Training Champion Show Dogs
Learning the methods to train your dog to be a champion show dog can be expensive, daunting and confusing when you don't know where to go or what to do. Learning by trial and error can become even more expensive than learning from one who has "been there, done that".
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Show Dogs and Show Dog Training Overview
- The Original Purpose of the Conformation Dog Show
- Conformation Dog Shows
- It All Starts With The Puppy
- AKC Dog Show Training 101
- SHOW DOG TRAINING MANUAL REVIEW
- Kathy Reed's Newfoundland Best In Show
- Janet Ford ~ Dog Breeder, Trainer, Exhibitor and Author Says:
- Search and Rescue Show Dogs
- The Working Group
- Examples of Show Working Dogs
- The Herding Dog
- Herding Dogs
- The Hound Group
- The Show Hound Dog Group
- 5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups
- Have a Question About Your Dog's Care and Well Being?
- Advertise Your Show Dog to the World
- Dog Show Grooming
- Beautiful Dog Grooming Table
- Recommendation By J. C. Miller
- Dog Grooming Tables
- Grooming Brushes
- Travel Crates & Carriers for Your Prize Dog
- AKC Changes Dog Show Rulings
- Show Dogs
- Dog Shows
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- You Are Welcome To Visit My Other Dog Lens
- What Is The Best Dog Show Tips?
The Original Purpose of the Conformation Dog Show
by the American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club has been around for a long time. It was first established in 1884 and it approves and maintains the official records of over 15,000 sanctioned and licensed dog events each year.The original purpose of the conformation dog show was to have a platform to select the best breeding stock to carry on the high breeding standards of the dogs that were registered as an American Kennel Club pure blood line. The A.K.C. conformation show was not suppose to be a "beauty pageant" for dogs.
In the United States, there is probably only about 15 days out of the year when a dog is NOT being shown somewhere. Dog showing has become a very popular, big business activity that the whole family can participate in, and can it become very addictive!
In major dog shows like Westminster in the United States or Crufts in the UK, there are over 130 different breeds of dogs that take part in dog show competition. It may look easy but there is much more to show dog training than just 'sit', 'stay' or circling around the show ring.
Conformation Dog Shows
A Brief Introduction to Conformation Dog Shows
In a conformation show, judges familiar with specific dog breeds evaluate individual dogs for how well they conform to published breed standards. Conformation shows are also referred to as dog shows or breed shows. Conformation shows are typically held under the auspices of a national kennel club. At the highest levels are Championship or all-breed shows, which have separate classes for the majority of breeds. In addition, the show can be breed- or group-specific, usually organized by a breed club and often called a specialty show. The first conformation dog show was held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England in 1859.
Category: Image - :English-Springer-Spaniel.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Handlers set up their dogs for judging so that their stance is perfect when the judge views them; this is known as hand stacking.
Category: Image - :pinkdaniel200.jpg|right|thumbnail|This is a Silky Terrier getting ready to be presented by its Professional Handler Colorado Springs Kennel Club USA'''
It All Starts With The Puppy
That You Pick From The Litter of Champions
Deciding to train a dog to show in the ring is not the first step, believe it or not. Selecting the puppy is the the first step. That's right, from birth the dog is selected to be trained for show.With a show dog offspring in hand, the next step is establishing a dedicated training schedule. Training commences with a course of daily training sessions that span several months or several weeks. Clicker Training is a big part of show dog training, but it is not the only type of training used.
The first step is to establish basic behaviors that will be expected not only for show, but on a daily basis. Once these behaviors have been established you will then move forward to more advanced behaviors. At all times, the trainer must pay close attention towards the dog's progress.
The earlier a training routine can be established the better. These behaviors need to be a way of life, not just show behavior, and the earlier a pup learns this the better. Show dogs are subjected to judges inspecting eyes, ears, teeth, and coats, to name a few, and the dog must have the right temperament to handle this.
A good way to get the dog use to this type of inspection and prodding is to use the same techniques the judges use, while you are bathing and grooming your dog. By the time the dog is old enough to enter a show he will have become adjusted to someone looking in his ears, lifting his lips to inspect his gums and teeth, or lifting and moving his legs or tail.
