Train your Dog Shows

 

The dogs are entered in to a competition by their trainers or handlers and these are popularly known as “Dog Shows” wherein there is elimination at certain rounds after they fail to meet the standard required per round. Just like most contests, the final round determines which dog is worthy to be declared as the winner. The highest award that could be given to a participant is often a title called “Best in Show”.

Why the need for dog shows? Since dogs are man’s best friend, we value their aesthetic merit and human as we are, appreciate the beauty of our dogs. These factors gave rise to a show being put together to showcase the talents and beauty of our beloved pets.

The goal of these shows is to steal the audience. It is not an assurance that more expensive dogs often times win the competition. Any dog owner could enter their dog as long they meet the standards required in the competition.

Upon entering the competition, dogs are classified according to breeds. Those having similar traits, physical appearance and characteristics are grouped. They could either be Large, Small and Fancy .Likewise, age is also a basis for classifying dogs. They could be classified as puppy or adult. This is very vital since puppies have not yet met the ideal standard set often times the basis of which those for adults. This does not mean puppies could no longer join.

Just like any shows, it begins with the breed specific competition. Dogs under the same breed compete with each other at different levels of judging. Unique to each breed is their breeding standard which will be used to judge them. Now bear in mind that the criteria used for large breeds will not be applicable to fancy breeds thus the need for breed specific judging prior. 

When facing judgement, the dogs must meet the standards looked for in their breed. These standards include ideal breed size and ideal breed personality. Sometimes, dogs are eliminated for being too unruly and disobedient in the show proper. Thus they must pass both the ideal standard and specification for each breed lest they be eliminated from the competition. 

Often times, dog show ribbons increases the value and worth of the offspring sired by champion dogs or born from champion mothers. This is most commonly reason why some pet owners enter their pets with the hope of winning that much coveted “Best in Show”.

I’m a beginner, now what?

Taking part in a dog show is no easy task. This requires careful planning and study. The moment you decide to be part of the dog show, your choice of breed and breeder already determines how you will fare in the future. Ask the breeder all the questions you could think of before deciding on that breed. Read as much as you can on the topic and search for more informative materials. 

As you prepare, it’s advisable to visit the shows, especially the ones which caters to your chosen breed, for you to be familiar with the different things happening during the show proper. This could help increase your knowledge with the breed selected. Be a keen observer. Observe how the dogs were handled, how the handlers carry themselves and the atmosphere inside the ring. Very important as well is to observer how the judges do the judging. This will help when you train your dog.

The moment you made your choice, the show training starts as well. As the time passes, your puppy will try to adjust with you and the new surroundings. It will be naughty and this is a good time to start bonding with it and start making it obedient. Try not to use force or any harmful methods as this traumatize your puppy. Give it time to fully learn what you are teaching. Try to make it friendly and comfortable with other people. This will help in the future during the show. 

When it is a few weeks old, start training it for the show as this help him develop confidence as time progresses. One tricky thing is making it comfortable standing. Judges will want dogs standing still as they examine it. Try putting your right on its belly and the left hand on its chin. This will do the trick. 

Reward the dog. For every correct move, command obeyed, praise your pet. Some people give rewards but this is not always recommended as this will not be useful when food runs out. A simple voice trick is the key. Dogs respond to voice and our actions. Showing them how happy we are always has positive results. 

Maintain good grooming. Learn from the experts. A well groomed dog is always favoured in the show. See to it that it well maintained and well groomed. His coat must be shiny, soft and smooth. Know how to play the coat of your dog to your advantage. 

Lastly, discipline.  Discipline for dogs is very important for them to know what needs to be done. If it is time for work then they have to work and if it’s playtime they can play all they want. So, they can be playful and funny when with you but is careful enough not to fight and mess around with other dogs in the area.

Training your Dogs

Every dog owner would want their dogs to steal the audience during a show. But before it could happily trot to victory, it needs to be trained for the stage seal the success. Pretty much, people get handlers to train their dogs for them but as pet owners we could also train our dogs. After all, we already have that bond with them.

Training them is fairly simple as long as you have the determination and patience to do so. Trained dogs are not made overnight, they are product of practice and time. A simplified training procedure yet productive if properly done is extremely helpful for beginners and starters.

• Local ring craft class.
  •  A ring craft class will be a big help in training your dog for a show. Although this is not necessary this is highly recommended as this is where often times trainers help dogs help for the show.
• Stack or to stand squarely and still
  • Breeds could either be “free stacked” (handler standing in front while dog stands alert and still) or “hand stacked” (each leg placed manually in position while handler stands or kneels). Choose one that best fits your dog and be consistent in training. Judges consider how your dog stands. The dog has to stay in position for at least 2-3 minutes at a time or as prescribed by the judges. Dogs must feel accustomed to strangers touching them. 
• Gaiting
  • Practice your dog to move in a way their movements and structure could be seen by the judge. This is often times called gaiting. Trotting is the correct pace since it shows the dog’s real structure the best. Adjust the pace of your dog according to its size. They will take time to adjust to correct speed and direction but practice is the key.
• Expression
  • We all want our dog to look happy, alert and beautiful when stacked. Almost all breeds must have their attention caught by the handler and likewise focus on the judge. The lead/collar and the bait are the tricks to do this. Collar keeps the dog still while the bait quickly gets its attention.
• Practice Group
  • On the day of the contest, dogs not familiar with other dogs and people will be a major problem not only for the owner but also for everyone present in the area. Find a practice class or have fun matches for that matter. They are great for aspiring judges and practice for your dog.

• Go over
  • Physical appearance of your dogs, its ears, teeth, feet and tail, are often times examined. It will be asked to pick up its feet, lift its tail and its testicles will be felt. The dogs must get used to this as this will be done during the show. He must be used to strangers touching him.

