Tips for beginners in the dog show ring, from handling basics to mindset and presentation, to help you and your dog succeed.
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This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, July 2014 issue.
There’s a first time for everything, and it’s your first time in the ring. Panic sets in! It’s real stage fright! The solution to this mental state is to be prepared beforehand. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and never stop learning.
Being in the show ring is participating in the only sport where the amateur competes with the pro. But, the amateur has a distinct advantage over the pro. He does not have to earn his living by handling; thus handling your own dog can become a form of entertainment. It can be an avocation, not a vocation. The pro has to “juggle” many dogs while the amateur has normally only one.
The purpose of this article is to encourage the beginner and to offer some tips toward excellence. Toward this end, the beginner must do his homework, learn the “script” and rehearse. Remember that you must have a good dog to start with, and it must be groomed with skill. If presented well, you will win your fair share.
Go to a handling class that may be sponsored by a local all breed or obedience club, or handler in your area. A Scottie is presented in a way to enhance the special features of the breed. A Scottie is traditionally stacked or put into a posed position to show the profile to the judge. If the instructor isn’t familiar with the terriers, you may have to adapt. There are photos in most of the comprehensive Scottie books that show a handler stacking a Scottie.
As you enter the ring with the other exhibitors, you will probably have to stack your dog. Traditionally, the head is held up with the left hand by the lead on the neck, with the right hand framing the tail. Some judges prefer that you let the dog stand on its own, and want the handlers on their feet, not their knees. This is where you may wish to train your dog to “free bait.” That is, to stand on his own, with ears up and forward, tail erect and looking up at you very alert. Don’t try it until you have practiced a lot. Start by never letting your dog have a treat from the floor. Always make him look up at you and take it from your hand. If the untrained dog puts his paws on your knee, okay. You can break that later, by just stepping back as he jumps, and then he lands on the floor. Use one word only like “cookie” or “treat” or “here it is.” Soon, your Scottie will be looking up when he hears these words.
As you begin to show your dog, you may find that you have to bend from the waist to touch the tail to remind the dog to keep it erect. If the dog holds his tail well, at this point, you will have to change hands with the lead and show him a bit of liver to keep his attention alert. Once you have him standing still, you can progress to moving in front of the dog, standing sideways with both hands together with the bit of bait as you face your dog. The dog will still show a great profile, and an alert expression.
Presentation on the table for the judge’s examination is also done by stacking. Do not try it another way unless you are sure that the dog is trained not to move a muscle during examination. As the judge proceeds to go over your dog, do not get in the way. Lower your lead for examination of skull and ears. It is okay to remove the right hand from the tail while the judge examines the rear quarters. After examination, the judge will step back, and you must re-stack the dog for the final pose and “picture.” This is where a mirror in front of the grooming table comes in.
If you have posed and stacked your dog over and over in all the ways you can think of to make the dog look attractive, turning your body this way and that, the hands framing the dog to make a compact sturdy picture, then you will be very comfortable when you assume this position on the show table. Take your time. You have paid your entry fee, and no one should be rushing you, including the judge. If your hands are shaking, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Say to yourself, “This isn’t a life and death situation.” Mindset is all-important. We all want to win, but rushing and adrenaline will not help. A relaxed and comfortable mindset is what you must work on.
Nothing is more important than how you imagine yourself before you are there. Go over in your mind each step before you ever enter the ring. Athletes do this all the time. Make a mental picture of yourself in the ring. Showing requires a slow and steady pace. Tell yourself nothing will rattle you, not the judge, not the other exhibitors, not the other dogs. Tell yourself that your dog is just as worthy of consideration as the number one dog in the country. He paid the same entry fee you did.
Hopefully, you have practiced enough so that you and your dog are a team. No stress at class and a good performance at class will develop confidence. At the show, you have to maintain your part of that team. Changing your attitude from class to show will confuse and disorient your dog. He is guided by you, and depends on consistent behavior. Your dog will sense if you are nervous, irritated, or upset, and a dog with a great disposition may turn into a whirling, barking maniac to defend you from whatever has caused the change in your demeanor. Your Scottie may dislike the show ring and may carry his tail down and ears back. If you don’t have fun, your dog won’t either.
Many people say that their dog is great outside the ring, but becomes a sullen unhappy dog in the ring. It is not his fault; it is yours. If your dog does this, you must re-evaluate what you are doing.
Your mental attitude is critical. The lead is your “joystick” and sends the messages to the dog. If the familiar becomes unfamiliar, your dog will be confused and unhappy. Keep a short lead. Scotties are not to be shown like toy dogs with your hand high in the air holding the lead. They need direction. Tuck your elbow into your waist, and keep your wrist still. Move your arm from the elbow. If you have a rowdy puppy or untrained dog, you will have to shorten the lead even more. At that point your arm may be almost extended with only a few inches of lead between the hand and the clasp at the neck.
Also remember to stand up straight, and keep the other hand in your pocket. A flapping arm on the other side of the dog is also distracting.
Presuming that your dog is well groomed, and of very good conformation, the most common cause of failure will not be the judge, not the dog, not the fellow exhibitor; it will be you, the handler. Everyone wants to win; no one wants to lose, go last or be excused. Too many people are ready to blame someone else for their mistakes. Be able to say, “Gee, I messed up.” No one is perfect, no one does everything 100% perfectly each time. But unless you don’t have a well-groomed dog, or one that is not well conformed as the others, the placement is between you and the judge. No one likes a crybaby, or an angry person. Take your wins and take your losses. It is after all, only one man’s opinion. It isn’t the politics in most cases that determines the outcome; it will be you the handler. Be a good sport!
I’ve heard comments like “That handler could finish a three-legged goat.” What a wonderful compliment to that handler’s skills. That handler has mastered the “craft.” In England, handling classes are called classes in “ring craft.” Handling is an art form, like dancing with your partner. We put on our best dress, and we go into the ring. Go gently, go quietly, and glide. Quiet hands that frame the dog are essential. Make every move count. Take your time.
So, you have a grouchy judge. Smile. You may change his attitude, and you will make yourself feel better.
Now that you have mastered your own mindset, work on improving the presentation. Make every show a learning opportunity. If Scotties show at 10 a.m. and you have finished with your presentation, and you didn’t win Best of Breed, will you go home? Don’t leave school early. Don’t go home, back to the hotel, don’t rush off. Get a chair, sit ringside, watch all the terriers. Watch the handlers. You will pick up many good ideas that you can practice at handling class and at home in front of your mirror. Compare the handlers. How does one present the dog better than the other? How does a poor handler look?
Do the handlers of white dogs wear dark colors so you can see the dog and vice versa? Many shows, indoors particularly, are poorly lit. Many older judges don’t see well anyhow. It is a fact of life. Wear a background color that will contrast with your dog. And ladies, avoid those long flowing skirts that flip and wrap around your legs and the dog. Also, long tubular skirts that restrict your movement will slow you down and detract from your dog. You need freedom of movement, and no distractions from the picture you and your dog make. Don’t wear any outfit or shoes that detract from the dog. The judge will remember only the red socks and sandals, not the beauty of your exhibit.
Now that you have watched all the terriers in the breed, stay for the group. You may not be in it, but you have to watch. Watch and learn. Stay for Best in Show. Stay all day, and get your money’s worth. Success is not won by shortcuts, rather by staying the course.
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