AKC Dog Show Training 101
Learn From A Trophy Winning Pro
Breaking Into the World of Show DogsIt can be difficult breaking into the World of Show Dogs as the "big business" arena can be very political and some of the competition can be fierce.
There have been many expensive books published on the subject, yet I have always found them to be lacking, as if the author's where holding back some deep, dark secret to actually keep any newcomers from competing in their world of show dogs.
Finally, someone has had the guts to bear all and put all the amazing secrets of the preparation and training that goes into showing a champion dog.
Dog Show Training 101
Kathy Reed's amazing, brand new e-book let's you know, step-by-step, in easy to understand layman's terms, just what to do to get your dog ready to enter the AKC Conformation Dog Shows.
Here are just a few of the secrets that are revealed in her tell all AKC Dog Shows 101
- How To Keep From Making A Fool of Yourself
- Exactly How To Enter a Show
- Explanations of All the Different Types of Shows
- How to Select the Right Puppy to Raise for Show
- All Aspects of Training Your Dog
- Tips and Tricks of Dog Grooming
- How to Present Your Dog to the Judges
- And Much More...
These are two of Kathy Reed's Champion Newfoundland Dogs
Dog Show Training 101
SHOW DOG TRAINING MANUAL REVIEW
I am a dog breeder/handler and have been for the past 11 years. After reading Kathy Reed's book on how to show a dog,... I learned even more tips from her...easy to follow manual. I cannot tell you how many "How To Show Your Dog," books I have, and none of them compare to Kathy's. I wish I had a book like this way back when. ~ Lisa Martens , breeder
Lighthouse Newfoundlands
Kathy Reed's Newfoundland Best In Show
Janet Ford ~ Dog Breeder, Trainer, Exhibitor and Author Says:
Dog Showing 101 is a fabulous resource, not only for the beginner to dog shows but for anyone who is not 100% confident in their approach of entering dog shows. From puppy to Best In Show, it's all covered here in great, easy to digest, detail. Definitely a product that I'm proud to recommend to others.
Guide To Ethical Dog Breeding
Search and Rescue Show Dogs
The Working Group
Working dogs have been bred for hundreds of years to assist their owners with guarding the homestead, pulling sleds, hauling work carts, tracking, water rescues, avalanche rescue and more.
These dogs have extremely active minds and because of their breeding cannot sit idle for long - they have their jobs to do which makes them highly trainable and willing to learn the task they are assigned to as these jobs to fill their days and fulfill their purpose.
Because these dogs are usually so large with high energy levels and strength, they are not the best selection for family pets. However; with the right training, care, and large enough space to run can be trained to make wonderful family companions as they usually have a very sweet disposition.
Keep in mind that they do need a lot of space for exercise and they must have their daily jobs to keep them busy and well adjusted.
An unusual characteristics of Newfoundlands, that many are not aware of, is that the dogs have webbed feet. This is one of the reasons they are so adept at water rescue.
The Herding Dog
These dogs have super intelligence and were bred for protection and to work with their owners herding the livestock on the farms. They name Bouvier des Flandres literally means the cattle herder of Flanders.
Because of their high energy levels and intelligence they can make excellent pets and work extremely well with different kinds of search and rescue; guard dog and obedience training.
Remember that because these dogs were bred to do a particular job (herding), they do better when they have lots of exercise with room to run.
I noticed when I was raising my Belgium Shepherds, along with my kids, out in the country of Hawaii, that the dogs were fabulous at watching the kids. It was a funny sight watching them "herd" the kids while I was getting the laundry done. They kids could not stray far without the dogs nudging them back into the perimeter that the dogs deemed acceptable.
Herding Dogs
Police German Shepard with his badge
Belgium Shepard or Belgium Sheep Dog
Boop the Aussie Shepard
Border Collie
The Hound Group
These dogs, pure and simple where bred to track and hunt. These dogs are divided into 2 separate groups; sight hounds and scent hounds.
Some of the oldest dog breeds known to man come from this group, such as the Cretan Hound with a history that goes back to 4,000 years ago and is a hunting breed of dog from the island of Crete, in Greece.
Many of these dogs are quite vocal because of their hunting background so if you are living in a residential neighborhood with close neighbors, you might want to reconsider before getting a hound for a pet.
It is also a good idea to keep these dogs leashed at all times since they can easily be led by their nose, or eyes, into troublesome situations.
