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Dog Show
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Following much encouragement from the breeder I've entered my 10 month old puppy in a show in Edinburgh in May. I have no idea what to do, what to take with me or anything. Can anyone give me some tips? I know lankeela and jules show dogs, would they give a raw beginner some help? Pup is an English Mastiff.
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Well thats all your hard earned cash and your hard earned time off taken care of for the next 20 - 30 years LOL.
Once your entry has been received you will be sent passes for the show abut ten days - 2 weeks beforehand.(I presume its Scottish Kennel Club on 17th May?) Make sure you put them somewhere safe, as there will be a pass to get you in and a removal pass to get yu (and the dog) out. The dogs are allocated a bench with a number. This number will be on your pass. When you get there you will find the tent with your breed in it and find the bench which is where you will be based for the rest of the day. Your dog will be shown in a ring in another tent, and when the passes come you will told which ring number. Sometimes this will be the second breed in the ring, so you may have to wait quite a while. If you are first breed in, then you need to be there early and ready, as the puppy class is first (dogs are shown first, then bitches follow). You will need to wear your ring number on a special clip which you can buy from one of the trade stands at the show. You can use a safety pin, but it is frowned upon! Take a blanket for your dog to lie on either on the wooden bench (which is a compartment) or on the grass by the ring.
Once your entry has been received you will be sent passes for the show abut ten days - 2 weeks beforehand.(I presume its Scottish Kennel Club on 17th May?) Make sure you put them somewhere safe, as there will be a pass to get you in and a removal pass to get yu (and the dog) out. The dogs are allocated a bench with a number. This number will be on your pass. When you get there you will find the tent with your breed in it and find the bench which is where you will be based for the rest of the day. Your dog will be shown in a ring in another tent, and when the passes come you will told which ring number. Sometimes this will be the second breed in the ring, so you may have to wait quite a while. If you are first breed in, then you need to be there early and ready, as the puppy class is first (dogs are shown first, then bitches follow). You will need to wear your ring number on a special clip which you can buy from one of the trade stands at the show. You can use a safety pin, but it is frowned upon! Take a blanket for your dog to lie on either on the wooden bench (which is a compartment) or on the grass by the ring.
Still with me? When your class is called you will go into the ring with the other dogs and line up along one side. A steward will check off you number. Try not to be first in line so you can watch what the others do. You will probably be asked to run round the ring once with all the others and then each dog in turn will be taken to the front and the owner will stand him in show pose ( legs four square, holding the collar up to keep his head up). The judge will then go over him, i.e. feel all over his body and look at his mouth.
I don't know if you have been to any ringcraft classes but if not you need to try to find one. Let me know where you live and I will put you in touch with one. Get him used to other people looking at his mouth, you lift up the top lips with your first finger and thumb. Some puppies tend to move their heads at first so don't worry too much, the judge will probably have done it before the pup reaslises what is happening. Then you will be asked to move in a triangle, you go away from the judge up to the corner then across the top of the ring and then back to the judge all in straight lines. This is so the judge can see the hind movement as you go away, the side movement as you go across the top of the ring and the front movement as you come back to the judge. Then probably once up and down the ring and then stand your dog again in the show pose for a final look. Then back to your place in the line and the judge will come down the line and look at all the dogs once more, then call them out in order 1st to 5th. If you are lucky enough to be called out, try not to look surprised, just go to the middle of the ring and stand in line (there will be a steward in the ring to tell you where to stand). When all five places (if there are five in the class) have been awarded the steward will present rosettes and the judge will do a write up on the first couple of dogs.
I don't know if you have been to any ringcraft classes but if not you need to try to find one. Let me know where you live and I will put you in touch with one. Get him used to other people looking at his mouth, you lift up the top lips with your first finger and thumb. Some puppies tend to move their heads at first so don't worry too much, the judge will probably have done it before the pup reaslises what is happening. Then you will be asked to move in a triangle, you go away from the judge up to the corner then across the top of the ring and then back to the judge all in straight lines. This is so the judge can see the hind movement as you go away, the side movement as you go across the top of the ring and the front movement as you come back to the judge. Then probably once up and down the ring and then stand your dog again in the show pose for a final look. Then back to your place in the line and the judge will come down the line and look at all the dogs once more, then call them out in order 1st to 5th. If you are lucky enough to be called out, try not to look surprised, just go to the middle of the ring and stand in line (there will be a steward in the ring to tell you where to stand). When all five places (if there are five in the class) have been awarded the steward will present rosettes and the judge will do a write up on the first couple of dogs.
