If you own a purebred puppy with a good pedigree and good looks, your Pet should definitely participate in dog shows! It is a rewarding activity for both dog and owner. Training dogs for the exhibition not only strengthens the bond between the owner and the dog, forms obedience skills, but also corrects behavior. The fact is that dogs are very good at sensing their owner’s mood. If the owner is proud of his Pet and praises him, the Pet’s self-confidence will increase. The dog will be happy and will try to please the owner as often as possible.

How to prepare for a dog show

A dog show is like a beauty pageant that showcases the best representatives of different breeds. Breeders, pet owners, cynologists, dog breeders from different regions and countries of the world come to see the show. The purpose of any exhibition is to popularize the breed, improve it and stimulate its development. And, of course, champions and prize-winners have the best breeding prospects. To become a titled representative of the breed, a dog needs:

  • Genetics;
  • The character of a champion;
  • Good exterior, corresponding to the breed standards;
  • Good preparation for the show.

The third criterion is the most important, as dogs are not born champions. The character and qualities necessary for this breed are formed just in the process of preparation. Experienced breeders advise to prepare for the first dog show from the first weeks of the puppy’s appearance in the house. At first, you should come to the show as a spectator and observe the puppy’s reaction. It’s not a given that your pup will get excited and eager to compete when he sees how much attention four-legged exhibitors get. The first entry to the show as a participant is made at the age of 3 to 6 months. Therefore, the kids start to prepare from 1.5-2 months of age, practically still in the breeder’s house. At this age, puppies are most receptive to training and quickly learn the basic commands. A breeder who is professionally engaged in breeding, very carefully observes the development of puppies and their behavior. For example, when puppies are photographed for sale, you may notice that some will readily agree to participate in new fun and others will resist. Puppies with good potential are usually docile, easy-going and quick to grasp the rules of the game.

Impeccable appearance

At such shows, dogs are evaluated not by intelligence, but by exterior, that is, the appearance and physique of the animal. Each breed has its own standard, approved by the International Cynological Federation. Therefore, it is better to carefully familiarize yourself with it in advance. The standard of each breed contains a description of the general appearance of the animal, size and weight, detailed descriptions of individual parts of its body (tail, back, eyes, etc.), what should be the movements of the animal, etc. Every deviation from this standard reduces your chances of getting a good score.

What a dog should be able to do

When performing in the ring, a dog is not required to be able to follow commands from a general obedience course. In fact, the dog should only be able to follow the handler, stand straight, show a correct stance, and allow the examiners to check the teeth and torso. It is important that the dog moves confidently and without stiffness. If the Dog is frightened by unfamiliar surroundings and a large number of other dogs, excellent appearance will not help. In addition, the dog should not show any aggression towards people and other animals in the ring. Professional training of the Dog includes: accustoming to the ring; teaching the exhibition stand; practicing the stand for a few minutes and grooming the coat. Experts closely monitor the behavior of dog show participants in the ring and strictly evaluate it. The beginning of the show can be marked by commands, which the dog must be able to calmly fulfill: “Work!” or “Ring!”. For trotting in the ring the commands “Trot!” and “Run!” are used. During dental examination – “Teeth!” or “Show teeth!”.

Tips from groomers

A beautifully groomed coat is important for a future champion, as an attractive appearance is one of the main selection criteria for prize winners. Professional groomers advise:

1. trim the claws of the tail regularly.

2. bathe with a special shampoo, the pH of which is close to natural.

3. Do not dry your dog’s coat with hot air to avoid burning the skin or damaging the hair. It is safer to do this with warm or cool air.

4. moisturize the coat with conditioner before brushing your dog.

5. Choose a conditioner with your dog’s breed and coat characteristics in mind. However, keep in mind that silicone in the composition makes the coat brittle and wax can cause dandruff.

6. Brush long-haired pets in sections: first the top strands, then the bottom strands.

7. shear your dog not the day before the show, but 1-2 months in advance, depending on the type of coat. The frequency of haircutting will be properly selected by the groomer. Before taking part in the show, the dog is bathed again, combed well, trimmed and styled. Representatives of naked dog breeds also need professional grooming. Their care is reduced to regular moisturizing of the skin with oils, application of sunscreen in the heat. Proper grooming makes the exhibitor brighter, emphasizes the advantages of his appearance and skillfully hides the shortcomings. The work of a professional groomer in combination with a handler is almost half of success.

How to present your dog well

It is believed that only a person with extensive handling experience can highlight a dog’s strengths, hide its possible weaknesses and cope with its unpredictable behavior. However, the services of such a professional are not cheap either. A male handler usually wears a classic suit for this event, while women prefer a skirt and a neat blouse or jacket. In any case, it is better to try to pick up clothes so that the dog is not lost against the background of a person, because it is the main character here. Therefore, bright prints, rhinestones, sequins do not wear. Shoes must necessarily be on a flat sole, because you will have to run quite a lot.

The most presentable looks the dog, which is shown on a special exhibition leash, selected, for example, in the tone of the pet’s hair. It is forbidden to show the dog in strict collars, muzzles and harnesses. It is important to choose a ring harness of appropriate length: the accessory must not hang down and dangle between the handler and the dog.

The love and good attitude of the owner, the right relationship with the dog, care and friendly atmosphere in the family are only part of success. It is also necessary to train the dog properly, perfect stance, correct movement in the ring and a well groomed appearance – these are the basic skills to get the best results and prizes.