5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups
by Louise Louis
To make the best use of a rescue group, however, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Watch out for scams.
Some wholesale breeders and brokers who can't meet federal and state laws advertise themselves as "rescue" organizations. Crooks have even collected money for non-existent rescue groups.
Lensmaster Note:
Some of them even steal dogs to meet the needs, or orders, of their "rescue" shelters for certain dog breeds.
Unlike animal shelters and local humane societies, rescue groups usually do not have storefronts. They are a collection of breeders and breed fanciers who perform their services from their homes.
Ask any rescue group if they are incorporated or registered as a nonprofit group in your state.
The best way to find a rescue group is to go to the American Kennel Club's (AKC) website at www.akc.org and search under the breed you're interested in getting.
If no rescue group is listed, contact the national breed club and ask for references.
2. Don't trust everything a shelter tells you.
In some areas, the county or charitable animal shelter feels they're in competition with rescue groups and take pains to color these groups as irresponsible.
Some people who volunteer at shelters are animal rights extremists who despise anyone who breeds dogs to serve as pets. This is a source of tension as many rescue group members are hobby or professional breeders.
Some rescue groups have made this worse by advertising how they "rescue" dogs from the shelter implying they are the guys in the white hats.
A further issue of contention between the groups is the fee charged to obtain a dog. Some rescue groups deliberately undercut the fees the shelter's charge.
Shelters may be limited by law or organization rules to charging a certain amount and can't compete on price with rescue groups.
3. Ask about foster care for the dog you're considering.
Responsible rescue groups place dogs in foster homes to assess the dogs and determine what behavior problems, if any, exist with the dog.
This information is crucial to determining what type of permanent home would be best for the dog. For instance, one without children or one without other pets.
Be leery of a rescue group that is trying to place a dog that it has just obtained without having an interim placement.
4. Expect to be interviewed.
Responsible rescue groups do attempt to match a dog and his personality with an appropriate owner. They can only do this by asking questions including what your experience is with dogs, what you know about the breed and what type of lifestyle you have.
Please do not be offended. I would never accept a dog from a rescue society that did nothing more than ascertain if I could pay the fee they want.
5. Be prepared for anything.
There are no overarching laws, regulations or oversight of rescue groups. Some are run very professionally and some are basket cases. Unlike shelters, they are rarely subject to any state or
local inspections.
You may call a rescue group and never get a response. Part of the problem is the rapid turnover of volunteers involved in rescue groups. Realize that you may need to be very, very patient when dealing with a rescue group.
Always ask how the dog came into rescue. Some well-meaning group members "rescue" any dog, especially a neglected looking dog, they find outside without an owner.
The dog may or may not be abandoned but few rescue groups, in my experience, make much of an effort to try to find owners especially if in their opinion the dog does not appear to be well treated.
Find out if they check for microchips or tattoos and if you do get a rescue dog, have your vet check them right away for this as well as diseases.
You may expose yourself to emotional trauma and even liability issues if you wind up with a lost dog whose owner tracks him back to you.
As a final caution, it pays to make two or three visits with the dog you're considering adopting before making the final decision.
Louise Louis is a long-time dog person who owns and operates the ToyBreeds.com website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Louis
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Advertise Your Show Dog to the World
Really Neat Show Dog Accessories
Dog Show Grooming
Find The Best Prices For Dog Show Grooming Tools
When traveling from city to city going to dog shows, you will need to have the ability to groom your dog while on the road. Grooming cases and portable grooming tables are essential tools of the dog show business.
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Beautiful Dog Grooming Table
You can pick up this table at a greatly reduced price.
MIDWEST Grooming Table- Constructed of the sturdy/durable 3/4" Birch Plywood, easy to maintain and clean Rubber working surface, fully welded folding tubular legs and a 1" charcoal gray vinyl trim. The Midwest grooming table
provides the perfect working surface and the easy fold down legs make it easy to groom just about any pet just about any where. Also available with grooming arms and security loops. (Model 120N& 125N equipped with grooming arm and security loop)Comes with arm and security loop. Finish - Chrome plated 16 gauge steel legs - 1 inch O.D. Weighs 31 Lbs. 36L x 24W x 30H.
