstretched arms.

With practice a good handler and a trained dog will be able to get the stack and present in under 10 seconds and it can be useful to practise doing this.

If your dog moves a leg, calmly place it back into position giving another ‘stand’ command. If they move completely, move them off the spot and start the sequence again. Getting flustered will ultimately affect the dog further.  Likewise, telling the dog off might confuse him. He might think you are telling him off for standing there.  A quiet ‘No’, or ‘woops’ followed by a repeat of the sequence should suffice.

Some judges will ask you to freestand your dog on completion of the pattern work. With this in mind you should practice free-standing your traditionally stacked dog too.

Stacked dog, head a tail held out. Handller arms stretched out. The dog is focus of this overall picture
Here the handler has stacked the dog and is only holding the head with the lead. The dog is holding his tail in the correct position himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this photo, the handler is leaning over the dog. The overall picture doesn't look as good as the other two.

 

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Handling training

Waiting your turn

Waiting your turn
Ah, a British established hobby which involves queuing, who would have thought!

This is the bit where the judge looks at the dogs individually which can leave a lot of waiting in line for you and your dog. However, this doesn’t mean the judge isn’t assessing your dog. Often judges will look around and a dog can catch their eye for either being fantastic, or poor.

Think about, is your dog happy while he is waiting, showing a good expression and wagging his tail?  Or is he standing there with his head hung low or tail tucked under? An alert dog is more likely to catch the judges eye with the judge thinking “Wow, can’t wait to put my hands on that dog, looks like it could be my winner.”

Many handlers also use this time to chat to each other without a care about what their dog is doing.  I have known exhibitors to be so busy chatting that they did not realise that the judge had finished the last dog and was now taking a last look round.  Guess where they didn’t come!  If you do want to have a chat with fellow exhibitors, remember you must also keep an eye on your dog and the judging, or wait until you are out of the ring for a really good natter!

Remember, standing around can be boring for your dog, talk to him/her and if he/she is looking a bit fed up the have a little play, (so long as it does not interfere with other exhibitors), and gee him up. I personally use quick little trick to keep Giles’ attention. He loves to do his little tricks, so anything that can keep him entertained and on the spot so not disturbing other dogs can help keep him happy. He also loves a cuddle and a chat! Find what can motivate your dog! Make it an enjoyable experience so they don’t see standing in line boring.

Ideally you want your dog to be standing at ease, ready to be pulled into a show pose in a matter of seconds. I have had it described to me (many, many years ago) thus;
‘A dog and handler can be likened to a soldier. Standing to Attention, (Show pose), Standing at Ease, (ready to show), and Standing Easy (relaxed).’

Winning Paws can help you find some small motivational techniques to use in the ring and teach you how to use them so not to disturb your fellow exhibitors.