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Training a puppy for show

Last post 06-10-2008 6:33 PM by jennie_c_d. 11 replies.
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  • 05-30-2008 9:03 AM

    Training a puppy for show

    If you were to get a puppy that you wanted to show in conformation,what commands would you need to teach and any suggestions as to the best way to do so? At what age should you begin? There are NO conformation classes,or any classes for that matter available in this area.I joined to kennel club to work on changing that. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    Christi
    President of Pampered Pet Sanctuary
    A non profit animal rescue in Upstate NY
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  • 05-30-2008 9:20 AM In reply to nyiceprincess

    • Liesje
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    Re: Training a puppy for show

    They need to not sit anytime you stop or constantly offer sit as the default behavior.  Unfortunately, that's what you will get with many beginner obedience classes, and it's practical for house manners but not so much for conformation.  Also, you need to know how to stack your dog and how to gait your dog.  She dog should learn how to free stack and also not be averse to being touched and handled into a stack.  Basic manners and being able to stay under control around lots of other dogs and people will be a must.

    vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net
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  • 06-02-2008 8:20 AM In reply to Liesje

    • Pwca
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    Re: Training a puppy for show

    Depending on where in NY you are, there *are* handling classes- they're just ahrd to find. When I lived up there, I discovered that almost every single one of the kennel clubs offered them- but no one advertised them. Go to shows, find the show chair's table, and ask! :) (The Albany classes offered by the Albany Kennel Club are GREAT.) You may have to drive 45 minutes or so- but there are LOTS of classes up there compared to down here in TX and the south.

    I'd work on stand-stay from the very beginning, LOTS of handling all over, including feet, underside, tail, and hip/flank area (which is touchy for a lot of softer dogs, for some reason- not that they react badly but they want to dance and be silly), ears and neck. If a table breed, LOTS of going over on the table. Most importantly, if that were the case? Find a local mentor who can mentor you in handling- even if they don't have the same breed (which can actually be an advantage if you decide NOT to get a pup locally- you won't ruffle any feathers by then going to local breeders of your breed for advice.) as long as the breeds are handled the same way. (For example, I get lots of tips for Lizzie from the local Eskie and Kees people.)

     Work on the associated skills that don't matter in the ring - hanging out in a crate or on a grooming table, LOTS of socialization with people (go out of your way to socialize to men of all shapes and sizes, beards, wearin ghats, etc). Introduce to a power dryer and grooming tools early and regularly (Unless your breed is totally smooth coated (Viszla, Dobe, greyhound, you're fairly likely to use a dryer on them at some point.)
     

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  • 06-02-2008 8:57 AM In reply to nyiceprincess

    Re: Training a puppy for show

    Great advice so far , I would add only that EVERY puppy I have taken in the ring I have followed the same routine with. I socialize them at Wal Mart !!  Taking puppy to the store and standing near an enterance where buggies , screaming kids, odd folks and chaos of every type is on going. I have a pocket full of tasty treats , a slightly hungry puppy and we stand and stack over and over, I invite folks to walk up and pet them , inteligent folks I get to run hands on the dogs to a greater degree.  Friends, well friends are the ones you get to really go over your dog.  On every walk and every outing  from the vets to a kid's soft ball game the puppy is stacked and it becomes a game. We have a great outlet mall and we walk it several times a week , not just for the socialization but all of the windows give you a wonderful mirror to look into as you stack puppy and see what others see, from the side to the front , even the rear views can all be seen if you learn to pick time of day for reflections.

    I have a Working collar and a Play collar.  when Working we wear not just the special collar but the attitude.  I get my head and then the pup's head INTO the game.   When collars are switched things relax.  I uset he Working collar for the vets, training , shows and softball or soccer games.

