This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, June 2015 issue.
Berger Picard history will be made on July 1, 2015, when we enter the Herding Group. The socialization, classes, training, and attending shows in preparation for this day have taken each and every Picard owner on an adventure.
When choosing a show Berger Picard, it is important to find a breeder who understands what it takes to breed, show, and raise a dog that will succeed in the show ring. Meeting several breeders’ dogs, observing them at shows, and visiting their homes can give you a better picture of how your prospective puppy will be raised. Berger Picards require a lot of early socialization, so how they are raised before the pup comes to your home is very important.
Once the pup comes home, socialization should start immediately. Berger Picard pups should be introduced to as many new experiences as possible. We start with Puppy Love/Puppy Socialization and handling class. Take your puppy along to shows with you, walk them around, and let them get the show experience, and most importantly, meet strangers. Teaching your Picard to be at ease around strangers is very important. Let them play “show dog” young. They should get used to a crate as they are used often at shows. Crate games make for an amazing foundation for the pup to get used to the time spent in the crate while at shows. Feed the pup in the crate to provide a positive experience and do not keep them crated for long hours. Teach them to settle in a crate and have them see it as their safe haven; at shows, this will be one of the few places they can go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the show ring.
The stand for exam is the hardest thing for a Berger Picard as they tend to like to do things on their own terms. Desensitizing them to being touched by a wide variety of strangers is needed and should be done regularly. Some people start stacking the pup on a grooming table while others use the stacking legs to build their confidence, then work their way down to the floor once the pup has a solid base. The use of lots of treats and praise to reward good behavior is your best friend.
Stacking and staying on a grooming table also gets them used to grooming. Make sure all grooming experiences on the table are positive, and Berger Picards should never be left unattended on a table. Teach them to be tolerant of dryers and nail grinders slowly. They tend to have a stubborn side, so there is a real balance between being firm with them and shutting them down.
When grooming your Picard for show, several things should be kept in mind. The Berger Picard should appear rustic. Appearing rustic and being dirty are two different things. About three days prior to showing, bathe your Picard with #1 All Systems® Crisp Coat Shampoo (a shampoo that helps keep the coat feeling crisp). Blow-dry your dog, then brush. We also make sure the feet are neat and well-maintained. Nails should be trimmed, and the pads of the feet kept clean. Any old hair should be hand-stripped, and the ears should be tidy and not overly long. On the day of the show, the dog should be brushed out. Their coats do not require product and should feel crisp to the touch.
Normally, Berger Picards are pretty consistent when gaiting. I haven’t seen them break stride often. They should not be rushed around the ring but rather move at a pace that shows off their free-flowing, ground-covering gait. The Picard is a very balanced, moderate dog, and that should be reflected in its gait. It is very important to judge the side gait and down-and-back. They should be clean coming and going with nice reach and drive.
Berger Picards are quick learners and do not like a lot of repetition, so it is important to keep things interesting for them in the conformation ring to avoid boredom. Playing with them when they are not being examined helps keep their minds engaged. Do short training sessions and vary what you work on so it doesn’t become a pattern. Very few Picards are food-motivated, so other motivation tactics such as toys and squeakers might need to be used to keep them engaged.
The overall presentation should look similar to the picture above. Still rustic in appearance, but at the same time showing off your dog’s best features, making sure that the judges will be impressed.
