Bona fide show dogs are a rarity; very few dogs can actually be transformed into a show dog. But, competing in shows with your dog can be a fulfilling experience, and so can grooming them for these shows. You will also feel a sense of pride if your double-coated dog and yourself win one of these competitions. Whether you already are the owner of a double-coated dog or are considering getting one from a respectable show breeder, there are a few facts you should be aware of when starting the training for dog shows. A lot of careful thought needs to go into the preparation, so both you and your dog enjoy it.
Ten Training Tips and Tricks for Show Dogs
The Westminster Kennel Club is the most well-known show dog competition in the world right now. We recommend taking a look at their website for more information on the history of competing show dogs, the requirements, and different nuances of ‘dog showing,’ as that is the ultimate competition you want to reach. Here are a few essential training tips for beginners:
Tip #1 Basic Requirements for Show Dogs
Your double-coated dogs must fit breed specifications, be healthy, and ready-to-compete. Show dogs also need to be at least six months old and must be unaltered, which means that they should not be neutered.
But, remember that – as indicated by many veterinarians – not neutering your puppy can make them more susceptible to medical issues like pyometra or cancer of reproductive organs. It may also make a dog display behavioural issues, as the sexual hormones still exist in their bodies.
Tip #2 Have a trainer evaluate them
Dog trainers can evaluate your double-coated dogs to check whether they can show successfully. Unfortunately, even the best-bred dog may not be cut out for competition.
If you have a puppy, you can take them to a show breeder or a show dog trainer to ensure she doesn’t have any shortcomings, before you go through the process of getting the show dog prepared or entered in dog shows to begin competing.
This works like personality tests and, eventually dog training classes. During these show dog courses, you will get to know with the best possible gait and how to stack your dog for the competition.
Tip #3 Enrol them for dog training
When your show dog is ready, it is ultimately a pretty straightforward process to get into dog shows. When you’ve considered all the training tips and are confident that your double-coated dog can enter without flaws, register them with a kennel club close to you.
Once you are sure your dog has the requisite appearance, and you think they are ready to start winning dog shows., the next step is to take your double-coated dog to training courses. Your nearby Kennel Club or a dog club will have these classes during the week, and aren’t ordinarily costly.
Tip #4 Make sure your dog is properly socialized
Let outsiders – with the right caution, communicate with them, to get your double-coated dog used to being touched by somebody they don’t know. Prepare them for new sounds and places.
Socialization is imperative for show dogs. Take them to dog socialization classes, so they get used to meeting a variety of different dogs.
Tip #5 Gait your double-coated dog at the correct pace
It’s a rare dog with perfect show characteristics, so most show dogs have at least one flaw. If your dog’s weakness is somewhere in their gait, you need to work out how fast or slow you should walk them, so they move at their best. Have a companion walk the dog for you as you keep an eye.
When the double-coated dog has been immunized, take them everywhere with you.
Open them to new places, individuals, circumstances, and commotions to better prepare them for participating in and winning dog shows.
Walk them on grass, concrete, carpets, tile, and rubber, so various surfaces don’t scare them.
Tip #6 Judges like hygiene in a dog
Though extreme grooming is discouraged in many breeds, no assigned judge truly likes to touch a messy dog. Even if weekly washing isn’t recommended for keeping up your dog’s coat, you can still spot-bathe areas like the face, legs, and undersides to keep them fresh. Most breeds need to be given a shower the day leading up to the show and then brushed and spot-bathed, to keep them in prime condition.
Tip #7 Take care of their grooming
Double-coated dogs like the Shiba Inu, Australian Shepherds, and Huskies need trimming to keep them looking flawless, and to stop them from stumbling on their hair and impeding their walk.
How you groom or shape the coat can influence what the appointed judge notices. But an experienced judge won’t be easily tricked by a decent trim, once they put their hand on the dog.
- If your double-coated dog’s legs are too close to one another, in the front or back, trim the outline of the paws a little shorter to make a slight separation between the paws when the dog stands or moves.
- You can make older dogs look a little fresher and more energetic with careful trimming of a short length of the coat at the head, face, ears, and tail.
Tip #8 Consider their coats
In terms of other prerequisites for showing dogs, certain physical attributes could disqualify your dog from competing. A rough coat or coat colors that aren’t standard for the breed can negatively affect your dog’s chances.
Tip #9 Check their facial features
Since these are highly competitive shows, even attributes like an eye color could change the tide for them. An over or under bite, or general teeth alignment issues can also influence the judges immediately.
Tip #10 Stay Calm
Try to avoid being too nervous as your dog will definitely sense it, and they also feel anxious. If you would prefer not to handle your dog in a show, you can hire an expert handler to work with them. The most crucial training tip for dog owners looking to get into the showing is to be prepared not to win. Dog shows take a ton of time, effort, and money. You will be paying several dollars for a badge that only costs a couple of dollars. It would be better if you do it for the experience and to spend time with your pet rather than the prize. Plus, if you go in with minimum expectations, the dog will probably perform better.