Do you think your dog has the potential to take on a show? If you can imagine him winning, then you can always hire a chaperone to carry him in your name, but the satisfaction and experience of accompanying him to an exhibition yourself makes it worth tackling. However, before your dog is successful, he will need to be trained in order to steal the show.
Steps
Step 1. Enroll your dog in show training school
This way you can teach him the correct behavior. While not strictly necessary, it is highly recommended.
Step 2. Teach your dog how to stay in a "stationary" position, ie to remain erect without moving. Some breeds do it free, with the owner in front of them while the dog watches them while remaining alert. Others, on the other hand, are held in the "hand", ie the legs are placed in position while the person holding it is standing or kneeling next to the animal. Think about which of the two positions you will need and based on the one for training.
- Sometimes, it is better to arrange dogs that are fidgeting on blocks or bricks high above the ground, so that the animal learns to trust in the position you give it and remain in it safely, because if it chooses to move it would lose its balance.
- Never scold him, but be firm. It has to be a positive experience that doesn't scare him.
- The front legs should be straight (or as much as the breed allows) and the shoulders below the shoulder blades. The hind legs should be vertical starting from the hock (for most breeds, except for the German Shepherd which has a different firm stance).
- The paws should be facing forward unless a contraindicated position for the breed.
Step 3. Work on the dog's expression
He must be alert and happy while stationary. Most breeds need to keep their attention on the owner, companion and judge, have their ears raised and their snouts raised. To control the animal you have two ways: the collar and the bait.
- The bait is nothing more than the reward. Most puppies start with the use of the lure, held straight at the head and neck, in the correct position. As soon as the dog gets used to it, try to move her away quickly but get the dog to keep her attention.
- As soon as he gets used to staying focused on the lure, you can use the collar to keep his head still, holding it firmly behind the ears but not too high to avoid over-stretching the area.
Step 4. Practice gait
The gait is for the judge to see the movement and structure of the animal. With a few exceptions, the correct gait is usually the trot.
- The right front and left hind legs move together during the trot. If the dog moves the same paws together, then he is walking. The step is incorrect (except for the English Shepherd) and should be avoided. The trot is correct because it showcases the dog's true structure at its best. Then, depending on the size of the dog, you will need to adjust the pace so that it trots at the correct speed. The best way to do this is to practice. You will need to be in control and the dog on the left.
- First, you need to get the dog's attention. Take a few steps forward before giving him the step. Have him trot in a straight line - about 90-120cm - then turn around and have him come back. When you get back to the starting place, grab his attention and hold him in a stationary position, helping you with the reward in the other hand. This is called "Down and Back", one of the fundamentals on which your dog will be evaluated in the so-called 'ring'. Often when you display it you will be asked to take it back and forth, then take a tour of the ring.
Step 5. Find a place to train in your area
Have the dog participate in group lessons to get him used to being in the ring with others. If there aren't any, look for local shows where there are the same breeds as yours. Most are informal and entertaining shows usually judged by club members or aspiring judges and are for practice.
Step 6. Practice and ask others to judge and examine the dog
They will have to look especially at the teeth and ears, since they are areas where dogs do not like to be touched; also ask them to lift their paws and look at them, then their tail (if your dog has one) and to palpate their testicles if it's a male. These are all things that the dog will have to get used to if he is to become a show champion.
Advice
- If possible, practice catching and baiting in front of a mirror so you can see your dog from the judge's perspective.
- Check the club rules and entry text as well as the regulations to learn what it takes.
- Look at every exhibit you find, even the televised ones. Observe how, specifically, your dog's breed is shown and look for those nuances that make it unique. Watch the pros as they display the animals and learn how they carry their dog.
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For training, do not think you can use an ordinary collar or a leather or nylon leash. You will need to use the appropriate ones or your dog will not be considered in the ring. You will also need to practice with the right tool to help your dog get used to it. There are two types of suitable leashes:
- Martingale, easy to find and loved by dogs. Comfortable and useful because it helps to keep the head straight while the dog shows itself to the judge. It can be nylon or a metal chain, but not a common collar. It is usually used on puppies or small dogs such as dachshunds, although in some larger breeds it is still an option. On puppies, use only the nylon martingale up to 8 months.
- The other commonly used is the exhibition leash chain. It is not as elegant as the martingale but many use it on large breeds such as the boxer and the rottweiler. It helps to keep the dog holding his head up and not running away. The chain is of three colors. Gold, silver and copper. The leash is very short and sold separately. It is found in the same colors as the martingale.
- It is easier to use the martingale with puppies but, if you want, from 8 months you can switch to the chain.
- Some dogs need a little nudge. That's why they need to be trained with bait or a piece of food to encourage them, as well as repeat that they did a good job!
Warnings
- Females in heat can go on display in the appropriate ring but not for the minor categories.
- Make sure your dog is not neutered or spayed because in that case he cannot compete. NOTE: In some countries such as Australia, there is a category reserved for these animals. Events for neutered or spayed dogs are also held in England.
- Even if you think your dog has what it takes to be a champion, don't count on it too much.
- Remember to bring all dog registration documents (for the club), vaccinations and pedigree.
