Pre-Show Ring Preparation – What to Do to Win

Click here to read the complete article
392 – The Annual, 2019-20

By Sandy Weaver

     The special comb – the lucky lead – the pre-show ritual. Nearly everyone who shows dogs has something they believe gives them an extra edge in the ring. Some of the ideas are superstitious, some mystical and some downright kooky. This article isn’t to talk you into or out of anything you already do that’s working for you – it’s twelve pieces of advice offered to help you and your dog look your best and be your best for that 2.5 minutes of glory. And at least one piece of advice can help your dog have a MUCH healthier, longer life.

     When judges are in the hospitality room having lunch at a show, there is often conversation about the weirdness encountered in the ring. Yes, judges talk about you, and the tips in this article can help ensure you’re not landing in the “OMG, you should have seen what walked into my ring this morning!!” category.

Preparation Long Before the Show

     This section should just be common sense, and for many it is. You’d be surprised at how many of your fellow exhibitors don’t know or do these simple things to create a great show dog.

1. Bathe the dog regularly. Get them used to being bathed and groomed, to getting their nails and feet neatened up and to having their teeth brushed. A dog that is bathed regularly will have healthier skin, a healthier coat and a better aroma. A dog used to being handled for feet-neatening and/or nail trims is a dog less likely to fight with you about being stacked. And a dog with clean, shiny teeth is a healthier dog and more likely to be good for the mouth exam. Plus, the judge is going to be looking in that mouth – it should look as good as you want the rest of the dog to look. A dirty, stinky dog is a direct reflection of the owner, and it’s not a good one.

Click here to read the complete article
392 – The Annual, 2019-20

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Posted by AnthonyA on Jan 28 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.