Tag: ringcraft

Categories
Show dog training

“Good Boy”

“Good Boy”
Well ok, firstly to be politically correct I should say “boy or girl”!!!!!

When training your dog it is so important to praise for the behaviour that you want, so the dog is willing to offer that correct behaviour again, and again.

One of the fundamental mistakes I see in show training is wanting the dog to “stand still be gone over move in triangle and up & down then stand again then move to the end of the line” before they get any praise.

Please never do this until your dog can do all of the above perfectly!

You should break your training down to separate activities and only start putting them together once they are mastered. This will make sure you always praise for each behaviour.

Trust me, the results are quicker!!!!

Categories
Handling training Show dog training

The up and down together

The up and down together
The up and down together is used in the breed ring when a judge would like to compare two dog’s rear and front movement together.  In handling it shows control of the handlers and can compare two handler’s straight lines and presentation.  Sometimes a judge will want the up and down once or twice, some will stay put and some will move to one side (this is where it gets complicated).

The idea is that the two dogs are kept together at all times and to achieve this one handler will start their dog on the right side and the other handler will start their dog on the left side and at the top, if the judge hasn’t moved, both handlers should do an inward turn so the dogs are still moving together.

If the judge moves to one side, the handler furthest away from the judge goes back first and the other handler follows behind.  Then, stopping one behind the other they both would turn and follow each other the other way back to present in front of the judge.

Move the dogs at the correct speed.  If one is slower than the other then wait for them at the turn.

Before you set off on the up and down ask the handler you are running with if they are ready.  You don’t want to go trotting off to find the other handler hasn’t yet got their lead sorted.

Once the movement is finished dogs should be stood parallel to the judge with the gap directly opposite the judge’s feet.  Both dogs should be back to back or facing the same direction.  Never have the dogs facing each other (eyeballing) as if they are two male dogs then this could cause trouble.

Sometimes you may find that you come up against a handler who doesn’t know this exercise very well and they get confused.  If they do get confused then politely tell/guide them where to go on the turns.  This shows the judge that you understand what is meant to happen and is better than having someone else ruin your chances of winning.

This can also be a great training tool to use in training to get control from your dog and get them to ignore other dogs. Even if you never need to do this exercise in the ring, training it will help teach your dog to ignore other dogs running close by in another ring.

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
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 Handling training Show dog training

Learning curve

Learning curve
You will never stop learning when it comes to showing dogs (or anything else!) but is there such a thing as learning too much? I don’t think so.

Talking about purely show ring training/ handling, you can never learn too much. Try to go on as many workshops as you can with different trainers. Each trainer will have different handling and training styles and each day your dog may perform differently, as well as many other factors.

Be careful though as you may get conflicting advise. This is where you need to use these different styles to find the one that best suits you and your dog and to develop your own style of showing.

If you find a trainer you like and enjoy their sessions, go on the same one a year or two later. You might pick up on something you missed previously.

Enjoy the training sessions as use them to your advantage.

Happy training!

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
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
Getting started Show dog training

How do I get my dogs attention?

How do I get my dogs attention?
It’s a common question. Normally starts with “…at home they always respond, but they are too distracted at a show…”

Think about it, at home it’s just you and your dog and you have the treats, therefore, you are the person of highest value.

At a show, there are smells, other dogs, other people, other treats. The list goes on and it’s no wonder some dogs loose interest in their owner/handler.

Quite often you see this and there is the lacking bond between dog and owner/handler and where the dog lacks willingness to please it’s owner..

What can you do?
Short term, you need to be the most high value person/thing on the showground.  Using high value toys and treats will help.
Long term is more training. Get you and your dog on a one to one basis out to as many distracting areas and do some training. Not always show training, but tricks, basic obedience and have games. Ringcrafts can be great for also practice working on their attention while doing show ring training, likewise any training class you and your dog will enjoy together where there are many other distractions.

Case study
When Giles was younger he would easily get bored in the show ring if he was in a big class. As a pup he was used to classes of 2-3 and was always beaten by his sister, so never got a group experience either. So, when we came into bigger classes, his attention span would go. Standing around was boring!!!

My answer was simply to keep his attention. He loves to please, he loves his tricks too. In the ring I would ask for some quite and calm behaviors which he knew. His interest was back to me. A cuddle or two never went amiss either. This keeps his attention on me and by the time it’s his turn, well it’s just another behaviour I’m asking of him and he does it with a smile.

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #15

Top Tip #15
Keep your dogs and your own movement fluid. Don’t stop on corners but round them off to keep your dog moving.

Also, spend the time to teach your dog the turns and don’t touch their face to direct them.

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #10

Top Tip #10
Companion shows are a great place to get practice for new puppies before their first show, or for dogs that may need to gain confidence. The large class sizes, lots of dogs in all shapes and sizes and a relaxed atmosphere can do wonders.

They are also great days out for chatting to local dog friends, especially if you go to Ringcraft in the area!