    There are several great videos you can buy that will teach you the basics on movement , stacking and even grooming BUT without socialization you and pup are sunk. I had not realized that we no longer had black friends coming to our home after we moved. Silly I know but since color or race was never an issue for us we simply did n't think in that manner...first time one of my boys had a black judge, a very elegant man he refused to stand for exam and was really freaked out!! I could not have been more embarrassed and the judge, Eugene Blake cut me slack saying he thought his cologne may have bothered the boy.... we went home and I went to work and PAID every Black kid and thier friend to come and play with my dog , feeding him treats and going over him. How embarassing for me, a total liberal , a Native Californian, I simply never thought in the terms that folks could be different this way. We had no black friends after our move and hadn't noticed it ...  I also learned to get my diogs happy and comfy with folks with disabilities and wheelchairs, first time in a group ring with a gentleman who shows his dachshunds from an electric scooter, many dogs were very concerned by it, Then I had to teach my furkids about heavy perfumes, I don't wear anything but very light scents, and dangling jewelry, hats and sunglasses... and skirts ...yikes since I wera mostly jeans you can imagine the fun they had the first few times we went in a ring with me in a dress or skirt !! ....  kids... old folks sheesh just look REALLY hard at your friends and family anf figure out what/who you don't run into regularly and make sure they think it is safe and fun....then you have the makings of a great show dog!!

    When you go to a show watch EVERYONE   play at every B match you can find .... and as suggested find a mentor or friend... you have a win win when you do that !!

    Bonita of Bwana

     

    Bonita of Bwana
    AKC Rhodesian Ridgebacks
    Champions, Therapy Dogs and Awesome Companions
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  • 06-02-2008 9:46 PM In reply to Bonita of Bwana

    Re: Training a puppy for show

    "Depending on where in NY you are" That would be the problem,i drive 45 minutes to get groceries.Albany,4 hours.You see we are in the "uncivilized"part of NY.I joined the kennel club hoping to find classes,i didnt.There are only a couple of people who actually show in the club.They only hold one puppy class a year.
    I have been to a few shows,there arent any of thoes closer than a few hours away either.The one this weekend was only about an hour away.We live in podunk i tell you! Friends,breeders and mentors i have but all are too far away to be "hands on "teaching me and handling skills.Communication is by phone/email.I am not handling the dogs just grooming and getting them ready to be shown.Including training.
    Thanks for the ideas/tips there are quite a few things i wouldnt have thought of!

    Christi
    President of Pampered Pet Sanctuary
    A non profit animal rescue in Upstate NY
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  • 06-04-2008 11:47 PM In reply to nyiceprincess

    • keedokes
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    Re: Training a puppy for show

    Also...depending on the breed (and right now I can't remember which breed you're thinking of getting--and if it's in the original post you can kick me)  you may have to teach him/her to self stack.  I know that in the herding breeds it's expected for sure, and also in various other breeds you're not supposed to touch the dog--just bait.

    Jessica
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  • 06-04-2008 11:48 PM In reply to keedokes

    • keedokes
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    Re: Training a puppy for show

    And I also can't remember if anyone else mentioned this, but generally you're not allowed to have a pup under six months at an AKC show (even for socialization).  In some cases you may be escorted off the grounds.

    Jessica
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  • 06-05-2008 4:23 AM In reply to keedokes

    Re: Training a puppy for show

    keedokes:

    And I also can't remember if anyone else mentioned this, but generally you're not allowed to have a pup under six months at an AKC show (even for socialization).  In some cases you may be escorted off the grounds.

    depends on the super...in the South East you can have younger pups on th egrounds, just not ring side . And many, many shows hold B and C matches allowing you to work dogs as young as 3 months in the ring for practical practice. Biggest caveat of course is to have puppy up to dat e on  shots and be aware of things like no nose to no contact, no drinking from "community" waters, no letting pup sniff about a mess left by another.  Puppy matches are 100000% worth the effort seeing a BUNCH of baby breeds barely lead trained looking amazed at alll of theother and different breeds.