How exciting for you, or not as the case may be, I know I was terrified at my first show, and I had an 'old hand' with me, who I tried to persuade to take my dog in the ring when I felt I needed brown trousers!
Anyway, once you have done it once you will either love it, or as one of my friends said, 'hate it' as she was a nervous wreck and wouldnt do it again.
At least you wont need all the paraphernalia I have with a long haired breed, just the dog and a packed lunch. Are you going to ringcraft so you know 'how to show' your dog, and have some practice with what may be expected. Or could you go to a local companion show beforehand, just so your dog gets used to the atmosphere, If you are the first class in the ring, make sure you go last in the line, so you can watch what everyone else does, but dont worry about it, as the judge will tell you what they want, usually a triangle and up and down, and sometimes all rounder judges get you running round the ring like maniacs!
I am not familiar with how Mastiffs are shown, but I always take 'bait' to keep the dogs attention in the ring (garlic chicken or sausages).Lankeela, are Mastiffs free standing?
Enjoy......and please let us know how you get on.
Anyway, once you have done it once you will either love it, or as one of my friends said, 'hate it' as she was a nervous wreck and wouldnt do it again.
At least you wont need all the paraphernalia I have with a long haired breed, just the dog and a packed lunch. Are you going to ringcraft so you know 'how to show' your dog, and have some practice with what may be expected. Or could you go to a local companion show beforehand, just so your dog gets used to the atmosphere, If you are the first class in the ring, make sure you go last in the line, so you can watch what everyone else does, but dont worry about it, as the judge will tell you what they want, usually a triangle and up and down, and sometimes all rounder judges get you running round the ring like maniacs!
I am not familiar with how Mastiffs are shown, but I always take 'bait' to keep the dogs attention in the ring (garlic chicken or sausages).Lankeela, are Mastiffs free standing?
Enjoy......and please let us know how you get on.
oops sorry Lankeela, I must have been typing my response at the same time as you!!
I do like the bit 'if you are pulled out try not to look surprised'!! Just an add on, if you are first or second, you will be expected to stay behind when the others have left the ring and the judge will write a critique, which if you are lucky, will appear in the weekly dog press some weeks, or maybe months later, or sometimes never!!
I do like the bit 'if you are pulled out try not to look surprised'!! Just an add on, if you are first or second, you will be expected to stay behind when the others have left the ring and the judge will write a critique, which if you are lucky, will appear in the weekly dog press some weeks, or maybe months later, or sometimes never!!
If your dog is placed 1st 2nd or 3rd then you will have qualified for Crufts! If you are lucky enough to win your class, then you will come back in at the end of the classes to challenge for Best Dog (assuming it is a male) and they will also declare the Best Puppy Dog. Then they will do all the bitch classes and when they have got a Best Bitch that will challenge the Best Dog for Best of Breed, and also the Best Puppy Dog will challenge the Best Puppy Bitch for Best Puppy in Breed. The Best of Breed then goes on to compete in the Working Group with all the other Best of Breeds. The seven Group winners then compete for Best in Show.
You will need to take with you your dog (!), a collar and lead to show him on if you are going to use a different one from everyday use. A bowl and bottle of water for a drink, a blanket, some food if you are going to be away from home all day (don't feed him until after he has been in). A cloth to wipe his dribble(!) which you are allowed to take into the ring with you and either a brush or a chamois leather to brush/shine him up. Other than that you may need waterproofs for yourself, and wellies if it rains. Comfortable shoes to run round in, food/drink unless you are prepared to buy it (there are loads of food outlets). Oh yes, and lots of dosh to spend on all the trade stands! I am sure you will enjoy the experience and I think you will find the Mastiff exhibitors very friendly, and if you need any help on the day look in the catalogue (which lists all the exhibitors and you can buy when you get there if you have not already paid for one with your entry) for Kim Dodd and Emma Herring, who will be more than happy to guide you. Emma was a very successful Junior Handler (now grown up) and their dog Womble was Best of Breed at Crufts this year.
Don't forget to put your pass out somewhere safe.
You will need to take with you your dog (!), a collar and lead to show him on if you are going to use a different one from everyday use. A bowl and bottle of water for a drink, a blanket, some food if you are going to be away from home all day (don't feed him until after he has been in). A cloth to wipe his dribble(!) which you are allowed to take into the ring with you and either a brush or a chamois leather to brush/shine him up. Other than that you may need waterproofs for yourself, and wellies if it rains. Comfortable shoes to run round in, food/drink unless you are prepared to buy it (there are loads of food outlets). Oh yes, and lots of dosh to spend on all the trade stands! I am sure you will enjoy the experience and I think you will find the Mastiff exhibitors very friendly, and if you need any help on the day look in the catalogue (which lists all the exhibitors and you can buy when you get there if you have not already paid for one with your entry) for Kim Dodd and Emma Herring, who will be more than happy to guide you. Emma was a very successful Junior Handler (now grown up) and their dog Womble was Best of Breed at Crufts this year.