Midwest Plywood Grooming Table with Arm
List Price: $289.99
Sale Price: $140.61
You Save: $149.38 (52%)
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Midwest Plywood Grooming Table with Arm
Recommendation By J. C. Miller
Grooming our dogs was a struggle until we bought this table. It's very sturdy and durable. It folds up easily for storage. Just the right height and the arm is great for small and larger dogs. Clipping is a breeze now. I liked this one for the price and the larger table space ....
Dog Grooming Tables
Portable Tables Are A Necessity When Traveling
It will make your like easier to have your own portable grooming table to set at at the dog shows to have your show dog looking his best before the judges.
Gerber 30 Folding Portable Dog Grooming Table
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Midwest 48" Grooming Table Arm (Adjustable Height to 48")
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Professional Hydraulic Pet Grooming Table w/ Swivel
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An All-Breed Grooming Guide for the Professional Pet Stylist
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Grooming Brushes
FURminator deShedding Tool with 1-3/4-Inch Edge for Cats
Amazon Price: $22.68 (as of 07/26/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Digby, Herdoo's Whimsical And Handpainted 3-D Character Cushioned Hairbrush For Child And Preteen Hair Care
Amazon Price: (as of 07/26/2008)
Zoom Groom For Dogs - Raspberry
Amazon Price: $6.29 (as of 07/26/2008)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
UGG Dog Carrier
by Overland Sheepskin
Wherever you go, this exquisite UGG Dog Carrier will offer your pet the safest and most relaxed ride possible. Made of soft chestnut suede with shearling trim accents and a plush, removable shearling bed liner, the bag features a breathable mesh top opening and side doggie door for easy access and optimal ventilation. With a generously sized front zip pocket and side pocket, there's plenty of space to stow treats, leashes, and so on. You can tote your pet by holding the 2 decorative UGG Australia Tasman straps, or by slinging the adjustable strap with sheepskin comfort pad over your shoulder. Comes with an easy-to-keep-clean, water-resistant lining, metallic gold hardware, and an interior buckle/strap to fasten dog's collar to. 10" H x 13 L x 8" W. Imported.This is an excellent carrier to bring your puppy home from the breeder or vets office.
UGG Dog Carrier
Travel Crates & Carriers for Your Prize Dog
Midwest Canine Camper Day Tripper Portable Soft-Sided Folding Tent Crate, 42-Inch
These dog crates feature easy setup with no poles, bars, straps or tools required. Sets up in seconds. Mesh windows on all four sides allow good visibility and ventilation. Pop-up assembly and easy to clean 600 denier fabric with the exclusive PVC backing for maxium durablility. Excellent way to transport or house your dog from show to show.
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Amazon Price: $149.65 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $169.99
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Snoozer Travelon Portable Pet Travel Crate - Medium
Lightweight and foldable with handles for easy transport, fast & easy set up in car, home, hotel or anywhere you need a crate. Perfect for the medium size dog, measuring at:
Folded up flat - 27" L x 20" W x 2" H; Fully open - 27" L x 20" W x 24.5" H; not intended for safety & security while transporting pet in a car.
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The Ideal Pet Soft Crate/Carrier for Travel, Indoor and Outdoor- Large
Stylish, Lightweight and Washable, this one-piece patent pending design to be assembled or folded down in seconds! Storage pockets on two sides holds supplies. Includes a removable waterproof polypropylene tray and ID tag holder. For a large dog, measuring at 28"Lx21"Wx21"H. Come in all sizes and available in red and blue.
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Amazon Price: $58.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
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Midwest Life-Stages 36-by-24-by-27-Inch Folding Double-Door Metal Dog Crate
Exceptionally versatile metal dog crate with adjustable divider panel that allows for adjusting the length of the living area. They size these crates based on dog weight, but I would measure your dogs length and height to make sure they fit. Comes in various sizes. It's literally 3 steps and takes about 10 seconds max)to set up and has carry handles on the side, so it's really easy to transport.
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Amazon Price: $65.49 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $109.99
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Pet Gear Home 'N Go Soft Sided Pet Crate, Extra Small, Harvest Gold
Portable so that you can take your pet along with you anywhere you go. This soft crate ships folded flat, yet fully assembled, and opens easily in about 15 seconds. (NO TOOLS OR ASSEMBLY REQUIRED). Comes in various sizes and available in harvest gold, red poppy, pink ice, blue sky and moss green and lavender.
