Top Tip #11
Don’t let your dog get into a habit of pacing out on walks. Try to get them into a correct trot as much as possible when lead walking.
Allowing them to pace all the time will build up the wrong muscles and could make them more likely to pace in the ring.
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’.
Top Tip #6
Watch the top show dogs and their handlers and mimic the handler when you see something you like.
You will learn so much just by watching others, especially those in your breed, or a breed handled in a similar way.
You are there to show YOUR DOG. To emphasise the good points and minimise any faults.
You want the judge’s thoughts on YOUR DOG.
You want to leave the judge with a lasting impression of YOUR DOG.
You want to persuade the Judge to put YOUR DOG first.
GOOD HANDLING will help achieve all of the above.
“A good handler can make a poor dog look good, whereas a poor handler can make an excellent dog look poor.”
There is nothing worse than seeing someone mis-treat a dog at a show, or drag them round the ring, or force them to something they don’t want to. Make each and every show fun for your dog and remember, you want them to enjoy showing!
2) Always be polite to the officials and other exhibitors
A polite thank-you to the judge, and a well done to other exhibitors costs nothing. Even if they are your sworn enemy, you being polite to them will only get them wondering. Also think about all the people who are watching around the ring.
Also, remember that dog shows are run by a committee who give up their time to provide a show for you. Accept human errors graciously and forgive when something doesn’t go to plan on the day.
3) Dress appropriately for the job in hand and to compliment your dog.
See more details under What To Wear to a Dog Show or Dress Code
I’ve been having a dig around some old documents written for our Junior Handlers at Stevenage Ringcraft by myself and my Dad (Ray McDonald). I thought I would start sharing them on this blog, no point them just staying on my hard-drive! So here’s for the first one I thought I would share. I think this was written by Ray McDonald and a few inputs from me!
Dress Code
It is well known that handlers dress smartly. There is no need to dress over the top with a dinner dress/suit but at the same time jeans and t-shirt are just too scruffy. In all breeds the dog is presented well with most breeds being bathed and trimmed before a show and having a good brush at the show to make them presentable, so why not make yourselves presentable as well.
Also remember while looking for a suit, the colour of the dog you are showing. A black dog gets lost against a black suit. So is not the best colour. Try and find a colour that will compliment your dog to its best, dark dogs stand out against light colours and visa versa.
Don’t forget, you don’t have to be in these clothes all day, take them with you and get changed at the show before and after you go in the ring (highly recommend for the young ones who want to play in the mud while not showing or the dry clean only suit.).
For girls:
Skirt or trouser suit or Jacket and trousers/skirt
Blouse or t-shirt
Long hair tied back in your choice. Make sure it stays out of your eyes.
Sensible flat shoes that are comfortable for running in and have grip.
The Mature ladies may want to think about investing in a comfy sports bra.
Do Not wear trainers, high heels (try running in stilettos on grass!)
Do Not wear short or long skirts. Knee length gives you room to move and long enough to be sensible. Long flowing skirts will flap into your dog.
Do Not wear lots of dangly jewellery.
Boys:
Suit
Shirt
Tie
Trousers and shirt are ideal for the warmer weather
Waistcoat
Sensible flat shoes with grip
Long hair tied back
Do Not wear trainers
Do Not wear jeans
Do Not wear shorts
If you really want you may wear a skirt!
What footwear is best in the ring?
Many people ask the question, what footwear they should wear in the ring.
It depends what you find comfortable and what goes best with your outfit. My main two types are worlds apart. Either ballet pumps. Comfy, look OK with suits and come in so many colours there is a pair for each suit. My other showing favourites are my Dubarry boots due to their extreme comfort, warmth, support and grip, plus I just love them and live in them anyway!
When your next at a show, have a look around to see what people are wearing. You will see a variety of different shoe and boot styles.
Think about something that is comfortable to you. Find a shoe that fits well and doesn’t slip off as you move your dog round the ring and that has good grip, you don’t want to be slipping. If you have a small dog and always wear heels, then find a comfy, non-slip pair, but consider what you would wear if you were showing on soft grounds.
Also get used to the idea of wearing wellies/waterproof boots. I have had, on a number of occasion’s worn wellies in the ring along with a majority of exhibitors due to the wet British summer and outdoor shows.
I do believe, gone are the days when you have to wear something unfashionable on your feet in the ring. You will find something that’s fashionable and practical if you look around, try them on and run up and down in the shop!
For men, as always there is less choice but try to avoid trainers. A smart pair of shoes will look good and will go with suit/trousers or help smarten up a pair of jeans. (Sorry men, I’m not up on the male fashion, maybe someone could comment on this blog to advise further!)
Happy shopping and remember, if you’re not moving properly, your dog is unlikely to either. So your shoes could be very important to your dog’s performance.
The difference between handling and showing
I’ve been ask to explain the difference between showing and handling, and trying to find the best way to start and finish this blog is proving difficult. Firstly I would like to note that these are my opinions and each handler/judge may not agree with what I look for in a good handler.
Showing your dog and handling your dog are worlds apart, yet so similar!
When you judge a breed class, you have a breed standard, a blue print of the perfect dog that each judge looks for and while a judge will look past the handler’s skills, a skilled handler can make an OK dog look good, while a bad handler can make a great dog look poor. Handling classes is where you are judged on your skills while remembering some golden rules such has never getting between the dog at the judge.
What I look for in a good handler is one who stand their dog correctly and be aware if it moves, they can move the dog at the correct gait and keep the correct movement while performing the patterns asked, one who encourages their dog, talks to their dog, is a sympathetic handler to the dog and polite and considerate to other handlers, the judge and other officials in the ring.
A good handler will blend into the background so the dog stands out, they move at one with the dog and the bond can be seen between the dog and handler. A polished performance. This is everything that makes a good handler in the show ring and in the handling ring.
All clear as mud isn’t it!
Remember: Handling classes are about showing off your handling skills, not showing off yourself and although it’s deemed you should present yourself well with your attire, this does not make you a better handler than someone who maybe isn’t dressed as well. (I have beaten competition, including my own father, when wearing jeans and a hoodie!)
If anyone wants to learn more about Junior or Adult Handling, Marina Scots website juniorhandling.co.uk has some great hints and tips. There are also a few books available
Junior Handling the White Way by Marina White (now Scott)
Junior Handling by Felix Cosme
Junior Handling by Jacqui Hurley
There’s also Jacqui Hurley’s DVD on Junior handling and Marina Scott’s new Junior Handling DVD
Take a look though the Our Dogs and Dog World shops for lots more books and DVDs too.
There are many ringcraft classes up and down the country that offer handling training and of course you can always contact Winning Paws for private or small group sessions for either improving your handling in the show ring, or for handling classes.
Ok, so I guess this is the introduction to the blog for Winning Paws.
The website has been designed and is live – www.winningpaws.co.uk
And the Facebook page is growing in numbers daily – www.facebook.com/winningpaws
So what was left for me to do? Well the blog!
What I aim to achieve with this blog is to answer some FAQs regarding showing, training, handling, pick up on popular discussions and to feedback on any successes from myself or others. So check back often to see the latest hot topics!
If you have any ideas of what topics could be included in the blog, email me at roxanne@winningpaws.co.uk.
Please check back for future blogs and share with your friends.