Tag: dog

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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.

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Top Tips

Top Tip #7

Top Tip #7
Always congratulate those who win. Even if you don’t agree with the placings, a polite well done is all that is needed.

There is never an excuse for muttering negative comments for other exhibitors/judges to hear.

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Getting started

The importance of Ringcraft classes

The importance of Ringcraft classes
Most people find it easier to learn in one to one or small group situations and many trainers find those who have one to one lessons will learn much quicker. This happens on all walks of life from school education to dog training!

However, Ringcraft classes still are important to you and your dog’s training.

The difference is in one to one sessions you and your dog get individual attention, having time to listen and talk to you and work though many ideas for an hour (or maybe more). At Ringcraft you can be sharing a two-three hour session with 20-30 other people and dogs, without the time and individual attention that you may need.

But why are Ringcraft lessons so important?
It’s quite simple, they are regular (weekly) and cheap enough to attended regularly (price from £1-£4). They are great for socialisation with other dogs of all types and sizes and you can get a few different people to go over your dog and get advice from. They are also great for puppies where the socialisation is so important and also ideal for experienced handlers who just need to practice somewhere different with their latest pup.

Ringcraft is also a great social evening for you, where you will meet other local people with the same interest (dogs!). You will find these same familiar, friendly faces at your local shows.

Ringcraft classes can offer so much and are different to one to one session. I have been a trainer alongside my parents at Stevenage Ringcraft for many years now which was set up by my Grandparents. We are all so proud of any of our Ringcraft ‘babies’ who do well at shows, or other disciplines and we know many other Ringcraft trainers who feel the same way.

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Uncategorized

Nothing in life comes for free

Nothing in life comes for free
I saw this picture the other day and just had to share with you all. It is so true on two aspects and worth remembering at all times when training and handling your dog.

 

Firstly there’s the judge asking for a free stack (or stand as we would say in the UK!) This is becoming more common for judges to ask for a free stand, normally at the end of the movement. This gives the judge a chance to see the dog stand in its own way and doesn’t allow the good handler to hide any faults. Therefore it is important to teach all dogs to free stand and extra work put into those normally stacked.

Secondly there is the dogs thoughts. A dog will rarely do anything for free, they want payment. Remember to reward your dog when they do what you want correctly. This can be with food, toys, fuss or verbal praise. It’s important you let your do know when they do something correct, they will then repeat the behaviour to get the reward again.

What treats or toys do you use to reward your dog?

Categories
Getting started

What to wear to a dog show

What should you wear to a show?
This is something that often comes up in discussions, what should you be wearing in the ring, what colours are best etc.
So, here’s a list of guidelines to think about when choosing your showing outfit;
1)      Comfort – You will spend a lot of time standing up so comfortable shoes and clothes that YOU feel comfortable in are a must.
2)      Suitability for the weather – Good old British weather will never let us down and will give us a variety of weather, possibly in one day! So make sure you have something suitable for the hot, cold or wet!
3)      Colour – you want the colour to compliment your dog. A black dog will get lost in black clothes. So choose something that makes your dog stand out from you.
4)      Where to put the bait/toy/bags – Think about does your outfit have pockets or do you need a bait bag?
But what is acceptable and what isn’t?
Today I was at a show in freezing conditions. The show is half inside for small dogs and half outside for the big dogs. Knowing the temperatures and show I opted for many layers including thermal leggings and tops, nice thick 3 in 1 coat and my lovely thermal boots, designed for use in ice and snow! Was a smart today? No! But it followed my guidelines above!
Generally Champ shows are seen as smarter than open shows, and of course Crufts is the occasion many people will buy a new outfit for.
So, for smartness a suit, one that compliments your dog in colour and is comfortable to move your dog in. A smart pair of jeans with a jacket can look just as good and many people will feel more comfortable in this then they might a full suit. Others might prefer a pair of trousers with a smart blouse/shirt. This is where comfort really is important, not just how it feels, but how you feel in your outfit.
Another idea that many people go by when in the ring is wearing something that stands out from the other exhibits. Something the judge may remember to go “I really liked the dog whose handler had a bright pink jacket on.” However, these days you see lots of bright colour jackets/suits around the ring. The fashion is now turning to Swarovski Crystal to help handlers ‘sparkle’ in the ring.
Remember, you spend plenty of time getting your dog ready, spend a bit of time on yourself too!
So here’s me on a cold day, dressed for the cold weather;
So here’s me on a cold day, dressed for the cold weather
And here I am smart as can be (It was Giles’ first champ show)
And here I am smart as can be (It was Giles’ first champ show)
I will finish this blog with a list of what not to wear;
1)      High heels
2)      Low cut tops (think about what will happen if you bend over!)
3)      Very short skirts (men too!)
4)      Dangly jewellery
5)      Anything see though

Thank you to Ray McDonald Photography for use of the photo’s