Portsmouth & Southsea Kennel Association
Ringcraft Classes Every Wednesday Evening
Preparing Your Dog To Show
Through the years, a great number of people have participated in the sport with their pets who are second, third and fourth generation dog-show families. Dedicated families even build their holiday's around showing their dog.
Each member of the family can have some meaningful task in showing: brushing, walking, handling or just applauding their dog while he’s in the ring. The kids might show him in Junior handling, while Mum or Dad can show him in the regular classes. The outcome of hard training is about two minutes in front of the judge in the ring. What preceeds this moment is a great amount of knowledge, care, time and preparation.
There are several different ways you can show your dog. You can read more about these show's and classes
on the page entitled: 'So You Want To Show Your Dog'
A Show Dog Needs To Be Trained
'Mollee' At The Hound Show 2006
By Kind Permission Mulcair Whippets
Though you may train your dog yourself at home, ringcraft classes are beneficial for both you and your four-legged friend. The classes also serve to socialize your dog. This gets him accustomed to being around other dogs in conditions similar to what he’ll find at shows. Very often, a show dog is the only dog in a household. Therefore at the show, he may be anxious or in awe of a thousand other dogs. Socialization will make showing a better experience for you and your dog.
Every Show Dog
No matter how big or small needs conditioning. For some dogs, this means a strict exercise regimen; for other dogs, it means regular walks. Some handlers have a treadmill for their dog, ensuring proper regular exercise no matter what the weather might be like outdoors. It’s very important that you don’t over-exercise your dog. You should Check with your veterinarian about this.
Nutrition.
A good diet and the right foods to keep him fit and trim and keep his coat shining.
Grooming.
Grooming is more than just to beautify your dog, it's for the love and health of your dog. Some breeds only need wiping off with a towel before they enter the ring and other breeds need considerable bathing with a good shampoo, brushing and coat conditioning. Some breeds also need their coat plucked, clipped and shaped. During a three-day period of showing, one dog might need to be groomed only once, while another might need constant attention. It depends on the individual dog and the breed. Generally speaking, most dogs with a significant coat, such as an old English sheepdog, will only go about two days before needing another bath how often you need to groom your dog will depend upon the length and texture of your dog's coat, your breeder would have given you advice regarding your chosen breed, or someone will always be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this subject at our ringcraft classes.
Nails May Need Trimming Each Week
so that your dog can walk squarely on his four feet. If your dog's nails are clacking on the floor as he walks, then they are probably too long. Too long of nails can throw off their gait eventually causing some structural imbalances in your dog, which can lead to disease. You can ask your veterinarian to show you how to properly trim your dog's nails.
Your Dog's Teeth Need To Be Checked Each Week.
to ensure his teeth are white and his gums healthy. Every now and then you may need to use a dental tool to scale some parts he's missed when gnawing on bones. It does not hurt to regularly brush your dogs teeth you can buy meat flavoured toothpaste at any good pet store, or it is obtainable from your Vetrinary practice. Don't use regular toothpaste with fluoride in it as fluoride isn't good for us to swallow in large amounts, much less your dog. If you have any worries regarding your dogs teeth, or gums contact your local vet, dental decay can cause general health problems in dogs.
And Don't Forget Your Dog Needs.
It should be a pleasurable experience, use cotton balls. If you've not ever done this before you will really need to have your veterinarian show you how to do this. By learning the proper way to care for your dog from a professional who knows how, you can avoid any possible mishaps.
Grooming Is More Than Keeping Your Dog
Looking Nice, It Is About His Or Her Health Too.
By keeping their teeth clean, their coats brushed, their nails trimmed, and their ears clean, you'll be helping with your dogs' overall wellbeing and health. You'll also be setting up a regular time for bonding with your dog which your dog should come to really appreciate. One last thing, you'll also be able to notice early if there are any bumps, lumps or abnormalities on your dog that shouldn't be there. This way you can address those by visiting your veterinarian or other health professional immediately before any real problems set in. Grooming isn't just for beauty it's for love and for health!
Where Can I Find Details Of Forthcomming Shows?
Look in canine newspapers such as 'Dog World' or Our Dog's or you can apply for some shows online, schedules can be downloaded from some of the following links:
http://www.canineinfo.free-online.co.uk/
What The Judge Looks For...
Written Standard.
Dog shows began as a way of comparing top dogs and identifying superior breeding stock. Each breed has a written standard describing the ideal specimen of that breed; breeds were developed by man to perform specific duties. As such, a dogs physical characteristics relate form to function.
The written standard describes the ideal structure for the breed. For example, a greyhound is a sighthound that pursues and brings down game, so he needs to be built for speed. A deep chest, with plenty of room for heart and lungs; a lean, powerful, aerodynamic body; and an unencumbered line of sight are among the traits that allow the performance of their function.
If a dog is a terrier, he needs a strong spirit and a protective coat to go to the ground to chase vermin. Most standards are very specific about details such as: eye placement, shape and color; ear structure and shape; the proportion of the body (long, square, tall, short), feet and tail and more.
Breed History.
Every judge must know the history of a breed and what he was bred to do to best understand how form and function must come together in the show ring. She must also know the standard for each particular breed being judged and apply that to each individual animal. At shows, a dog doesn’t get the chance to perform his duties, yet the judge must envision the dog doing so.
