Show Dogs: Where To Start (Part 1)
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You can start doing your homework by checking out various dog shows. This is the best place to start. Attend a few shows to see what is expected. They are usually advertised in your local paper, pet shop or even advertised on your local radio stations. Once you’ve found a show to attend, plan to spend the whole day there. Soak up what is going on around you. Watch the judges and what they look for in a winning dog. Observe the pets with their handlers. Watch to see how the handler deals with its dog before they show it. After the judging, check out the score sheets to see how and why the dog was given its score. For a novice, the score should rank between 170-200. This is a great way to incorporate winning techniques into your show dog’s training.
If you haven’t chosen a dog yet, it’s best to research what kind of breeds are eligible to enter as well as what breed would be best for you to work with. There are certain requirements to abide by such as, your dog being AKC (American Kennel Club) registered. He must also be at least six months old on the day of the show to enter. If you’re having a tough time choosing a breed, talk to show breeders. Ask questions about their particular breed’s temperament and the pros as well as the cons of showing their breed. Read plenty of magazines about the subject as well. Probably the most popular breeder’s magazine would be the AKC Gazette. You will find lots of helpful hints.
