Tag: movement

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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!

Categories
Getting started

Winning Paws Ringcraft (Stotfold)

Winning Paws Ringcraft (Stotfold)
I’ve just got in from the first Winning Paws Ringcraft, held at the Roecroft Centre in Stotfold, Bedfordshire.

I (Roxanne) and my friend Jane Ashwell-Carter have taken on the slot of Roecroft Ringcraft after it faced closure. Both of us wanted to keep this local, friendly ringcraft going and it has been in my mind for ages to set up a ringcraft class and with Jane this will be a great partnership and with the help of her son Michael.

Our first night I can only claim as a success. We are so pleased with the amount of support that turned up for our first night and hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Although we weren’t expecting the amount that turned up and didn’t plan for it, we think it went well. Don’t think every session will be the same, we will try and do different things each time to get the dogs used to different things.

I just want to share some lovely comments we have received already on our opening night from Facebook;

“Thank you both for a most enjoyable evening, thank Michael for helping look after my dogs and look forward to the next one. Good company, good training and nice cuppa and cake.”

“Viva sleeping soundly after her first session. Many thanks ladies, see you in two weeks.”

“I am looking forward to the next one! Excellent environment for my pup to be in and chatted to some lovely people and not forgetting the first class training too! So pleased with Bo this evening. Thank you.”

Editor note: Due to time commitments of both Roxanne and Jane, the ringcraft in Stotfold has now closed. This was a hard decision, and we both miss the club.

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 Show dog training

Clever dogs, bad fault

Clever dogs, bad fault
A common problem I often see at ringcraft is dogs who start predicting the next movement. They may turn too soon on the triangle or turn and stop to present to the judge.

Try mixing up the training by changing orders of patterns, do different patterns and stop at different points.

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #29

Top Tip #29
Keep all training sessions short and sweet with your dog, especially puppies. Always use positive training methods and end each session on a good note!

Categories
Getting started

Knowledge of Dogs

Knowledge of Dogs
In handling classes you may be asked questions on dog anatomy or breed- specific questions about the breed you are showing or about other breeds and groups. Therefore it is important to know and understand dog anatomy and know the history of the breed you are handling and roughly know the breed standard and characteristics.

If you are handling dogs in the breed ring, understanding the dog anatomy, construction and the breed standard will allow you to ‘judge’ the dog you have in the ring and understand it’s streghts and weaknesses. Once you know what these are you can try and hide the faults where possible to make the dog look better.

Categories
Getting started Handling training Show dog training

Shorten that lead….

Shorten that lead….
If I had a pound for every time I told a handler to shorten their lead….

If you are having problems with your dogs movement, try shortening the lead. This doesn’t mean tightening the lead.

The shorter lead will give you so much more control and most handlers find the new lead length and arm position gives them more control and is more comfortable.

Give it a go and let me know how it goes.

Categories
Handling training Show dog training

Winning Paws First Junior Handling Training Day

Winning Paws First Junior Handling Training session
Yesterday (Saturday, 18 August) was the first handling session I organised under the Winning Paws name. Having been a Junior Handler myself, I wanted to offer the chance for the juniors to attend a training session. I was so pleased I was able to offer this session for free and I enjoyed myself and learnt something, I hope the attendee’s did too. Numbers were kept to a minimum but allowed the handlers to train with a different group of people.

The weather was hot and this meant keeping the dogs in the shade and lots of breaks back inside where it was slightly cooler to allow dogs and handlers to have drinks and a rest. Lots of mini Q&A sessions did lead to some interesting discussions with parents getting involved too.

Well done to those who attended. You all listened well and wish you all the best for your future handling classes.

What’s planned next?
I plan to run some more training sessions in the future and already have a waiting list. If you would be interested in being the first to know about any future training sessions, please get in contact via the website and as soon as any events are planned, I will let you know before posting on the website events page and Facebook.

Future sessions will include;

  • Junior Handling
  • Adult Handling
  • Breed Showing (getting the most from your dog for the show ring)
  • Different Breeds (A variety of different breeds available for handlers to practice with to acknowledge and respect different styles of handling required to suit different breeds)
  • Many more…

Don’t forget, I’m also available for group bookings for pre-existing ringcrafts or groups. Contact me for more details and costs.

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #21

Top Tip #21
Attend a breed specific judging seminar for your breed, even if you don’t want to judge.

You don’t need to take the exam, just attend to learn more about your breed.

This knowledge is good if you are showing to help you understand your dogs faults. It will improve your handling as a result!

Another good seminar is the Kennel Club conformation and movement. Again to give you the understanding of what makes a good show dog.

You can find more information on these though breed clubs, dog papers and the Kennel Club website.

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.