Don't forget to put your pass out somewhere safe.
LOL jules, great minds think alike! Mastiffs are shown sideways on with the owner standing behind, holding the collar up with the left hand and using the right hand to hold the 'chin' of the dog or the baggy lips to hold the head still. You can move the legs if the dog will let you to make sure the front ones are in line and the back ones are just a bit further back than the dogs rear end. Look at some pictures on Mastiff breeders websites and you will see some in show pose. When moving round the ring you will trot your dog on a loose lead.
Make sure he has had plenty of time to go to the toilet before he goes in, although if he should need to go you just ask the steward for a bucket and shovel. Make sure you have gone yourself as well! You will find that people will be very helpful and friendly, that is until you beat them, then you are on your own!
Make sure he has had plenty of time to go to the toilet before he goes in, although if he should need to go you just ask the steward for a bucket and shovel. Make sure you have gone yourself as well! You will find that people will be very helpful and friendly, that is until you beat them, then you are on your own!
Here is a photo of Emma with Womble when they got BOB at Crufts: you can see how she is standing him.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crufts2008/232018 4313/in/set-72157604079399397/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/crufts2008/232018 4313/in/set-72157604079399397/
Wow! Many thanks but I'm even more nervous now. I did show a rottie many years ago at a small local show but never anything like this.
I have a problem with ringcraft as Mr thugulike won't go and I can't lift George into the car on my own (13 stone and still growing) He puts his front paws up and then needs his bum lifting into the car. We are going through basic training at home and he is quite good and loves having hands over his body, doesn't even mind me looking in his mouth. I think we need to practice running though. I have friends who might help if I wheedle. I'll use dried banana chips as they're his favourite treat. Should the collar and lead be of any particular type? He currently has a bright blue set but I have a black set too which is new. They are quite sturdy as he's a very strong pup. I wouldn't like to have him on a flimsy string.
How do I know how many will be in the class or don't I know that until I arrive? And what time should we be there?
Many, many thanks for your advice, I'll print it off and keep it. Are any of you going to be there?
I have a problem with ringcraft as Mr thugulike won't go and I can't lift George into the car on my own (13 stone and still growing) He puts his front paws up and then needs his bum lifting into the car. We are going through basic training at home and he is quite good and loves having hands over his body, doesn't even mind me looking in his mouth. I think we need to practice running though. I have friends who might help if I wheedle. I'll use dried banana chips as they're his favourite treat. Should the collar and lead be of any particular type? He currently has a bright blue set but I have a black set too which is new. They are quite sturdy as he's a very strong pup. I wouldn't like to have him on a flimsy string.
How do I know how many will be in the class or don't I know that until I arrive? And what time should we be there?
Many, many thanks for your advice, I'll print it off and keep it. Are any of you going to be there?
Tell Mr Thugulike to get a life and get himself off to ringcraft. He will be surprised how many men handle dogs at shows and most of the top handlers are men.
You will need either a heavy duty check chain or half check (often called a combi collar) your pet shop will show you one.
Blue is lovely for walks but not for showing! A black or leather lead would be best, not too thick but not too fine.
Your passes will indicate what time judging starts, and as I said before if you are first breed in then you
need to be there early, about an hour before judging starts at the latest. Even if you are second breed in that ring, then I would suggest you get there early anyway, to soak up the atmosphere, find out where the toilets are and get a cup of tea. Watch some other breeds being shown and see how they do it. Find another big breed and see how they stand and run their dogs.
Good idea to get some friends to work with you. Practise running up and down with the dog not pulling you. Try to have the lead as loose as possible, rather than strangling the dog. The collar should be adjusted to give you control but not too tight nor too loose.
As for numbers, you will not know this till you get there and look in the catalogue, but just for info there were five in the puppy dog class at Crufts, but only one at LKA in December. There may be others from your dog's litter and there may be as many as seven or eight, but very unlikely there would be more.
You will need either a heavy duty check chain or half check (often called a combi collar) your pet shop will show you one.
Blue is lovely for walks but not for showing! A black or leather lead would be best, not too thick but not too fine.
