Tag: show dog

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Getting started

Which class to enter?

Which class to enter?
You pick up your first schedule for a dog show and your new puppy is old enough, but what class should you enter? There are often hundreds of classes at an Open show and even more at a Championship show. but only a handful will be applicable to you and your dog.

If you enter online, then they will only give you the choice of classes you are eligible to enter but looking though a schedule can be daunting.

Breed/AVNSC classes
If your breed has separate classes, this is where you should make your first entry, otherwise you will need to enter Any Variety Not Separately Classified (AVNSC). There could be mixed sex classes or separate classes for dogs and bitches, so read carefully.
Enter the lowest class you can enter, so with a puppy, look for Puppy or Junior, if your starting to show an older dog, look for graduate or post graduate. The full definition of classes will be in the schedule or can be found on the Kennel Clubs Website from page 37 here.

Don’t get too excited and put a 6 months old puppy into a class where he could be up against older dogs. Also consider that you pay for the judge’s opinion, so if you want to do more than one class, look at the variety classes where it’s likely to be a different judge.

Variety and stakes classes
There will be variety or stakes classes for any breed of dog to enter at most shows. They are excellent practise for showing against other breeds. The classification of classes will be similar to that in the breed classes.

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Getting started Show dog training

Show Etiquette

Show Etiquette
Etiquette: the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group (Oxford dictionary)

There always seems to be discussions about the show world and a lot of people believe that those in the show world are “bitchy”, “nasty”, unkind” or “unhelpful”. I’m not going to defend everyone, some people are, but this is no means the majority, half or even a quarter. In fact, it’s a very small percentage.

But, still it is important to be reminded of show etiquette of polite behaviour towards each other while at shows and while discussing shows.

Remember to smile, speak to new people in the breed and encourage them. Share your tips (or at least share the Winning Paws blog!).
Congratulate the winners
Have a laugh with friends
Don’t say bad things about other people or dogs in public

I saw a lovely thing on Facebook yesterday where someone offered to make and give a lead to a 9 year old handler who wanted one. I saw lots of congratulations flying around the internet to people who had done well at shows.

Lets remember to keep the show etiquette and all play our parts in being friendly and approachable to keep this hobby fun and inviting.

I think most/all of us feel sad and guilty when a new person is made to feel unwelcome. After all, they didn’t meet anyone who has probably read to the end of this post.

Like if you agree!

 

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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.

Categories
Getting started

What to take to a show?

What to take to a show?
So what do you all pack for a show? Below are the top 10 general things to take and then top 10 things that make up the show bag.

What to put in the car
1)      Dog(s)
2)      Dog Water
3)      Water Bowel
4)      Your Water/drinks
5)      Your food
6)      Spare dog towels
7)      Rain coat (you and dogs!) or a cool coat for hot days!
8)      Show bag
9)      Spare dog lead
10)   Dog cage and cage plate for ring number (if used)

What’s in the show bag
1)      Show leads
2)      Poo bags
3)      Slobber  towel
4)      Arm band/ringclip
5)      Brushes/combs
6)      Bait/reward (could be a toy)
7)      Dry shampoo
8)      Towel
9)      Small or collapsible water bowel
10)    Benching chain

Leave a comment if you can think of anything else that you consider important to take to a show!

Categories
Getting started Show dog training

Jack of all trades…..

Jack of all trades…..
One of the greatest myths of show dogs that I hear, is that you  can’t do anything else with them. So many people come to me saying that they have been told to stop basic/puppy obedience and stop teaching sit, down etc if they want to continue showing and they should only teach their dog stand

To me this is one of the biggest myths, although you will need to work harder if you want to teach your dog more. Just make sure you work evenly on teaching your dog to do everything that you want to do with your dog.

To me, basic puppy training with a local obedience club is paramount in any of my dogs training to be well socialised pets (and show dogs) and there is no reason why you can’t compete in obedience one day and go to a show dog the next day or throw in some agility, gundog work or Rally-O while you’re at it!

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Top Tips

Top Tip #13

Top Tip #13
Know your dogs faults or bad habits and remember these. Be honest to yourself about the faults.

Also, know the breed standard of the breed you are showing.

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Top Tips

Top Tip #12

Top Tip #12
This is a showing “secret” we have only learn’t in the past  few year ourselves and so I really want to share with everyone I can. From first hand experience I can’t rate highly enough the benefits your dog to see a chiropractor.

Chiropractors can help with a number of issues often caused by minor injury caused by twisting, falling, or just generally acting like mad dogs! For example, if your dogs movement “Isn’t quite right” then a chiropractor could help.

I would always recomend a McTimoney chiropractor.

Remember: Legally, chiropractors may only work with the permission of your veterinary surgeon; the reality is that often the veterinary surgeon may suggest chiropractic as part of the remedy and in practical terms this may mean working in collaboration with the veterinary team.

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Top Tips

Top Tip #9

Top Tip #9
Always keep training fun.

Training must be fun for both you and your dog to get the most out of it.Do this by playing games with your dog in training as a great reward.

If you are not in the right frame of mind for training in a happy, positive way then miss out the training and wait until you feel better.

Happy training!

Categories
Getting started

Teaching your dog to stand – the basics

Teaching your dog to stand – the basics

Click the link above to view this video. It is great for those who want to know how to get their dog to stand. This shows how you would go from the very start, just teaching the dog to stand and stand still.

Don’t forget to check out previous Blogs
Standing your Dog Part 1 
Standing you Dog Part 2

Categories
Show dog training

To speak or not to speak

To speak or not to speak
All dogs are different and therefor how you handle your dog can make a big difference to its performance in the ring. How much should you talk to your dog?

Human nature is to speak and talk (sometimes too much!) However this is not the same way that dogs communicate. This is an important thing to remember when training and handling your dog.

Some people enjoy talking to their dogs constantly. I think mainly because it gives the handler confidence, but it also could keep the dogs interest on them. However, some dogs will get over excited by this and are better when the handler is in silence, or using just the odd command to enforce the wanted behaviour.

A classic example is when moving the dog where talking can either help gee up a lazy dog, or could over-excite an over exuberant dog, so choosing to speak, or not to speak can be a very important decision and can hugely affect your dog’s performance. Think carefully about how much you want to talk to your dog and what works best for your dog.

If you feel you need help to work out how to get the best out of your dog, seek help from experienced show friends/judges or from a Ringcraft trainer.