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Amazon Price: $58.17 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $79.99
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AKC Changes Dog Show Rulings
100 Years of Formality Out the Window
For over a 100 years the AKC required all registered dogs to go by the long names of their bloodline.
The new ruling for dog show owner's states that the owners of AKC registered dogs may change the official name of their dog, providing that the dog was born in the United States, has never been bred, and has not won any awards at an AKC event.
I wonder how this will go over at Westminister next year when an AKC dog is being shown and introduced as Rags instead of "Ch Farnsworthy's Fabulous Felicia of Framington"!
David Roberts, AKC's Assistant Vice President of Registration, states that "In most cases, the dog is a beloved pet and the owner would like to pick a name that has special value to them."
Any name change must comply with all AKC requirements, and the cost for owners is $25. I would say that is a great way to bring a fresh basket of dough to the AKC's registry!
Show Dogs
Best in Show: The World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows (Kennel Club Pro)
This is not a "how to" book. It is a reference book about the history of dog showing and the current global dog shows.
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Amazon Price: $53.16 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $69.95
Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type (Kennel Club Pro Series)
A straightforward and detailed instructional guide for aspiring dog breeders, novice dog show judges, and purebreed connoisseurs aspiring to be able to discern the subtle distinctions of breed type.
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Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $29.95
The Dog Show: 125 Years of Westminster
A social history of the Westminster Dog Shows. A nice gift for anyone interested in confirmation showing.
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Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $29.95
An Eye for a Dog: Illustrated Guide to Judging Purebred Dogs
Once I started reading "An Eye for a Dog" I was unable to put it down. There is so much information crammed into this book! This is an essential aide for any breeder/exhibitor to prevent kennel blindness, aide in selection of mates, understand judge's decisions, etc.
Mr. Cole has made it possible for any novice dog showman to develop his/her "eye." The format is fun, easy, and very informative all at the same time. Definitely a must for those getting into the sport of dog showing or breeding.
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Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $22.95
Puppy Intensive Care: A Breeder's Guide to Care of Newborn Puppies
This book comes with a DVD that brings to life what the author teaches. This book will prepare you for any crisis or emergency with your newborn show puppies. "This is the best text I have read in 30 years of dog breeding. Informative and written for the lay-man."
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Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $29.95
Dog Shows
Dog Show Poodle Video
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DOG SHOW ALICANTE 2007 - AMERI...
Dog shows FAMILY & DOG 2007 Ba...
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Most Popular Show Dog Today
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed of dog usually considered one of the toy dog breeds. It is a small spaniel with a substantial silky coat of moderate length, often with a mild wave, and long ears. Four colors (Blenheim, Tricolor, Black and Tan, and Ruby) are recognized. The breed originated in the 20th century, though has its roots in the older King Charles Spaniel of the Restoration. This breed was loved by King Charles the second of England. He passed a law that they were allowed in parliament.
You Are Welcome To Visit My Other Dog Lens
Stop by and say "Hi!"
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- The proper nutrition to keep your dog healthy.
What Is The Best Dog Show Tips?
Dog Shows Are An Experience!
Leave a comment or your favorite tip about your dog show experience.
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kathysart
Ohhh I just LOVE this! We watch all the dog shows on the Animal Planet, cannot resist! Our dog Maxwell, a girl dog with a boys name cause she is liberated, is actually an ex con. Her crime was a white color crime and since she does have white markings around her neck and under her chin who am I to question that? She will never be a show dog and only knows the sit command... so far that is! Posted July 16, 2008 |
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KonaGirl
OMG! Janet- Thanks so much for stopping by! Great to hear from you!! Posted February 25, 2008 |
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Showpup
Great lens. I really enjoyed it and look forward to any new modules you may add in the future. Loved Kathy's tip, too. A friend asked to borrow my dog show cart.. but she can do that with her grooming table. Yeah! Well timed tip! I need to get me one of those grooming table toppers you have featured on here. For the benched shows, that could make a huge difference when visitors want to meet your dogs. Posted February 25, 2008 |
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SharonMay
Kathy certainly knows her subject throughly. Great lens June well done 5 stars. Posted February 25, 2008 |
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CandleSue
June Posted February 24, 2008 |
