Tag: Dog showing

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Getting started

My first Ringcraft…what to take

My first Ringcraft…what to take
Many people feel nervous about going to Ringcraft classes for the first time. You know there is no need, yet the nerves come rushing and the questions start like “What should I wear” and “What do I need to take”.

My advice to anyone is relax. You will be walking into a  hall of like minded people and you will have at least one thing in common to talk about….DOGS!

As for what to wear, go comfortable and practicle. It’s only training so you don’t need to dress up or wear colours that compliment your dog. Clothing you feel comfortable in and that has pockets for treats etc will be useful. If you don’t have pockets, take a treat bag.

Also, if you have one, take your dogs show lead. If you don’t, a good Ringcraft will have a spare or someone will lend you one.

Take treats for your dog, something of high value that is easy for them to eat. I like “more is less” and having very small treats. This allows me to reward my dog but it’s eaten quickly. But it is personal preference. Take a variety of treats if your not sure.

Many Ringcrafts will ask to see your dogs inoculation certificate on your first visit, so take it  with you, just in case, or find out before hand if the require it.

Grab some change to pay for the class (and a tea/coffee!)

Most importantly, don’t forget the dog!

See also; The importance of Ringcraft classes

Categories
Show dog training

Food vs Toys in the ring

Food vs Toys in the ring
One of the great things about showing over other dog competition sports,  is you can “cheat” and use anything you can (within reason) to get your dogs attention in the ring.

Treats I think are the common choice. Most dogs are food motivated and treats are a quick and calm way of rewarding your dog immediately as well as keeping their attention on you and used as bribery.

Toys are less used in the show ring, but are a keen training tool for non food motivated dogs and a popular training tool for those who have done/do agility/obedience it seems.

Toys can be harder. To show good sportsmanship, you do not want to distract other dogs in the ring. Therefore it is not a good idea to be squeaking squeaky toys, playing a game of tug or playing ‘catch’. However, the use of a toy as a lure is fine. Sometimes, a dog just knowing you have something they want can change the way they work for you, so feel free to take in a small toy that will fit in your pocket and then let your dog have a game after the class, away from the rings.

Remember when in the ring to consider your fellow exhibitors and show good sportsmanship at all times.

Categories
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!

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #18

Top Tip #18
Make the most of the good weather for getting out and training/bonding with your dog/s in new places! 🙂

Rather than the normal winter walks where we are glad to only see fellow hardcore dog walkers and get home to the warmth and a hot drink!!!!! 🙂

Categories
Show dog training

Pacing

Pacing
One of the most common faults seen in a dogs movement is pacing.

What is pacing?
When a dog is pacing, the two legs on the same side move together. This gives the illusion of a rolling motion.

Pacing is a natural, relaxed movement of the dog which doesn’t require much energy. Watch your dog wandering round the house/garden or out of a slow lead walk and it is likely you will see them pace. It can also be a sign of poor conformation or easily become habit. If the dog paces a lot (even when off lead) it is likely the muscles will build up to accommodate this movement, making it harder to trot.

Many dogs will often start pacing in the ring while they are still growing. It’s important to be able to recognise when you dog is pacing and know how to correct it. Each dog is different so I will share a few techniques I have used successfully in the past. Most involve some way of knocking the dog off balance.

How can I stop it?
Run faster: It could be you are moving your dog too slow, try running a bit faster or taking a longer stride. It worth starting off the movement faster too.
The turn: Just before you set off, turn the dog around you in a circle. If needed this might need to be done in the two top corners of the triangle.
Tap under the chin: Lifting the head slightly with a gently tap under the chin will knock the balance off slightly.
Shoulder push: Slightly pushing at the shoulder (large breeds only) will knock the dog off balance.
Lead position: Try changing your lead position, this could help get the dog out of pacing, either a high lead or a very low lead.
Exercise: Make sure your dog is trotting as part of their exercise. This can be done by walking fast enough, running with your dog, biking with your dog or using a dog treadmill (as additional exercise to outdoor activities).
Chiropractor: The pacing could be down to comfort for the dog due to damage. If this could be the case, I would strongly recommend going to a Chiropractor.

If your dog is still prone to pacing, book a session with Winning Paws! Training pacing out of a dog can be done but it takes both practise in teaching them to trot in the show ring and also trying to encourage more exercise to be trotting

Don’t forget to try not to let your dog pace too much when out on walks.

Categories
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
Top Tips

Have confidence…

Have confidence…
When you go in to the ring, be with confident and think positive that you and your dog will work well together and enjoy it. This is likely to help you show and handle well in the ring.

We all have times when we have entered the ring thinking “The dogs’ going to play up” or “I don’t want to be here” and most likely come out saying, “He wouldn’t move” or “He’s being a right little monster”.

This is because your attitude will travel down the lead to the dog and they will pick up on it.

So remember, relax, have fun and enjoy each show,

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
Top Tips

Top Tip #16

Top Tip #16
Always keep the lead neat. A dangly, untidy lead can distract the judges eye from the dog, and also can upset your dog, or make them want to chase it.

Categories
Getting started

The ring procedure

The ring procedure
You have your first showing coming up, what can you expect when you go in the ring?

Every class you go into will be different in some way depending on class size and the judges preferences; however the structure will normally go something like the following

  1. The steward will call the class in so enter the ring if it is your class. At Open shows the steward will have your number; at Champ shows you will already have your number from your bench.
  2. Set your dog up along one side of the ring in a line with all the other dogs. If unsure ask the steward where the judge would like you.
  3. The judge will walk down the line to get first impressions so it is important to have your dog stood correctly.
  4. The judge may or may not ask you to go round the ring in circuit all together. Listen carefully to the judge’s instruction.
  5. The first dog in the line gets ready for table work to be assessed individually and all other dogs and handlers can relax and wait their turn, however still being alert and watching what is going on.
  6. The judge will go over the dog to assess the dogs’ conformation with their hands.
  7. The judge will want to then see the dog move individually. Normally this would be a triangle and up and down, or an up and down and round to the end.
  8. After movement is completed, take your dog to the end of the line and the judge will then move onto the next dog.
  9. After all dogs have been assessed individually in the class all dogs stand in the line like at the beginning of the class for the judge to look at.
  10. The judge may or may not then ask for all dogs to to go round the ring together, or could ask to see movement again in any number of dogs.
  11. The judge will then pick out his winner, and then second, third and so on until all places at the show are filled.  The judge may also split the class. Pulling out in no order the dogs he/she wants to place and letting the other handlers leave.  (This can happen as many times as the judge feels necessary in big classes.) The judge may want to see the dogs stood and moved again until he/she has made up his/her mind.  The judge will then place.
  12. Handlers who have not won a prize will be asked to leave the ring by either the judge or steward.
  13. Once you have been pulled out for a place stand your dog up again. The judge can always change their mind on the placing, you have not finished until the rosette/card is in your hand.

Remember to congratulate the winners and thank the judge at EVERY show, even if you don’t agree.