Tag: suits

Categories
Getting started

What to take to a show?

What to take to a show?
So what do you all pack for a show? Below are the top 10 general things to take and then top 10 things that make up the show bag.

What to put in the car
1)      Dog(s)
2)      Dog Water
3)      Water Bowel
4)      Your Water/drinks
5)      Your food
6)      Spare dog towels
7)      Rain coat (you and dogs!) or a cool coat for hot days!
8)      Show bag
9)      Spare dog lead
10)   Dog cage and cage plate for ring number (if used)

What’s in the show bag
1)      Show leads
2)      Poo bags
3)      Slobber  towel
4)      Arm band/ringclip
5)      Brushes/combs
6)      Bait/reward (could be a toy)
7)      Dry shampoo
8)      Towel
9)      Small or collapsible water bowel
10)    Benching chain

Leave a comment if you can think of anything else that you consider important to take to a show!

Categories
Uncategorized

Dress Code

I’ve been having a dig around some old documents written for our Junior Handlers at Stevenage Ringcraft by myself and my Dad (Ray McDonald). I thought I would start sharing them on this blog, no point them just staying on my hard-drive! So here’s for the first one I thought I would share. I think this was written by Ray McDonald and a few inputs from me!

Dress Code
It is well known that handlers dress smartly. There is no need to dress over the top with a dinner dress/suit but at the same time jeans and t-shirt are just too scruffy.  In all breeds the dog is presented well with most breeds being bathed and trimmed before a show and having a good brush at the show to make them presentable, so why not make yourselves presentable as well.

Also remember while looking for a suit, the colour of the dog you are showing.  A black dog gets lost against a black suit. So is not the best colour. Try and find a colour that will compliment your dog to its best, dark dogs stand out against light colours and visa versa.

Don’t forget, you don’t have to be in these clothes all day, take them with you and get changed at the show before and after you go in the ring (highly recommend for the young ones who want to play in the mud while not showing or the dry clean only suit.).

For girls:
Skirt or trouser suit or Jacket and trousers/skirt
Blouse or t-shirt
Long hair tied back in your choice. Make sure it stays out of your eyes.
Sensible flat shoes that are comfortable for running in and have grip.
The Mature ladies may want to think about investing in a comfy sports bra.

Do Not wear trainers, high heels (try running in stilettos on grass!)
Do Not wear short or long skirts.  Knee length gives you room to move and long enough to be sensible. Long flowing skirts will flap into your dog.
Do Not wear lots of dangly jewellery.

Boys:
Suit
Shirt
Tie
Trousers and shirt are ideal for the warmer weather
Waistcoat
Sensible flat shoes with grip
Long hair tied back

Do Not wear trainers
Do Not wear jeans
Do Not wear shorts

If you really want you may wear a skirt!

Categories
Getting started

What are your options when you don’t have pockets?

What are your options when you don’t have pockets?
You have found the near perfect outfit, but the one issue is the pockets or there lack of. There are many options that you can go with.

My personal favourite is a small leather pouch that has 1-3 pockets depending on size and comes in black, brown or beige. They are on a piece of string so you can use them as a shoulder bag, or in my preference, round the waist. They are called Nappa bags and can be purchased from most Championship shows.

Bumbags are common and come in  a variety of materials, shapes and sizes. Have a look around websites and shows to find one that suits you.


The treat bag can clip onto your belt and can be left open or shut tight by a pull string. Personally I find this more  ideal for training than in the ring as they flap around when you run.

My favourite training treat bag is the Karen Pryor Treat bag, It has a snap shut mechnisem which means you can open or close it with one hand, and it will stay closed or open. Other manufacturers have also now copied this design and all very similar. They have a front pocket, ideal of keeping a small toy, target stick and clicker too!

There are also other ideal places to keep different items. Below are a few examples.

  • Place your dog’s comb in your hair
  • Toys in bras (done more often than you might think!)
  • Brushes in waist bands
  • Treats in armbands
Categories
Getting started

What to wear to a dog show

What should you wear to a show?
This is something that often comes up in discussions, what should you be wearing in the ring, what colours are best etc.
So, here’s a list of guidelines to think about when choosing your showing outfit;
1)      Comfort – You will spend a lot of time standing up so comfortable shoes and clothes that YOU feel comfortable in are a must.
2)      Suitability for the weather – Good old British weather will never let us down and will give us a variety of weather, possibly in one day! So make sure you have something suitable for the hot, cold or wet!
3)      Colour – you want the colour to compliment your dog. A black dog will get lost in black clothes. So choose something that makes your dog stand out from you.
4)      Where to put the bait/toy/bags – Think about does your outfit have pockets or do you need a bait bag?
But what is acceptable and what isn’t?
Today I was at a show in freezing conditions. The show is half inside for small dogs and half outside for the big dogs. Knowing the temperatures and show I opted for many layers including thermal leggings and tops, nice thick 3 in 1 coat and my lovely thermal boots, designed for use in ice and snow! Was a smart today? No! But it followed my guidelines above!
Generally Champ shows are seen as smarter than open shows, and of course Crufts is the occasion many people will buy a new outfit for.
So, for smartness a suit, one that compliments your dog in colour and is comfortable to move your dog in. A smart pair of jeans with a jacket can look just as good and many people will feel more comfortable in this then they might a full suit. Others might prefer a pair of trousers with a smart blouse/shirt. This is where comfort really is important, not just how it feels, but how you feel in your outfit.
Another idea that many people go by when in the ring is wearing something that stands out from the other exhibits. Something the judge may remember to go “I really liked the dog whose handler had a bright pink jacket on.” However, these days you see lots of bright colour jackets/suits around the ring. The fashion is now turning to Swarovski Crystal to help handlers ‘sparkle’ in the ring.
Remember, you spend plenty of time getting your dog ready, spend a bit of time on yourself too!
So here’s me on a cold day, dressed for the cold weather;
So here’s me on a cold day, dressed for the cold weather
And here I am smart as can be (It was Giles’ first champ show)
And here I am smart as can be (It was Giles’ first champ show)
I will finish this blog with a list of what not to wear;
1)      High heels
2)      Low cut tops (think about what will happen if you bend over!)
3)      Very short skirts (men too!)
4)      Dangly jewellery
5)      Anything see though

Thank you to Ray McDonald Photography for use of the photo’s