Dog Shows: Tail Wagging Good Time for All
Our lives would not be complete without dogs and there’s no doubt that dogs are the best companions for humans. Dogs play an important role in our lives and are able to perform specific tasks when they have been properly trained. We therefore have dogs that serve a variety of functions, such as guide dogs, cadaver dogs, and dogs detecting explosives and narcotics.
When you have a four legged “good boy” or a “good girl” who’s also good looking, you think he/she has what it takes to compete in a dog show. Showing dogs, or “conformation,” is a popular and enjoyable activity among dog owners. It gives you a chance to build a stronger bond with your dog, and also to show off your canine friend to an adoring public.
You must first train your dog for the stage in order for him/her to ‘steal the show’. It will be easier if you start while your dog is a puppy. You may get your dog used to the “show noise” and “busy atmosphere” by training and socializing them to be comfortable in certain circumstances and environments. There are various things you can do when working with your dog to help them perform well and determine if your pup is ready to enter the ring.
But how do you even start? Read on if you want to enter your dog in a show and take home a prestigious award. In this article, dog trainers associated with Sirwiss reveal their secrets for producing a show-stopping canine.
Getting Started for Dog Shows
1. Attend a Show in Person
The significance of learning about what goes on at a conformation event cannot be overstated. Learn more about what goes on in the show ring and feel the excitement and camaraderie shared by the audience and the competitors (also known as “exhibitors”) by going to a couple of conformation events. If you’re considering hiring a professional (“handler”) or showing your dog on your own, this is something to think about.
2. Make Sure Your Dog Is Eligible to Participate
Make sure your dog is illegible to compete in dog shows before you put in a lot of time and energy training him or her.
- Only purebred dogs over six months old that are not spayed or neutered may take part in Kennel Club (KC) shows. That’s because the purpose of these events is to judge whether your dog is good breeding stock.
- Your dog must also be registered as a purebred with the appropriate breed club and conform to all breed guidelines. If you got your dog from a breeder, they probably gave you the certification paperwork showing your dog is registered. If not, you’ll need to contact the appropriate breed club. The KC may have an online directory you can use to contact the club.
- If your dog is spayed or neutered, there are other events you can take part in. For the “altered” class, there are separate shows that allow these dogs to compete.
- If your dog is not a purebred, it can compete in shows organized by mixed breed dog clubs.
3. Join an KC Club Near You
We recommend that newcomers get associated with the KC Club in their local area. Along with access to helpful materials and instructional opportunities, joining a group is a great way to meet new people who share your passions and are eager to help.
4. Get the Right Lead
Before entering the ring, your dog must be on a suitable leash, also called a “lead.” As soon as you have one, your dog can start getting used to sitting on it. You can find one of these things in a pet store or on the internet:
- For small dogs, you can use a Resco “all in one” style collar with lead. The Resco is a loop with a slider to keep it snug around the dog’s neck.
- For a medium sized dog, you can use a martingale lead. These leads are close enough to keep your dog’s head from slipping out, but don’t tighten around a dog’s neck like a choke-chain. They also help to train your dog to keep its head held up high while showing judges their gait, and while stacking.
- The other commonly used lead is the chain and show lead. This is not as elegant as the martingale, but many handlers use them for larger, boxer breeds such as the Rottweiler. These also help your dog to keep its head held high, and to not run away in the ring.
5. Take Handling Classes
Even if you have previously shown a dog, you should consider enrolling in handling classes. This will help your dog become accustomed to being handled, evaluated, and working alongside other canines. An instructor will be able to evaluate your handling and your dog’s movement to determine if you are both ready to compete. Classes are also an opportunity to develop a rapport with an experienced dog trainer or handler. They can assess your dog’s requirements and readiness, as well as create a customized training program for you.
6. Try a Beginner Conformation Course
Beginner Conformation Courses are an excellent method to become acquainted with all aspects of Conformation. These courses are an excellent way to prepare you and your dog for your first Conformation show, and they will teach you what to watch out for when preparing and entering the ring. Typically, these Conformation courses are hosted by local KC clubs. You can also consider enrolling in courses offered by the KC canine colleges, which offer courses for breeders, trainers, judges, groomers, and dog caretakers.
7. Train in Public Places
Train your dog in unfamiliar public areas that are pet-friendly. This will teach your dog to focus on you in the presence of distractions such as people and other animals, as well as to walk on different surfaces. Before beginning to compete in dog shows, your companion will need to master these skills.
8. Training your Dog for Show
- Practice Gaiting. Gaiting is moving your dog in a way that allows the judge to see their movement and structure. The correct gait is usually a trot, with the dogs’ head up.
- Teach Your Dog to “Hand Stack.” To succeed, all dogs must learn to “stack,” or stand squarely and still. In hand stacking, you manually place each leg in position while standing or kneeling close to the dog.
- Teach Your Dog to “Free Stack.” Free stacking is when your dog assumes the proper position on command, rather than with manual adjustment. This is most easily done with some training treats and clickers.
- Bait Trains Your Dog. You want your dog to also look alert and happy when stacked. Most breeds should have their attention on the handler and the judge, and have their ears perked and their eyes on you.
- Teach the Dog Tolerate Examination. In a dog show, judges will physically examine a dog, touching its body and mouth. A successful show dog will need to tolerate this without complaint.
9. Enter a Match Show
Test the readiness of your dog for a dog show by entering them in a match show. Matches are unstructured, dog-show-style practices. They allow canines and their handlers to experience what it will be like to compete in the ring by simulating the environment and setup of a Conformation show.
10. What to Do if Your Dog Gets Nervous
Give your dog time to calm down if it becomes anxious or overwhelmed at dog shows or similar environments. Taking them for a short walk outside may help. Some canines perform best when they are kept out of the ring and allowed to rest, whereas others perform better when they are allowed to observe the show, stroll around, and take in the sights. Determine the best course of action for your companion and adopt it. As long as you don’t interfere with competing dogs and handlers or prepare yourself to enter the arena, this can help your dog become accustomed to the environment.
Dog shows are noisy, overcrowded, and potentially overstimulating environments. Ensure that, when exercising your dog, he stays close to you. Keep your dog on a short, six-foot leash at all times, unless you are participating in a sport that includes an off-leash component. While at the show, your dog should not approach other dogs or persons unless specifically invited to do so. And remember to give others space when waiting to enter the ring, grooming your dog, or strolling them.
Your dog may not be ready for a Conformation show if you notice that they become very anxious or preoccupied while around other dogs in public. And that’s fine, too! You can still make progress toward your shared ambition of competing. Taking more and more handling classes is an excellent way to prepare for shows. Think about enrolling in a basic obedience course or giving a new sport a try. You and your dog can improve your communication and teamwork abilities, learn new tricks, and build self-assurance via participation in these dog sports.