Taking Care of Your Show dog

• There are two factors to consider, when it comes to taking care of our show dogs and that is health and nutrition. Show dogs are not just dogs, they 1st and foremost your pets and part of your family. Even after the shows, they are still your pets and your best buds. Some dogs consider their pet owners as family and will do anything for them. Just don’t abuse this kind of bond.
• They are pretty much all about in routine in nature meaning that they day to day is, if possible, must not be outside their known routine. Sticking to a certain routine will develop your dog’s good habit and thus making it easier to train and discipline them. 
• See to it that when you feed them, the time should be constant and uniform. It should be noted that after eating, he must be sent to the potty to ensure bowel movements as this is very essential during the shows and while on travel. 
• Every pet owner wants to have a clean coat pet, thus the liberty to bathe the dogs when dirty. But this is not the case for show dogs. They do not have the coats that could be cleaned anytime. Attention must be given whenever there coat is dirty. A good scrub for an ordinary pet is great but not so for any show dog. Certain breeds must meet with the standards set by the show or judges.
• Exercise with your dog. Their muscles and feet may need exercise especially if they are competing for a show. Let your dogs run and trot all they want each day to flex and stretch to those muscles. Just be careful of where they are as they tend to be very curious. We don’t want our show dogs injured.
• Diet is vital as this will determine the over-all health condition of the dog. Always follow what is recommended for them unless otherwise you are an expert on that field. Show dogs need nutritious food just as much as an ordinary pet. Just be sure that it is not overweight or fat.
• Proper nutrition without proper health is useless. This is a great responsibility for the dog owner. Be sure that it is properly vaccinated and a constant visit to the veterinarian is a must. Treat the dogs for ticks and lice as well. There is no better show dog than a healthy one.

Feeding Your Dog

 

If you think that only people are particular with their food, dogs are too! Animal nutritionists devote their time and effort in making the best dog food for our beloved pooch. We cannot just feed show dogs any food we deem edible by them. They require nutritional and quality food. And remember, some show dogs may not be allowed to eat certain food as this will affect their coat. Reading on what food is best for them is highly recommended but if you don’t like reading, you could always consult your vet. 

Remember however those most commercial dog foods are made from materials unusable or less desirable for human consumption. These may include:

• Meat by-products or digests
• Meat-and-bone meals
• Grain by-products
• Restaurant grease

Less expensive foods generally include less meat, and more meat by-products and grain “fillers”. The most expensive dog’s foods may be made of ingredients suitable for human consumption, organic products or free-range meats. Allergic skin disease, obesity, food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ear infections, cystitis (bladder inflammation), bladder and kidney stones, certain heart diseases, pancreatitis, feline hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia, canine mammary cancer, bloat, and diabetes all have nutritional components – that is, nutritional factors are suspected or known to play a role in inducing or perpetuating these diseases. We must then pay close attention to what we are feeding our animals and how they are reacting to the food.

Take time to visit your local veterinarian when feeding show dogs. They always know and will recommend what food to give your dog and other useful tips for your dogs. Dogs must be in excellent health when they come to the show ring. Their coat and expression will tell a lot if they are not properly fed. 

Nowadays, we have so many choices when it comes to food. Just make sure that the food we select for them will cater to their needs. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and other dog owners about feeding dogs. 

Types of Dog Show

Dog shows vary from each other. Some are held indoor, at an arena or a field and some at small and confined spaces. The location depends upon the nature of the show since large dog breeds requires bigger spaces as compared to smaller ones. So, if one wishes to enter their dogs at a certain show, it is better to know first what shows there are and their nature.

Choosing a show is very important if we want to win. One cannot enter their pet at just any dog shows and win immediately. Just like when choosing what dog to own and love, careful selection must be done. It is advisable to read the books or some articles pertaining to the nature of the show selected. Also, it does not hurt to call and ask the organizer of the show as to what is the nature of their show, what are the prizes, breeds that could join (some shows cater to certain breeds only) and the venue.

So, what are the most common types of shows? 

• Test and Trials
  • Certain dog breeds are in nature sporty. How so? Breeds like German shepherd and Doberman are high jumpers, agile and fast runners. Golden Retrievers and Labradors are known for their love of discs and jumping. Terriers are known for their obedience. Whatever their training or instincts are, they are judge as to how they are able to deliver what is required from them. This show allows the both the dogs and spectators to enjoy the activity. Regardless of how they were trained, the dogs and their trainers must prove to the spectators its obedience and what it can do. Also, one can see dogs in action. Most common examples of these shows include dog sports and earth dog trials.
• Fun Shows
  • Dog shows likewise could be used as fundraisers. If some people opt for dinner as fundraisers, some choose dog shows. Charities organize dog shows as they are appealing to young and old alike. Unique are their awards since the give prizes to things often time overlooked in some shows. Their awards include most obedient dog, smallest dog, youngest dog, look-alike and best in costumes. Sometimes they cater to young audiences than adults.
• Conformation Shows
  • In this shows, we see champion breeds and experts on specific breeds. Purebreds are the most common entries and they carefully judged by experts. Often times judging is done individually giving importance to the conformity of the dog the breed standard. Both handler and dogs undergo judging during the show and appearance especially accurate dog grooming is demanded.

Dog Show Categories

As quoted in the American Kennel Club, it is vital to know what the club’s standards are. 

“Only the Best of Breed winners advance to compete in the Group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications. The seven groups are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place winner advances to the Best in Show competition. 

The Seven Groups in All-Breed Shows 

1. Sporting

These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels. 

1. Hounds

These breeds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds. 

1. Working

These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard. 

1. Terrier

This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats. 

1. Toy

These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug. 

1. Non-Sporting

This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.