Newbie Conformation Questions - Page 3

Thank you, everyone. All of this help is awesome ;-)

It is very nice that everyone is sharing their experience and what they know... thank you.

I finally figured out how to keep her "sparkling" with her ears up while she's standing for inspection/handling... meow and purr at her ;-) Still looking for something else that's pretty consistent so I have a back-up in case all of the chaos is too distracting. I have a specific kind of whistle I do that is fairly consistent, so we'll probably practice with both the cat sounds and whistle. She doesn't know what a squeaky toy is and I don't want her to find out--bad experience with another dog some years ago, so I will never buy another squeaky toy.

Back to the gaiting, leash handling, and getting better at heeling ;-) And holding still (wiggggggggly!)

I just pray I don't fall or drop the leash and provide fodder for the day's humor ;-)

Thanks, again.

All showing is fun and good for you for getting out there.

You may want to try UKC shows, they are great to learn in, super relaxed atmosphere, more moderate dogs preferred, as most of the judges etc are actually working/ hunting people etc. Its casual, people are friendly and helpful, I recommend UKC to everyone learning to show as its a great starting point without the pressure of the AKC and entries are cheaper,which helps.

I always show my shepherds a bit in front of me, 6 foot leash or longer, if you are in owner/handler or amateur classes they will be nicer to you and lower expectations a bit, that being said, they want to see an effort is being put forth.

Best of luck.

When you're in the ring, keeping the dog's attention is important, but calling attention to yourself should be avoided. Purring/meowing may get her ears up, but you need to do it quietly so as not to draw the judge's eye to the wrong subject.

When I'm working my dog, I keep a piece of bait in my bra strap (when I'm wearing dresses). I can very subtly reach my fingers up to my shoulder and tap gently to get expression. My dog doesn't always get the bait, but since the possibility for it exists, he gives me expression. Ears up, eyes attentive.  If he seems a little bored and needs a little more, I softly speak to him, or I offer very quiet noises in the form of a tongue click or hiss.  Something nobody else can hear from afar.

In terms of moving, sometimes my dog is beside me, sometimes he's in front.  Depends on how we're both feeling that day.  The dog I'm talking about now tends to show better by my side.  He doesn't have to be a million feet in front of me, as long as I adjust my stride to make sure he's opening up fully for the judge to see

Xeph - that second-to-last pic is awesome! Both of you in a "flying trot", all legs suspended off the ground, lol.

Thank you.

Those are nice red carpet moments ;-)