The dog show is a beauty contest. But to look good is not enough to be the best. The participants should know very many things that are parts of the knowledge, one can get only if possesses enough strength, patience and time.
Formerly we didn't attach much importance to teaching a dog to behave well on the ring, after all, the scores didn't depend on this. And nobody was shocked if a judge was bitten. However life goes on and the requirements for the shows quality have changed. Of course, the quality of training fell under that influence too. Since that time the experienced handlers accumulated a lot of know-hows, but nonetheless, every owner is able to get into at least general principles of show-training. And if he will, he'll find his chance.
At the beginning one should concentrate both on techniques and psychology of training. Sometimes a young dog, who is great with all the exercises at home, becomes flustered in unfamiliar environment and is difficult to control. To avoid this, one should first of all prepare his dog's mind to such changes.
The basic thing in show-training is to accustom the puppy to the adult well-mannered dog community. This will contribute to his future development. As the puppy grows, try to change your usual rout when walking outside as often as possible. From time to time visit crowded places (don't forget to leash you pup). Of course, these changes should be introduced little by little, without disrupting the animal's routine.
The next moment, which is also very important, is a skill of preparing a dog for the ring. When the pup is two months old, it is time to teach him to stand correctly, i.e. make a showing stance at the command. Put the cub every day on a smooth surface (if you have a small breed puppy, put him on a table) and watch his fore legs standing straight and parallel, and the hind legs standing a little apart. The pup must stand even, doesn't hunch up, with the head proudly set. Of course, you can't get this picture right away. But remember that a little puppy gets tired very quickly and forced trainings may very simply kill the puppy's desire to take part in shows in the future. So don't try to put him in the stance for longer than one or two seconds. Be persistent and patient. Never try to scold or spank the cub if he doesn't come in. And never forget to praise him, giving a dainty for each correctly done exercise.
After your pet comprehended what you want him to do and learnt his first lesson, gradually make your lessons longer. It is necessary to develop his self-control while the puppy is in stance. By about nine months he should know how to stand moveless for a minute. For proper stance training you should study both indoors and outdoors, where there are so many irritants. From time to time ask your friend to play a role of judge: to examine the pup, touch his back, chest, legs, check up his teeth. Remember, when the bite is checked up, only lips are pulled apart and the teeth stay clenched.
By five to six months start training the correct gate. Don't make the puppy run very quickly from the very beginning. At first, it would be enough just to accustom the dog to walk leashed on your left side along a big circle anticlockwise pausing from time to time.
While training the correct gate never use a pinch collar (irrespective to the dog's size). If gets used to metal prongs the dog will ignore an ordinary collar or a choke-chain. The point is that at the show it is flatly prohibited to use a pinch collar. It would be better to use a show collar - a thin chain, leather or a silk cord.
At first his first steps are unsure, but soon he learns not to stumble. If your cub refuses to walk leashed, jibs and lies down, you can present learning as a play. Perhaps, the naughty child will feel pleasure to run beside you if he sees a tidbit in front of his nose and is able to catch it up from time to time. Anyway, remember each dog needs an individual approach.
As the pup learnt the lesson of walking leashed, show him how to trot. To make it easier, teach him the command Trot and enunciate it before you start moving. At first, keep to a slow pace, almost walk. Then gradually speed up till fast, sweeping trot. Do trainings on a smooth earth or asphalt road. Never stop abruptly after a long run - walk with the animal for about five minutes. Don't forget to praise and encourage your four-footed friend during the lesson.
It would be useful to exhibit the dog in the Junior Class as often and possible. The pup gains experience even at a small-scale arrangement, which will help when you take part in the bigger shows.
Try not to be nervous on the ring. You companion catches your emotions and may not be able to show good results. While moving, draw your hand with the leash a little aside (slightly forward or back). In this case you won't step on you dog's foot or tail, or hair. Don't strain the leash too much. Watch that your charge was always half body ahead or behind you.
Arrive to a show beforehand to have enough time to settle and to find out where your ring is and when the examination will start. You'll also be able to put the dog's coat in to order and give him a little break before the competition will start. At the ring hold the dog close but not too tight so as he doesn't approach to other competitors. Don't allow barking. Watch that the judge could clearly see your dog but at the same time don't screen other animals.
Concentrate on your own dog. At the same time keep an eye on the judge. While he examines other participants you both have an opportunity to relax. However be ready to drive your pet in a showing stance at the very moment when the judge glances at you. Never dispute over the judge's estimates otherwise you may be disqualified and dismissed for a certain time.
by Olga Deogteva, Translated by Tatiana Karpova (Moscow)
(MSU, Biology faculture, Dep. zoology and ecology).