Tag: show dog

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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.

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Top Tips

Top Tip #37

Top Tip #37
Learn what motivates your dog(s). Each dog is different and will have different motivation such as food, toys or praise. Ensure you know what your dog likes to optimise training.

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Top Tips

Top Tip #36

Top Tip #36
Puppies are not statues, don’t stress when they don’t stand perfectly still. A happy puppy who wants to please and has a pleasant experience is wonderful to see and will only help your dog as it grows up into a mature adult. – Danielle Ingarfill

Thanks Danielle for these words of advise for this top tip!

Categories
Top Tips

Top Tip #34

Top Tip #34
When your in the ring, look and feel proud of your dog. With the positive thinking, a confidence is exuded and a nice natural smile will appear on your face while you look at your dog. Your natural smile and confidence will paint a beautiful happy picture of the partnership.

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
Product recommendations

Product recommendations: The Original Hi K9 Raised dog bed

Product recommendations: The Original Hi K9 Raised dog bed

Over the years I have tried many products for different things with my show dogs. Some have been a huge waste of money, others have just been fantastic which I use time and time again and I want to shout about! Save yourself the time and money of trial and error and find what really works.

This time it’s The Original Hi K9 raised dog bed which is made by The Original Hi-K9
What is it: Raised dog bed
Price: £25 – £65 (depending on size)
Where can it be purchased: Directly from The Original
Where did I purchase it from: The Original at Discover Dogs 2011
Star rating out of 5: ★★★★★
Winning Paws information: Every dog needs special care and deserves the full comfort between walks, feeding, runs, training and showing!

The Original Hi-K9 bed is loved by our dogs and myself! They are easy to clean, deter infestations and doesn’t hold smells.

A fabric top is suspended over a metal frame to create a comfortable place for dogs. The covers are changeable with loads of different colours to choose from so they will always match the furniture in the room!

I personally have the mesh cover which allows easy breathing,  cleaning, no smells and all dirt drops though. In the winter we lay a vet bed on top but in the summer (or when the fire is on!) the dogs choose to use without.

The proof however is in the dog! Giles loves his bed and will happily choose his raised bed over the sofas! (Yippee!) And when any of the other Roanjora dogs come to visit, they soon find the comfort of the bed.

Now over a year old, it still looks like new. It just needs regular hovering underneath but it so light and easy to pick up this isn’t an issue.

To have a bed which supports the weight of the dogs and puts little pressure on the joints while proving to be comfortable and good value for money, what more does a dog need after a long day at a show?

I have recommended these beds to so many people already and everyone is satisfied…. Humans and dogs!

http://www.theoriginaluk.com

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
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
Top Tips

Top Tip #28

Top Tip #28
Remember the show results are not final until the card/rosette is handed to you. Keep showing and presenting your dog to the judge until the card/rosette is in your hand.

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.