Categories
Show dog training

Alert on the table

Alert on the table
I’ve always believed that training a table dog is the hardest. You have to get the dog used to, and happy to stand on the floor and on the table.

The table can be a scary place for dogs at a show. The surface could be one of many things from carpet to rubber and any colour. The table could wobble and there is the height where each table at each show will put your dog at a different level to you each time.

Therefore, it’s important you get your table dog used to tables and different surfaces. To do this, make sure you make the table a positive experience such as giving loads of yummy treats just for being on the table, play a game when they get off the table and make sure they are used to being on different surfaces.

This will also help to get ears and tails up in breeds that require these features.

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
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
Top Tips

Top Tip #13

Top Tip #13
Know your dogs faults or bad habits and remember these. Be honest to yourself about the faults.

Also, know the breed standard of the breed you are showing.

Categories
Uncategorized

Welcome! The first blog post

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.