Tag: Dog showing

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Getting started Handling training Show dog training

Standing you dog – part I

Standing you dog – part I
You may have heard the terms stacked dogs and free stood dogs. Over the next couple of blogs I will explain each of these terms and how best to go about standing your dogs in either of these ways.

Stacked dogs
When you stack a dog you place the feet into position and then hold the head and the tail (if applicable to your breed). It’s important to consider many things when you stack your dog to make sure you present your dog to its best advantage.

Present your dog with outstretched arms and stand/crouch back from him. Keep your own posture too, in particular keep your back upright.

Do not lean over you dog.  This will spoil the overall picture and may also affect the dog.

Always keep the dog straight from nose to tail to avoid ‘the banana dog’.

Many people find it easiest to start at the front and work back.

When stacking your dog, the order to go though could be;

  1. Position head and check for clean eyes and ear position.
  2. Now while holding the head in one hand position front legs as needed
  3. Stroke the dog as you move towards the back legs and place them in the required position for your breed and dog.
  4. Finally have a last check that nothing has moved and check that the dog is in a straight line, (Not impersonating a Banana), place the lead in the correct position
  5. If necessary hold the tail out and present with outstretched arms.

With practice a good handler and a trained dog will be able to get the stack and present in under 10 seconds and it can be useful to practise doing this.

If your dog moves a leg, calmly place it back into position giving another ‘stand’ command. If they move completely, move them off the spot and start the sequence again. Getting flustered will ultimately affect the dog further.  Likewise, telling the dog off might confuse him. He might think you are telling him off for standing there.  A quiet ‘No’, or ‘woops’ followed by a repeat of the sequence should suffice.

Some judges will ask you to freestand your dog on completion of the pattern work. With this in mind you should practice free-standing your traditionally stacked dog too.

Stacked dog, head a tail held out. Handller arms stretched out. The dog is focus of this overall picture
Here the handler has stacked the dog and is only holding the head with the lead. The dog is holding his tail in the correct position himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this photo, the handler is leaning over the dog. The overall picture doesn't look as good as the other two.

 

Categories
Getting started

Back to basics

Back to basics
The basic points of showing your dog

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.”

Guidelines for showing
1) Treat your dog with respect

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

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Handling training

Waiting your turn

Waiting your turn
Ah, a British established hobby which involves queuing, who would have thought!

This is the bit where the judge looks at the dogs individually which can leave a lot of waiting in line for you and your dog. However, this doesn’t mean the judge isn’t assessing your dog. Often judges will look around and a dog can catch their eye for either being fantastic, or poor.

Think about, is your dog happy while he is waiting, showing a good expression and wagging his tail?  Or is he standing there with his head hung low or tail tucked under? An alert dog is more likely to catch the judges eye with the judge thinking “Wow, can’t wait to put my hands on that dog, looks like it could be my winner.”

Many handlers also use this time to chat to each other without a care about what their dog is doing.  I have known exhibitors to be so busy chatting that they did not realise that the judge had finished the last dog and was now taking a last look round.  Guess where they didn’t come!  If you do want to have a chat with fellow exhibitors, remember you must also keep an eye on your dog and the judging, or wait until you are out of the ring for a really good natter!

Remember, standing around can be boring for your dog, talk to him/her and if he/she is looking a bit fed up the have a little play, (so long as it does not interfere with other exhibitors), and gee him up. I personally use quick little trick to keep Giles’ attention. He loves to do his little tricks, so anything that can keep him entertained and on the spot so not disturbing other dogs can help keep him happy. He also loves a cuddle and a chat! Find what can motivate your dog! Make it an enjoyable experience so they don’t see standing in line boring.

Ideally you want your dog to be standing at ease, ready to be pulled into a show pose in a matter of seconds. I have had it described to me (many, many years ago) thus;
‘A dog and handler can be likened to a soldier. Standing to Attention, (Show pose), Standing at Ease, (ready to show), and Standing Easy (relaxed).’

Winning Paws can help you find some small motivational techniques to use in the ring and teach you how to use them so not to disturb your fellow exhibitors.

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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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Getting started

The Boots are Made for Walking

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.

simple, comfy, black shoes
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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?

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Showing Vs Handling

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.

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Where to find Dog Shows

Where to find shows
I remember growing up with a folder full of schedules we picked up at shows. They were filed neatly in closing date order, and once entered they went in show date order. A very easy, simple system that worked (most of the time!)

Now it seems so much more difficult. Most shows have their schedules online and to cut costs they are printing less to put out at other local shows. But with so many printers around, they are all held on different websites. Some shows you can enter online, others have to be postal entries.

