HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PUPPY FOR A DOGSHOW?

You have a show quality puppy and you are willing to attend dogshows?

The easiest way is to consult a breeder :) because the breeder has experience and you will not have to wander around and trying to do your best. That is a much longer and heavier way. We are always here to lead you and help you to enter dog show world!

SOCIALIZING
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​The most important thing is that you have continued with socializing your puppy!
We did a great base in our kennel, but it is up to you how much you will work with your dog in order to be socialized as best as it can! Once the puppy has been vaccinated, take her everywhere with you!
Take her to puppy socialization classes, aka puppy kindergarten, so she becomes used to meeting a lot of other dogs.
Expose the puppy to all possible situations and environments as well to lot of different dogs and people.
Walk on grass, cement, carpet, linoleum and rubber matting so different surfaces don’t freak your puppy  out.
Encourage people to pet your puppy and gently look in her/his mouth so she/he gets used to being touched by strangers (who sometimes happen to be judges).
For males it is also important to play around testicles...Yes! Testicles will also be checked by the judge at the show, so for your male puppy it has to be normal that someone is touching it.
All of these experiences will teach the puppy to take everything in stride and give confidence.
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Confidence is a key trait found in all top show dogs that gives them the winning stride and attitude that judges love to see.
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Make sure that you become a member of your Kennel club and that you paid the membership!
When you will become a member, you will be able to attend the dogshow from the age of 3 months where you may enter your dog to a "Baby class".
Follow dogshow annoucements at your Kennel club official website and do the entry on time!
You can do it online or by sending the entry form via email!
​Entry confirmation will be sent to your email! 

Dogshow entries have deadlines which end pretty early so follow the dates so you don't miss the opportunity to enter! First deadline is always the cheapest!

Click the logo for dogshows 2022

RING TRAINING
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​Try to find a "Ring training" for you and the puppy.
Training classes are instructed by experienced dog handlers.
Classes like this are invaluable to a novice exhibitor because the instructors will teach you all the basics of how to present a dog in the ring.
​Your dog will also learn what’s expected from her when she competes at a dog show.

On "Ring training" you will learn:

Gait your dog around the ring

Stack the puppy for examination 
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Perform the basic patterns
(​such as the triangle, the “L,” and the down and back)

​And yes! Your puppy will socialize with "ring" conditions because lot of dogs attend ring training as well the instructor will examinate your dog, will go into puppy's mouth etc....

Puppy owners usually learn the puppies to "sit down" to get a treat in early days!
We do not recommend this command if you plan to show your dog, because your puppy will sit in the ring! Teach the puppy command "stay" and 1 meal per day you can give your puppy from your hand :) with lot of motivation. Never end the practice if the puppy did wrong. This short trainings should be short (few minutes!)  and ended when puppy did everything well!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST SHOW

At these early days, choose smaller national shows!
There are less people and dogs around so it is easier for your puppy to adapt but for you as well!
I remeber how I was lost and stressed on my first shows :)
As you would get ready for any big event, both of you need preparation time too.

Dog shows can be quite long, especially if it’s your first time.
Bring along a few items with you to make your dog more comfortable in this new environment.

WHAT DO YOU NEED AT THE DOGSHOW?

Entry confirmation
Printed or in your mobile phone!

Food and water bowl 

Pet passport 
Needed for enterance!
You will be checked by the official vet.
Your dog has to be vaccinated on schedule!

Show leash
Using a leash the same colour of your dog’s coat will help in not disrupting the overall balance.

Number clip
(every dog is given a catalogue number – which it has to wear)

Blanket or crate
 Crate if the dog is used to stay in the crate - relaxing spot!

The tent you will probably buy later! It is like you have your own house on the show where dog is protected from the crowd and weather conditions and can relax.


​WHERE TO STAY ON A SHOW SITE?

If you did not get info about the judging schedule and ring layout on the showground and your catalogue number via email, go to show office to get your number and the catalogue so you may find your ring and schedule.
Find the place where the dog can sit, eat and relax.
Your dog can have its own relaxing spot and get protection from the sun, rain and even the crowd as it may get too noisy.
Never leave your dog alone!
Dogs used to peace and quiet may find this conflicting and stressful.
This can impact their performance during the show. You can combat this by getting your dog used to noise by taking him outdoors initially.
Find your peaceful place from which you may follow the judging in your ring.

PLEASE WATCH OUT. NOT EVERY DOG BEHAVES WELL AND NOT EVERY OWNER IS RESPOSNIBLE, SO BE CAREFUL THAT SOME DOG DO NOT ATTACK YOURS!

The most important of all is that your puppy feels comfortable at the dog show site and in the ring.

Do not force your puppy and do not show your puppy on every show.
Puppy has to be a puppy!
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In baby, puppy and junior class playfulness and jumping are allowed so do not worry about if your puppy will be everywhere around you in the ring and if you do mistake as a handler :)

There is a plenty of time in front of you and you can wait with serious showing of your dog.
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Try to make your puppy having fun in the ring, to start to love this kind of bonding with you and we are sure that with the time, you will have a
"Dogshow superstar!"