Tag: dog

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The British Weather

The British Weather
The British weather is always there to test us when we least want it and quiet often weather conditions over our shows are not ideal. Last year Blackpool was cancelled due to rain and this weekend just gone, many people didn’t make it to Manchester due to the snow and ice.

This weekend a new group was set up on Facebook to use Social Media for good to help spread the word of weather conditions around the country to show venues. I would advise anyone who is one Facebook to join the group. Turn off notifications so you don’t get pings every time someone posts though!

Dog Show Weather and Travel News UK

I would class this as one of the most useful groups on Facebook for dog showers!

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Dog Show Terms Defined

Dog Show Terms Defined
By Bonnie, Nickolai Borzoi – Ohio

1. Great stud dog…..Mounts anything that can fog a mirror.

2. Excels in movement.….If he gets loose, runs like Hell.

3. Personality Plus…..Wakes up if you put liver up his nose.

4. Good bite…..Missed the judge, got the steward.

5. Large boned…..Looks like a Clydesdale.

6. Good Obedience prospect…..Smart enough to come in from the rain but ugly.

7. Quiet and good natured …..In his kennel.

8. Excels in type and style…..However, moves like a spider on speed.

9. Won in stiff competition…..Beat 4 puppies and a 9 year old novice dog.

10. Multiple group winner…..At 2 puppy matches.

11. Pointed…..His head is shaped like a carrot.

12. Noted Judge…..He put up our dog.

13. Respected Judge…..He put up our dog twice.

14. Esteemed Judge…..He puts up anything that crawls.

15. Specialty Judge…..Puts up anything that looks like his own breeding.

16. Won in heavy competition…..The others were revoltingly overweight.

17. Shown Sparingly…..Only when we had it in the bag.

18. Show Prospect…..He has 4 legs, 2 eyes, 2 ears, and 1 tail.

19. Finished in 5 shows…..And 89 where he failed to win a ribbon.

20. Well Balanced…..Straight as a stick, front and rear

21. Handled brilliantly by…..Nobody else can get near him.

22. At stud to “approved” bitches…..Those bitches whose owners check is “approved” by our bank.

23. Linebred from famous champions…..Ch Whoozitz appears twice 6th generation.

24. Terrific brood bitch…..Her conformation is the pits, but she throws big litters.

25. Wins another Best In Show…..His second, under the same judge, our uncle.

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Crufts 2013 is on it’s way – 59 days to go

Crufts 2013 is on it’s way – 59 days to go
Postal entries have now closed for Crufts 2013, although there is still a week left for online entries.

This year will see some changes at Crufts, it’s the first year that breeds on the Import Register are able to compete at Crufts in Any Variety Import Register classes. The winner won’t be able to enter the group but this is still a first for these breeds. There will also be early starts (8am) for some breeds on Sunday. This is to ensure that Best in Show is held at the correct time to be aired live on More 4.

Bad news for this year is the increase in car parking charges set by the NEC. Parking will now cost £10 and can be purchased on the day and no-one is 100% sure on what is happening with the West Car Park since it was sold to the Airport. Hopefully the whole carpark will be available to use!

Crufts is always a highlight of my year. Showing, Discover Dogs, friends from around the world and of course the shopping!

I also hope to meet lots of Winning Paws clients and followers there.

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Top Tips

Top Tip #37

Top Tip #37
Learn what motivates your dog(s). Each dog is different and will have different motivation such as food, toys or praise. Ensure you know what your dog likes to optimise training.

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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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Top Tips

Top Tip #33

Top Tip #33
Once your dog has learnt to stand, teach it to hold the position by regularly putting their legs into the correct position and getting them to hold the pose, starting with a short time and building up. The idea is your dog should never move, so don’t ask for too long, too soon.

Even with my large breed dogs, I like to practise this on the table, as well as the floor.

Don’t forget to always end on a high and ensure your dog gets a high value reward or game at the end.

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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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Handling training Show dog training

Clever dogs, bad fault

Clever dogs, bad fault
A common problem I often see at ringcraft is dogs who start predicting the next movement. They may turn too soon on the triangle or turn and stop to present to the judge.

Try mixing up the training by changing orders of patterns, do different patterns and stop at different points.

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Top Tips

Top Tip #31

Top Tip #31
Break each of the show training into smaller tasks.

Every exercise has a word (like stand, trot, turn) and a reward. If you get frustrated that your dog isn´t “getting it”, then play!

It is so important that your dog thinks that showing is fun and relates the training s being enjoyable. The most enjoyable dog to show is a dog which enjoys being in the ring and wants to please you.

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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.