Showing in Conformation Various Words of Wisdom for the Beginner (and the Seasoned Show Veteran too) Some cardinal rules of showing your own dog are : Always picture yourself in the "winner's circle" before you go in the ring! Pick up your armband in plenty of time (WHAT'S AN ARMBAND?) check out where the restrooms are the minute you arrive! PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! before the show Wear appropriate clothing (more about that later!) And if you want to buy some really neat stuff with a HUGE selection of breed specific items, visit Dogdaze Designs Be sure your dog is groomed well . A bath and a brush are two key ingredients. Some people spend a fortune on dog show equipment and win nothing. Some people spend nothing (or hardly so) and win a lot. There is a difference in the amount of equipment you will need depending on the breed that you have. Poodles require a LOT more expertise and equipment to groom than German Shorthairs! A minimum for most people is a grooming table and a kit with brushes, wipe rags, etc. If you have a Newfoundland (and some of the other long coated dogs, you may want to check out the section on Newf Grooming at the Kaylar Newfs pages. PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG! BRING ALONG PLASTIC BAGS AND USE THEM.Peopl;e who don't do this are giving all dogs shows and dog people a bad name and restricting our rights more and more at different motel chains. Pick up every time, anyhow, no matter where you are! And kindly offer a plastic bag to other dog owners if you see that they are not making the effort. If you have a young puppy or a dog that may be coming down with something and you're not sure, do not walk him in the public areas where other dogs are. Try to find an isolated area. Be at the ring on time. (Always buy a catalog, it benefits the show giving club and it tells you where to go and when to be there!) Get Show photos if you take a win (blue ribbon or better) especially if the win is worth points. This is your record of achievement just in case the AKC or whatever show club is putting on the event mixes up the records or the records get lost. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! (check out the section on training.) Get in a good supply of peppermints (mints absorb the extra adrenalyn smell from your own breath and will help to keep your dog calmer if you are nervous. Watch your dog at all times around the ring, you may have a "good dog" but not everyone else does! Keep your mouth closed and your eyes open. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! Take along your vaccination records. All of them. the best idea is to always keep an extra copy in your vehicle. Invest in a crate. For the larger breeds a wire crate is best. Many of the larger breeds are coated and will get hot in an "airline type" of kennel, where a wire crate will give them more air.. Be nice to others, even if they are not nice to you. (This is called "the golden rule") Pack well. (Check out the Packing List!) Then don't forget to take your dog, too! Join your local Kennel Club! The people there can help you learn to show. And join your Breed Club if at all possible. Accustom your dog to Everything before you take him to a show. Read the information on the page about training If at all possible, attend a show handling class. A good one is worth every penny! Attend fun matches before you go to your first real show. A fun match is the very best venue for training your dog and yourself.	Above is a selection of minimum grooming items you will need for any dog with any sort of coat at all.
	THERE IS NO REWARD GREATER THAN THE LOVE YOUR DOG HAS FOR YOU OR THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR HIM. A RIBBON AT A SHOW IS NOT ENOUGH TO PUT YOUR DOG'S HEALTH IN DANGER. IF YOUR DOG IS ILL, EVEN SLIGHTLY, DONT SHOW HIM!! STRESS IS THERE, ALWAYS, EVEN FOR THE SEASONED SHOW DOG. DON'T TAKE RISKS WITH YOUR DOG'S HEALTH.
	Did you know? In the dog show ring, (conformation, not obedience) you can "bait" your dog. That means you can give him treats or APPEAR to offer him treats in order to get expression and the right look of anticipation on the dog's face....just when the judge is looking your way. Home HOW TO ENTER A SHOW WHAT IS THE CONFORMATION RING? WHAT IS A SPECIALTY SHOW? WHAT ARE THE THE CLASSES? THE GROUP RING AND BEST IN SHOW TRAINING FOR THE SHOW MORE TRAINING PAGE TWO SHOWING TIPS WHAT ARE POINTS? WHAT DO I WEAR? PACKING LIST Links Contact
Home - Articles - Links - SiteMap - Contact Copyright © 2005 design by MPAM Design Team