    They loosened up on the age restriction because many breeders and handlers may have to parts or even entire litters with them. It is scary to travel with a litter but very do-able, with common sense few show supers have an issue about it, they require you to use common sense,,  Show you are training or working with them though...and NO selling... the only folks I have ever seen asked to  leave was recently they had a lovely littter of beagle pups,  I could watch Beagles play all day but then they put a sign in front of thier rv annoucing the pups were for sale....sigh

    Bonita of Bwana

    Bonita of Bwana
    AKC Rhodesian Ridgebacks
    Champions, Therapy Dogs and Awesome Companions
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  • 06-05-2008 6:33 AM In reply to Bonita of Bwana

    Re: Training a puppy for show

    The last show i attended i sat next to a 9 week old golden puppy for much of the day.Very well behaved and was even interviewed by the local news.He was adorable!

    I did plan on bringing her to the shows.Even if i have to keep her in a crate it would be nice for her to get used to the sights,sounds.

    Christi
    President of Pampered Pet Sanctuary
    A non profit animal rescue in Upstate NY
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  • 06-09-2008 4:44 PM In reply to nyiceprincess

    • samshine
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    Re: Training a puppy for show

    Just want to stress what has been already said. The absolute most important thing is to do as much socialization as you possibly can with the puppy. If you have a puppy who can relax and sleep in the middle of a noisy crowded dog show grooming site, that is a great advantage. Being at the shows will be much less stressful. And stressed puppies don't show as well. Find the places with the most noise and commotion you can find. Also have her travel in her crate in the car a lot. You want a puppy that falls asleep and relaxes in the car. Showing involves LONG car rides. Finding noisy indoor building is helpful too, like fairgrounds etc. And make sure you do crate train.

    How old will the puppy be when you bring him/her home?  Just saying because it is best not to leave the socialization too late. The best time to socialize is up until 12 weeks. You can still socialize after that age, the socialization window does not close suddenly, it's gradual. But as the puppy gets older, it takes more exposure and more effort to give the same long term affect.

    Keep us posted, and we all love to give advice. Because each new puppy is exciting and full of potential. Cool

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  • 06-09-2008 5:20 PM In reply to samshine

    • fitzfids
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    Re: Training a puppy for show

    Hi there, we are still learning the ropes of showing also and we have attended as many shows in the non-licensed puppy classes, under UKC, as well as taken a puppy obedience course, attended several parades, rallies, horse shows, about a thousand trips to stores, etc.etc.....

    Basically, if Cau can go somewhere with us, he GOES.  His breed can be guarded and shy if not properly socialized, so it was very important to get him through the humps of puppyhood in a matter-of-fact, "you'll see this every day" kind of way. 

    UKC showing is a great way to meet people and learn the ropes in a non-threatening, fun environment.  Best of all, you get to handle your dog!  Cau is 9 months old now and has one more win to go to finish his championship.  We head up to Kalamazoo this week for Premier and our specialty.  Try very hard to save gas and find shows on the east coast, it is a great way to spend time with your dog and family, and lots of fun!

    Michele and the gang,
    Mauvais Berger Picards

    "One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him."
    -- Chinese Proverb

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  • 06-10-2008 6:33 PM In reply to fitzfids

    Re: Training a puppy for show

     All I'm doing right now is socializing the heck out of my puppy, and teaching "stand". I'm also washing the GREASE out of her baby coat, from peoples' nasty hands. *sigh* I need to make people stand in line and wash their hands, like pre-k kids, LOL. I'm also handling her a LOT. She stands on a table to have her face and body shaved (she's a Chinese Crested, with a little bit of body hair). She stands nicely in the tub, for baths. I've gotta start blow drying, soon. Her furnishings aren't fully in, yet, but she's gotta get used to that. I've also started checking her bite daily, just because, and I'm brushing her teeth weekly (for the mouth handling moment). I'm keeping her nails done, 2-3 times a week. It's all very basic table and handling training. I don't know if I'm doing it right, or not, but that's what I'm doing. When I get her show lead, I'll start gaiting her and doing more formal practices.
     

    Mischeif N Miracles, CGC, RE (PRT, 10/13/2003)
    Libby's Monkey N The Middle (Chinese Crested, 1/26/2008)
    Teenie Weenie at the Bridge (Dachshund, ???-12/28/2007)
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