Buzz
Participating in dog shows, also known as 'conformation,' is a beloved activity for many dog owners. It provides an opportunity to deepen your bond with your furry companion and showcase their charm to an appreciative audience. However, before your dog can dazzle the crowd, it needs to undergo training for the stage, ideally starting from puppyhood.
Steps to Follow
Training Your Dog for the Show Ring
Master the Gait: Gaiting involves moving your dog in a manner that allows the judge to assess its movement and structure. The ideal gait is usually a trot, with the dog's head held high.
- During a trot, the dog's right front leg and left back leg move forward simultaneously, followed by the left front and right back legs. Trotting is preferred as it best displays the dog's true structure.
- To begin, use treats to entice your dog to walk alongside you without a leash. The dog should remain on your left side.
- Once your dog is comfortable wearing a collar and walking beside you, formal lead training can commence. Attach a show lead to the dog's collar, lift the dog, and carry it a short distance away from your home. Then, set it down and walk back toward your house at a pace that encourages the dog to trot, while holding the other end of the lead. The dog should willingly follow you. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance from home with each repetition.
- If your dog resists the lead, step back and offer treats to encourage it to come toward you.
Train Your Dog to Hand Stack: Hand stacking involves manually positioning each of your dog's legs while standing or kneeling near it. This technique ensures the dog's proper stance, crucial for success in shows.
Teach Your Dog Free Stacking: Free stacking entails training your dog to assume the correct position on command, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. This method utilizes training treats and a clicker for effective training sessions.
Bait Train Your Dog: Bait training focuses on teaching your dog to appear alert and happy while being stacked. It involves redirecting the dog's attention towards you using treats, enhancing its posture during examination.
Acclimate Your Dog to Examination: Prepare your dog to endure physical examinations by judges without discomfort. This process involves gradually introducing your dog to being touched all over its body, including its mouth, replicating the experience of a show examination.
Begin Local Club Shows: Prioritize participating in local club shows before venturing into larger competitions. These smaller events serve as valuable training grounds to assess your dog's readiness for larger-scale competitions.
Prepare Your Dog for Training
Check Your Dog's Eligibility: Before embarking on training, ensure your dog meets the criteria for participation in dog shows, considering factors such as breed purity, age, and registration status with relevant breed clubs.
Attend Dog Shows: Gain insight into the world of dog shows by attending some events, which will help you understand judging criteria and familiarize yourself with the show process and training requirements for your dog.
Choose the Right Lead: Selecting the appropriate lead is crucial for your dog's performance in the ring. Opt for leads like Resco collars, martingale leads, or chain and show leads, depending on your dog's size and breed.
Enroll Your Dog in Ringcraft Classes: Consider enrolling your dog in local ringcraft classes to facilitate its training for shows. These classes aid in socialization, lead training, and provide valuable information about dog shows and handling.
Helpful Tips
- Practice stacking and baiting in front of a mirror whenever possible to observe your dog from the judge's perspective.
- Consider using blocks, boards, or bricks to elevate wiggly dogs a few inches off the ground during stacking practice. This helps them trust your foot placement and feel secure, preventing them from becoming unbalanced.
- Observe various handlers showing their dogs, watch televised dog shows, and attend in-person events to learn about your breed's specific showing techniques and unique characteristics. Pay attention to professionals and their handling techniques across different breeds.
Important Warnings
- Ensure you bring your dog's registration papers, vaccination records, and pedigree papers to the show to avoid participation issues.
- Avoid dragging your dog on the lead, as it can lead to unhappiness and prolong the training process. Training a puppy to trot on a lead may take several weeks.
- Some advise against teaching show dogs to sit, as they may do so in the ring, especially if sitting is practiced more than standing. Reinforcing standing reduces the likelihood of this behavior.
