How to prepare your dog for the show: useful tips

Many prefer to have thoroughbred pets to participate in exhibition competitions. If before the dog there were no special requirements, today this list is sky-high. The correct stance and walking of the animal, ammunition, the clothes of the owner, the necessary devices - everything should be taken into account to the smallest detail.

What to bring to the exhibition

1. Before going to the exhibition, prepare bowls for water and food. Water the dog often in small portions, do not allow dehydration.
2. Take care of the so-called "kenguryatnik", which is hung on the waist. The bag is spacious enough, put all kinds of little things in it.
3. Do not forget to take a comb with natural bristles if your pet has long hair. Comb it before and after the trip, as well as immediately before the exhibition.
4. Dogs can hardly move, it doesn’t matter if you go to another city or move within the same area. It is recommended to take a bed or a soft bed so that the pet can rest.
5. Take care of disposable diapers, they can be purchased at a pharmacy or pet store. It is important to understand that it is not always possible to walk the dog, it may not be patient. Take care of garbage bags and dustpan.
6. On the road and at the show itself, you may need wet wipes if the dog suddenly gets dirty. If desired, replace them with a spray bottle and a clean, lint-free cloth.
7. A few weeks before the show, visit the veterinarian so that the specialist prescribes a dog for motion sickness. It is important to consider the characteristics of the breed, the health status of the animal, age, gender.

Practical recommendations

1. Call leading companies that conduct dog shows specifically in your city. Do not miss the opportunity to attend the event as a spectator. During breaks, talk with other contestants to find out all sorts of little things regarding dog training.
2. Come to the exhibition in advance, you should have time for possible deviations from the given plan. You should not do everything in a hurry, calmly comb the dog, drink, put in order and yourself.
3. In order to participate in the exhibition, you will need to obtain a veterinary passport. It is also necessary to obtain admission, it can be done 3 days before the event at the club or clinic.
4. For the exhibition it is necessary to prepare not only the dog, but also the owner. Pay attention to your clothes, they should be neat, functional, inconspicuous. You will need to perform jumps, inclines, minute runs, etc.
5. It is important to understand that a bright outfit will catch a glance to you, and not to the dog, you should refuse such clothes. At the same time, don’t wear high-heeled shoes, it will look ridiculous (except in special cases, when the production cannot do without this accessory).
6. If you are going to an exhibition in another city, most likely it will take a lot of things. In combination with an animal, it will be difficult to cope alone. Take with you a person who understands the nuances of exhibitions.
7. Before and during the exhibition, keep yourself in control. Dogs are able to adopt the location of the owner, so your nervous mood can unsettle the animal.

The main stages of preparation

The exhibition includes a number of requirements that must be taken into account. It is important to prepare not only the pet, but also yourself. Consider all the nuances in order.

Step number 1. Psychological aspect

1. First of all, prepare yourself for the exhibition.Remember, participation in competitions is only a hobby, entertainment. Of course, I want to take an honorable place, but if the dog does not cope, do not be discouraged. Learn to accept defeats, do not scold the pet.
2. In the process of passing the stages, you do not need to rush, do everything measuredly, calmly. Closely monitor the psychological state of the animal, manage to cheer and calm him in time. Do not allow the pet to be aggressive towards other dogs, do not allow barking.
3. It is necessary to prepare the dog for the fact that she will have to stand in the exhibition position at the very moment when the judge turns his head to you. Do not interfere with other competitors, do not block them.

Step number 2. The right choice of ammunition

1. It is important to choose the right outfit for your pet. In cases where the dog is wearing a collar of soft material, monitor the width of the product. Too narrow an object will visually lengthen the neck, while a wide one, on the contrary, will shorten it. Choose ammunition according to the size of the dog.
2. Of no small importance is the color of the collar. If it is contrasting, this step will help emphasize the color of the coat. The ring to which the leash is attached must be solid. Be careful with the new collar. There are frequent cases when a recently purchased product dyes the hair of an animal, nullifying the entire preparation.
3. Some owners use a chain noose instead of a collar. Such ammunition looks advantageous on large dogs. Chains can be welded in one, two or three rows, it all depends on the size of the animal. However, for inexperienced handlers, the chain will be an unfortunate option: the product may twist or the dog will twist out of it.
4. There are also special “drivers” for show dogs. The length of the product is selected individually. You must control the pet at every stage, up to jerking or aggression towards other animals. To gain confidence, attach a carbine to the ammunition, it will allow holding a large animal with both hands.
5. On dogs of large breeds, a muzzle must be present. Even if you are sure that the pet is friendly, do not neglect this recommendation. The absence of a muzzle is perceived by the judges as bad taste, you can lose a few points for disrespect for other participants in the competition. Like the collar, the new muzzle has the ability to dye the hair of an animal.

Step number 3. Correct stance

1. As mentioned earlier, the dog must take an exhibition pose at the right time for you. To master the team, it will take several minutes a day to perform the same exercise with the puppy. The main thing here is regularity.
2. Place the animal on a flat surface, ensure that it stands in this position for 10 seconds. Do not let the puppy sit down or “fidget” from place to place. If you have a small breed puppy, perform manipulations on the table.
3. When the animal stands in such a position for the necessary time, take a break. Next time, repeat the steps, but already correct the setting of the limbs. The front legs should be located on one straight line, and the hind legs - in a small step from the front.
4. After a certain period of time, the dog must master a simple maneuver. A stand with a raised head and a flat back is required from her, the setting of paws is also important, do not allow the dog to stagnate.
5. Of course, to master such a team will require a lot of strength and patience. Consult with the breeder, each breed has a specific exhibition stand, take into account the standards.

Step number 4. Right walking

1. Put on the animal a “vodilka” or a collar, start learning how to walk properly. Teach your puppy to walk on your left. Tighten the leash, gradually reducing the distance. Ultimately, the pet should pace next to your foot.
2. After the puppy has mastered the leash, start driving it counterclockwise in a circle. The back should be flat, the head should be raised.Periodically make stops, entertain the dog, praise and give a treat.
3. After mastering the step, proceed to study the gait - trotting. As in the previous case, the head and tail should be raised, the back should be straight. Praise your pet after a proper run, gradually increase the duration of training.

Preparation for the exhibition is an important psychological aspect for both the four friends and their owner. To take pride of place, you must adhere to the main recommendations. Prepare a treat in advance to cheer your pet up while working in the ring. Grind the treats in very small pieces. Let him quietly during the performance and before the show.

Video: how to prepare a dog for the show