Show Equipment - Page 1

Would like to show my working line shepherds in SV style shows and obtain the best rating possible.  I might show them in an local AKC or UKC show just to get them used to being around other dogs and stacking.  I'd like to know what special equipment to get them for shows.

Collars - Go cheap and just show them with a fur saver?  Buy a show collar?  Which one? plain, nubs or scoop?  How do you size a show collar?

Leash - length? width? material?

Other - ???

Hi mfh27,

In terms of show collar and lead, this is what I have:

http://www.caniscallidus.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=90_91&products_id=628
http://www.caniscallidus.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_48&products_id=100

I believe most people use this type of collar for older dogs.

http://www.caniscallidus.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=513

Hope this helps!

Sonia

How do select the correct size of show collar?

There really is not much size choices if you are buying the german style and you just clip the lead further down the links if need it tighter.

Hi, I bought a leather show collar and lead from

www.hund-sport-shop.de/epages/61791101.sf/de DE/

Their product are great, very high quality, highly recommend them.

Newbie, I think I know what your talking about.  So as long as the show collar can slip over their head it should be good?  One dog wears a 22" fursaver and the other a 20", so I was going to go with a 22" regular show collar?  Or should I go one size up?

Sorry, this is baby stuff for some of you, but it litterally took me like 10 mins of staring at the show collar to figure out how it went on.

You'll not want to show in a fur saver for AKC conformation.  You may be comfortable using one, but it will make you stick out like a novice.

There are a couple of different collar and lead setups available. A chain or fabric choke (not the thicker links for performance training, but but the thinner width for conformation) with an attached show lead, or just
a simple slip lead/collar all in one that is adjustable with a clip.

You can find some different ones here: http://www.cherrybrook.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.catshow/catid/132/cname/Show_Leads_and_Collars

Personally, I like the separate collar and lead setup for short & medium coated breeds from the Working Group, but some like the all in one or the martingale style.
I dislike certain chain link setups for coated dogs as the links can get caught in their coat...but there are smooth links that work well with coat too.

As for length, you'll need to learn to wind the spare length up into the palm of your hand, so don't go too long...but you'll need enough length that
you can do a free stack and stand far enough away from your dog to do it.

They aren't expensive, so you can buy a few different types to try out in practice. ;-)

What would be of great help to you, is to hire a handler to give you & your dog a handling lesson (or two). You can then ask about what equipment s/he uses, as well as get some
good grooming tips.

Thanks for the link Searackral, I got the leash you suggested.

Shady, thanks for the tips and collar example.  There is a American show line shepherd breeder and handler near me, I might get in touch with him and see if he could help.  I know I'll never place in an AKC show; but, I would like my guys to be presentable and have some training.   I might do some handling classes too with the local kennel club. Both should be helpful too for prep for SV shows.

I use the fur saver in both All Breed and speciality shows, as do most folks I know. you are probably going to want an 8-10 foot leather leash.

With a really well trained specials dog, I have used a thin (1/8 inch) flat fabric leash with adjustable loop at end.

Rik

Mfh, I've found it useful for both the dog and myself, to enter an AKC/UKC conformation show, even though in some instances I knew I'd probably never place either. When not entering to compete, I have used it as a fun and training experience, even for WL puppies. Although one dog I entered was a quality conformation dog, he was an EU bred dog, not exactly the type that AKC judges put up...although I did have a couple of judges that appreciated him quite a bit.

It doesn't matter what type of dog you have, it's always better that you are prepared. Local handling classes can also be a great idea, like you mentioned.