Your passes will indicate what time judging starts, and as I said before if you are first breed in then you
need to be there early, about an hour before judging starts at the latest. Even if you are second breed in that ring, then I would suggest you get there early anyway, to soak up the atmosphere, find out where the toilets are and get a cup of tea. Watch some other breeds being shown and see how they do it. Find another big breed and see how they stand and run their dogs.
Good idea to get some friends to work with you. Practise running up and down with the dog not pulling you. Try to have the lead as loose as possible, rather than strangling the dog. The collar should be adjusted to give you control but not too tight nor too loose.
As for numbers, you will not know this till you get there and look in the catalogue, but just for info there were five in the puppy dog class at Crufts, but only one at LKA in December. There may be others from your dog's litter and there may be as many as seven or eight, but very unlikely there would be more.
If there are more than five and you are not placed, do not be disappointed, look on it as a learning experience and ask the other exhibitors for any advice they can give you. They may say you need to teach him to stand better, or to move at the correct pace, or they may just say you were very unlucky. Whether or not you are placed congratulate the winner, just call out well done as you leave the ring, and if you do win, then thank the others if they congratulate you.
As I said don't look surprised, if you do well, as when it comes to the challenge for Best Puppy the judge might think you were not expecting to win, so may well give it to the other puppy. Sadly some judges do not judge fairly and give places to people they know, but most are very kind and knowledgeable. Most will realise you are a novice and treat you kindly. Sorry I won't be there, or else I would have loved to come and give you moral support. I will ask Emma if she is going and if she is get her to look out for you.
As I said don't look surprised, if you do well, as when it comes to the challenge for Best Puppy the judge might think you were not expecting to win, so may well give it to the other puppy. Sadly some judges do not judge fairly and give places to people they know, but most are very kind and knowledgeable. Most will realise you are a novice and treat you kindly. Sorry I won't be there, or else I would have loved to come and give you moral support. I will ask Emma if she is going and if she is get her to look out for you.
Slight alteration to previous info: just looked at an SKC schedule and notice that there is a mixed (dogs and bitches) puppy class. Judging starts at 9.30am (unless second breed in). Therefore there might be a few more in, although not having split classes it would seem they are not expecting many entries. The Junior class is also mixed, but the Post Graduate, Limit and Open classes are split into dog and bitch.
Only difference would be that if you got say a second or third and were only beaten by one or two bitches, then you could still be declared Best Puppy Dog and also go in the challenge for Best Dog. No need to worry about this sort of thing though as the steward should have this sorted out.
Just don't disappear from the ringside when they are finishing judging the dog classes, as you may be called back in. If you win the class though, you would automatically be Best Puppy in Breed (unless there is another puppy entered in Junior that you have not already beaten, but now we are getting complicated!).
Only difference would be that if you got say a second or third and were only beaten by one or two bitches, then you could still be declared Best Puppy Dog and also go in the challenge for Best Dog. No need to worry about this sort of thing though as the steward should have this sorted out.
Just don't disappear from the ringside when they are finishing judging the dog classes, as you may be called back in. If you win the class though, you would automatically be Best Puppy in Breed (unless there is another puppy entered in Junior that you have not already beaten, but now we are getting complicated!).
If you cant get to ringcraft, how about practising running and standing your puppy at your local park? There will be some distractions with other dogs about, and if you get a nice friendly dog person, you could ask them to look in his mouth etc. I did it everytime I went over the park with one of mine some years ago, (with the other one off the lead and running around me barking) ok, I may have looked a plonka, but who cares!!
Thanks lankeela and jules. We use a half check collar anyway and I'll get a black one for the ring. Sounds like we'll have an early start if we have to be there by 9am. Jules, we don't have a local park but we do have a large field and I'll ask everyone to look in his mouth. Do you get marked down if he beats a judge with his very strong tail? This pup does nothing but wag his tail. The breeder told me that you can't train a dog to do that and we should be thankful he is so happy. Mr thugulike gets very hot and feels uncomfortable in an enclosed area but I'm sure we can put pup through his paces outside (snow permitting). Your advice has been invaluable, I'll keep you up to date with progress (or not as the case may be)
Believe me, the judge will be very happy to see him wag his tail. As for Mr Thugulike, tell him he will be ok at the show, as all the rings are under open sided tents, and the benching tents are quite airy. (Although I suppose you meant where the ringcraft is held!). Hopefully come summer it will be held outside anyway. A black half check will be fine, make sure the lead is not too thick and heavy. Try practising holding the lead in your left hand, bunched up and keep the dog on your left at all times.
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