How To Train a Show Dog

Dog Show ¿How do I get Started?

If it is your first time even seeing a dog show, I advise you, first to get an exhibition calendar to look for a show going on near you.  You AND your dog should go to the first one together as spectators, this you can observe the atmosphere of the event and you both react to it. You can also take note of what it is that the dogs and their handlers actually do in the competitions.

In each breed exists what is called the “Standard” which has the characteristics of the ideal of the breed. In a exhibition of structure and beauty a person qualified, the judge, will compare to all the dog with that ideal, observing the dogs sitting, standing and in movement and will choose that dog which best approaches the Standard according to his criterion.

So that your dog might shine on the track, you and your dog should no what and how to perform the tasks indicated by the judge, it is to say, your dog will have to stay on “stay” or trot according to what is required of him. This demands, obviously, a true amount of previous training, and it will be you who decides who is going to impart the information.

There are various options; if you are adept at teaching yourself and alter observing how a dog is manager on the track you are inspired, you might be able to show your dog with absolutely no help at all. In on the contrary you don´t want to leave any room for improvisational errors, you could sign up for a Handling Course. The third option is to contract with a professional called a “handler.”

If you have already or if you end up deciding to choose this last option, you should make sure to get the references of this handler, talk with his or her other clients.

Remember that one bad experience with your puppy or incorrect handling could ruin his future.

Remember that your dog will need short training sessions that start and end with a game. and not long and boring classes that will only make you and your dog end up hating exhibitions.