Tag: handling

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Show dog training

Looking at your dog when moving – running in a straight line!

When showing your dog in either breed classes and handling, two things you need to do at the same time are run in a straight line and watch the dog!

Some handlers are obsessed with looking at their dog the whole time, that they can’t run in a straight line and sometimes miss the ringtape!

Other handlers only look where they are going and do not check the dog and fail to see if their dog is or isn’t moving correctly.

The balance is to watch where you are running, with just a couple of glances to your dog. Try to keep it at a maximum of three glances per straight line!

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Uncategorized

Top Tip #40

Top Tip #40
Remember to always listen to the judge and what they request in handling or breed classes.

Categories
Handling training

Showing Teeth – Video

Showing Teeth – Video

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIMaXzypzME]

Similar blogs
Showing a dogs teeth

 

Categories
Judging

What makes a good judge?

What makes a good judge?
I recently asked on the Winning Paws Facebook page what makes a good judge. After reading some comments about different judges at Crufts (mixture of good and bad), I thought it would make an interesting discussion to see what peoples thoughts are. I also know as an exhibitor myself I will not go under “poor” judges more than once, even if they have done my dogs well.

It seems to  be common that what makes a good judge is one that can (and does) smile in the ring. Something so simple yet noticed by exhibitors. One comment from Elaine Bradley summed it up for me “To have a sense of humour, be pleasant and be able to smile.”

Another is to be kind and gentle and put at ease the dog AND the handler. Especially new or young people in showing like a judge who gives time to explain what they want in a simple way.

I have seen it myself before, judges wander into the ring and think they are the centre of attention. They don’t smile and they think they are above everyone else, even the exhibitors (who without they would have no appointment!)

So to anyone wanting to judge – smile
To anyone who currently judges – smile
And to all those judges who do smile – THANK YOU!

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Top Tips

Top Tip #38

Top Tip #38
Do other activities as well as show training to bond with your dog. Try conditioning exercises or trick training for quick wins.

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Getting started

Marketing

Marketing

Definition of marketing; the action or business of promoting and selling products or services

Marketing is a must in any business to sell products and services and to win in their market.

Over the last few years I have noticed the increase in marketing in dogs to “sell” dogs as being the best (Top Dog, Top Sire, Top Kennel etc). Of course this isn’t new. You just need to look back though the dog papers and annuals from the early 1900’s) to see that adverts have been taken out to “sell” the best dogs to viewers around including fellow exhibitors and judges.

But is it going a step to far for what is a hobby? We now see clothing being worn around shows highlighting details a dogs or Junior Handlers wins rather than just the normal identification of kennel names.

Social media plays a big part too, just like for businesses, it’s a great way to target a large audience and you can often find after shows full adverts highlighting a dogs win, rather than just the post and a picture.

But is it correct? Should a hobby be full of adverts which could influence results for future shows? Or is it just a way of sharing and celebrating success with friends all around the world?

Most judges aren’t influenced by adverts so therefore I believe that the marketing of show dogs must be more to share success with friends.

I just hope this doesn’t go any further and once again be only for the rich who can afford to keep up with the latest trends, leaving the rest behind.

Categories
Handling training

Showing a dogs teeth in handling

Showing a dogs teeth in handling
In handling classes you will be asked to show the judge your dogs teeth.

The judge will access you on how well you show the teeth. To do this, show all three sides of the mouth clearly (two sides and the front). The order is not important (although some judges may think so) but either ‘side, side, front’ or ‘side, front, side’ appear to be the most common. The most important thing is how fluent you show them and how clear they are shown to the judge.

Be careful not to cover the dog’s nose or poke them in the eye with a finger when showing the teeth as this will invariably cause the dog to back away and will look messy.

Also, remember t think about where the judge is, especially how tall they are, and move your dogs head accordingly. It’s important when practicing with your dog to get them used to tilting their head up at different angles and also turning your dogs head with you show the sides.

Also remember that the judge wants to see the dogs teeth, not your head or hair, (a good reason for tying long hair back). If you can see your dogs teeth, the likelihood is, the judge can’t!

If the judge asks for the ‘bite’ this is when they want to just see the front teeth.  If you are ever unsure about what the judge wants then do ask them to clarify it  for you.

One last note; remember, a dog has 42 teeth!

Categories
Getting started Show dog training

Space Perception – the science behind showing

Space Perception – the science behind showing

Handling a dog isn’t all glamour, there is some science behind it which I will try and explain one at a time.

“Spatial Perception is the ability to evaluate how things are arranged in space, and investigate their relations in the environment. Good spatial perception allows us to grasp the arrangement of our surroundings and our relationship to them. It keeps us from constantly colliding with the objects around us.”

Now, before you think I’m crazy, think about it. In a ring (normally square) there will be many things placed around the ring to be aware of including tables, other exhibitors and dogs, ringtape, stakes, and even flower arrangements, poles, spectators legs or drain covers.

It is important as a handler, you can quickly evaluate the space before moving, to miss any hazards which may hinder your dogs performance.

I have in the past seen many people run into tables, poles or other exhibitors for not looking where they are going, don’t let it be you! Stop, look and think where you can and can’t run in the ring!

Categories
Handling training Judging

Using mats

Using mats
Lots of open shows are still held in sports halls which have slippery surfaces. The society will supply matting to stop dogs slipping, so why do judges want and expect handlers to move their dog off the mat?

For the safety of your dog, please, always use the mats available where possible and if, for any reason, you don’t use the mats, please be careful with your dog that they don’t slip.

To judges: Please consider handlers and their dogs when judging and consider the mats your have in your ring. Do not expect handlers to put their dogs at risk and although smallr dogs may be ok, a fast moving dog may not be.

Categories
Getting started

Respect and Manners

Respect & Manners to the judge and other exhibitors
Keep making eye contact with the judge but be careful not to stare them down. Remember you are there to show your dog off to the judge, be polite and always present the dog for the judge to see. For example, stand the dog where the judge wants them stood and get out the way of the judge by stepping aside if needed.

When doing circuits and if you are first in line, ask the handler behind you if they are ready to go and check the other handlers look ready before setting off. Also be courteous to other exhibit by not letting your dog wander towards the centre of the ring and keep your dog calm not jumping around in the line.

Don’t forget to always thank the judge and congratulate the winners of your class.