DOG SHOW PAGES  


SHOWING AND HANDLING TIPS

Here are just a few tips that will make your show experience more enjoyable. 
I want to thank my mentor, Pat Boggs and all the junior handlers, who made 
GREAT web page that helped me compile this page. While some of the tips are
just my opinion most of them make showing a more pleasant experience.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DOG UNDER CONTROL – This is EVERYONES’ responsibility.

While waiting to go into the ring, remember to NOT block the gate to the
ring. Let the previous class exit BEFORE entering the ring. (unless instructed
differently by the ring steward)

Always be at ringside ON TIME. Most judges will NOT wait for you. And it is unfair
to other handlers who are trying to put points on their dogs too. Sometimes your
dog can make or break a major.

Constantly talk to your dog! PRAISE!

Know your breeds’ standard. Standards can be found at the AKC Web Site.

Don't feed your dog/bitch before going into a ring

Put your name, breed and/or kennel name on your equipment.

Be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the next dog when gaiting. 
It is very rude to run up on a dog in front of you, and messes both of your 
dogs up. Do this by timing the dog in front of you and leaving a big enough gap

ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE JUDGE

Always keep an eye on the judge & SMILE!

Look at the judge, but don't stare.

KNOW YOUR PATTERNS - (Click on pattern name to see picture of pattern)
Gaiting is moving the dog at it's correct speed in a particular pattern. The 
patterns are down and back, the "L", the triangle, and "the T". 

An important concept in gaiting is a courtesy turn. This is a graceful semicircle 
right in front of the judge.

The down and back is done by going in a straight line down to the corner of the 
ring and coming straight back to the judge. When hitting the turn, turn right and 
bring the dog back. Normally this pattern is done on a diagnol, whether it is a mat 
at an indoor show or on the diagonal on the grass at an outdoor show. 

The L pattern is one of the hardest to perfect. The L consists of a tricky move 
called "lead switching", which is switching hands so the dog is on the outside in 
the view of the judge. You go forward to the end of the ring, do a left turn to the 
adjacent side of the ring, do an about turn and a lead switch coming back to the 
right corner of the ring, the you do another lead switch and come straight back 
to the judge. 

The triangle pattern is probably the most common pattern and possibly the easiest. 
You go forward to the far end of the ring, do a left turn to the left side of the ring. 
At the left corner, do a courtesy turn and go back on the diagonal back to the judge. 

The T pattern is probably the hardest to learn and explain! You start in the middle 
of the ring and go straight away from the judge. You make a left turn a few inches 
BEFORE the ring gate, go to the left as far as you can go, execute a lead switch, 
go to the opposite corner to the right, execute another lead switch, go to the 
MIDDLE of the ring, turn and return to the judge.

Don't let yourself get between your dog and the judge!!
 
No matter what happens, take wins and losses in stride.  

Have fun. Don't be out there just to win all the time. 
 
Congratulate the winner no matter how you feel. 

Congratulate the losers, no matter how you feel. 

Be polite, business like, and attentive other dogs, other handlers, and the judge! 

Show confidence. 

Dress professionally and prepare your hair nicely



LinMae's Schipperke Page


Grooming Box Tips


Canine Health Links


Junior Showmanship - I found this page very informative. It has a number 
               of good links by Junior Handlers. I It NEVER hurts to refresh our memories.