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Dog At the show

From the moment when you arrive and till the judge pronounces his decision, never forget why you are here and who should be in the center of your attention. Come to the show beforehand to have enough time for the final preparations of your dog, which is so necessary to exhibit your pet at the ring in the best way. Give him time to limber up and settle his own business. The dog that is brought to the ring right after arrival can hardly make a good impression on judges.

On the arrival get your ring number at the secretariat and attach it to the sleeve tightly. Make sure that you stand at the appointed place corresponding to your Class. Your number doesn't guarantee, as others suppose, that a judge will wait for you to come. The judge's schedule is tight and he has to meet it.

Even if you are nervous you must look confident and calm. You must realize that a dog show is just a hobby you should enjoy. So behave according to this. If so, the dog will show himself/herself better since he/she promptly catches your mood.

Always come on the ring with dignity. Don't bother to make mistakes, because next time you'll do better. Don't be confused to participate together with more experienced owners. After all, some day they were beginners too.

The judging usually starts with the task to lead the dog along the perimeter of the ring. While it goes, the judge watches how each dog moves and estimates their style, topline, gate, head, tail and the whole balance in appearance.

Concentrate on your dog and keep an eye constantly to make him move in the best manner. Watch the distance: don't be close on the heels, neither impede those behind you, and the judge will have more chances to observe your dog properly. Beside this, the judge should have enough space to move himself and to examine the dog from every side. Always lead the dog along the inner side of the circle so as to put him between yourself and the judge and prevent screening others on the ring.

For individual estimation you must know how to quickly and accurately bring the dog to the judge, because he has only a couple of minutes to examine your animal. You can prepare for this task at home training in front of the mirror and focusing the attention on how your dog looks. Imagine yourself a judge and try to do as fast as possible.

Be very attentive at what the judge asks to do. Lately most judges prefer walking the triangle path. This means the dog must walk on the outer side of the ring to the first corner and further, along the next side to the second corner, and then bias to the judge. Learn to lead the dog so, as not to linger in the corners or do unwanted movements. Judge will rather prefer a dog, who is able to walk along the triangle without breaking his way, since this dog is easier to examine.

The dog's gate is one of crucial points in estimating, and it is reasonable that while preparing to the show you should concentrate on the dog's movements. Ask somebody to lead your dog at different speed. Thus it will become clear, which one is the best to be shown at. As a rule, the most advantageous is the average speed, at which the dog can carry the head straight and the topline is well-pronounced. Don't make the dog gallop on the ring and do not induce him move faster putting out of breed-specific rate. Let him move with his natural speed. Rush never allows exhibiting the dog in the best way. Teach the dog make vigorous and unconstrained movements while running at the breed-specific speed. When approaching to the judge and retreating, the dog must move along the straight line.

When you lead the dog back to the judge, stop one and a half to couple of meters before him and try to put the dog in the stance. When the dog stops, show him a dainty you were using at the lessons or a toy to allow the judge see the dog on alert. Always take away the tidbits that you brought, never through them on the ring, because another dog may find them.

During the rewarding procedure take your dog's award with thanks, despite what you really think. It is done what is done. Disputes with the judge and walkouts are useless and regard as unsporting. Remember that you'll have to deal with this company later on.

If your dog lost, be so kind as to congratulate the winner and don't show your disappointment. If you won, keep your head and don't put it on airs. It may seem strange, but sometimes to win with dignity is more difficult than to lose.

Translated by Tatiana Karpova (Moscow)
(MSU, Biology faculture, Dep. zoology and ecology).