To help, Dog Show Central has come to our aid, keeping many show details in one place, weekly emails of shows with entries closing (which I fully recommend you sign up for) and much more for every dog show person.

Below I have collated links to Dog Show schedule printers in the UK.
Printers that offer online entries
1)      Fosse Data
2)      Higham Press
3)      Canine Information Directory
4)      Arena print
5)      Cavalier Impressions
Printers without online entries just to download the schedule
1)      EJC Printing
2)      Print Matters
3)      ADP Printers
Other ways of finding shows
1)      Dog World Newspaper
2)      Our Dogs Newspaper
3)      Starprint Diary (lists all show details and dates)
4)      Dog Show Central

Most Championship shows and a lot of Open shows are now developing their own websites and Facebook pages too, so have a quick search on the internet to you can keep up with information.

If I have forgotten any good links, please let me know and I will add them to this post.

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I’m just a dog breeder’s husband

A fitting post for Valentine’s Day I feel. My apologies to all those who wish this to be ‘just another day’ with no mention of the ‘V’ word!

I give you, the poem ‘I’m just a dog breeder’s husband’. I hope you all enjoy it.

I’m just a dog breeder’s husband,
I no longer rule my domain.
Even if kindly invited,
from opinions I wisely refrain.
I’m just a glorified kennel boy
of minor importance I know.
It seems my primary function
is merely providing the dough.
Now dog breeding is not inexpensive,
as you all no doubt are aware –
but the problem’s not so much the money
as the bustle, the wear and the tear.
Having studied the layback of shoulder
and becoming an expert on feet,
I still have not learned to give worm pills
or how much the puppy should eat.
My spouse will spend hours grooming
her Bred By Exhibitor bitch.
But when it comes to scratching my back,
her thought is to let the thing itch.
Some day I hope that my wife’ll
take me wandering to some foreign vale,
instead of inspecting the stifle
of some Special stud at Hinsdale.
Off in a crowded hotel room
after the dog show is o’er,
someone questions the judges decision
while they reach for another drink more
It appears that his eyesight is failing,
his errors in judgment immense.
In fact if I did not know better
you’d doubt if he had any sense.
One finds that the amateur’s bungling
is no match for professional skills.
A handler can hide what the owner admits
as he tries hard his conscience to still.
The din and the utter confusion
of everyone talking at once
leaves one weary, hoarse and irascible
and the next day a bleary eyed dunce
Sometimes late in the evening,
I’m asked if I do not agree
that Pottowattamies Bridget
Is somewhat out at the knee.
But before I can answer the question
I find my answer ignored –
for some inexplicable reason
my questioner’s suddenly bored.
I’m only a dog breeders husband,
not that I mean to complain –
but I find certain aspects amazing
when I aspire my role to explain.
I know at least where I’m going –
I’m rapidly going to seed.
But I’ve learned about Winner’s Bitches
I married the Best of the Breed
Author Unknown
Categories
Handling training Show dog training

Give the dog an edge by handling/training

How do you give the dog an edge by handling/training?
Each and every dog is different and therefore may need to be handled/shown slightly differently to get the most out of them. By getting the most out of your dog will help them have that extra edge in the ring above their competition which can be the difference between Best of Breed and unplaced.

Top tips to get the best from your dog (things to think about)

1) Find the right lead
2) What motivates your dog
3) How does it best like being handled
4) What are they sensitive to
5) Make sure you are relaxed
6)Remember your dog has to want to do this for you
7) How much can you talk to your dog?

Getting the best from your dog is often trial and error and this is where One to One training at Winning Paws can help. We can use our experience to help you and your dog perform together.

We will assess what you do and follow up with advice and guidance on next steps. We have a range of tools that can help.

Case studies
Below are two case studies of dogs I handle/have handled. These tips won’t work for every dog, as I said above, each dog is different.

1)      The pacing Gordon Setter. I have handled this Gordon Setter since she came out as a 6 month old puppy but being a puppy a young setter she was prone to pacing. I had been handling her on a leather slip lead at a couple of shows and all the usual tricks to stop pacing weren’t proving 100% successful. One show I found a gold chain slip lead in the bottom of the bag, and from that day forward she has never paced since (it just cost her owner a new black chain and black leather lead!)

2)     The tail of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Toller). Tollers are expected to hold their tails up when alert. Judges like to see the correct tail carriage when the dogs trot in the ring. By watching this lad in the ring we were able to notice he ran with his tail up, if he was allowed to run out in front slightly. Giving him that extra length of lead and changing the position of the lead has led to a dog that goes round the ring with a lovely tail carriage! (Of course, when he see’s something like ducks, his tail always goes up, but it wasn’t feasible to take ducks to a dog show!)