What to Expect at SV Conformation Show - Page 2

Very interesting Elkoorr.  Yes, that is the show I'll be going to.  I hope you enter because I really want to meet Apache and talk to you more about him.  Robby will need a strong handler as well.

Im hoping one day my husband can take over handling our dogs in the show ring <insert evil laugh>

Let me know when your hubby is ready, because mine wont do ....hahaha He went one time as I did show my girl in the baby puppy class years ago, but all that hoohaa was just too much for him!

With Apache I am worried about other male dogs coming too close. He can get nasty, thats why he needs a strong handler, someone who is aware and doesnt let its guard down. But he loves his girls, maybe I should put him in the bitch class

Would be nice meeting you, and maybe a few other ones from here who will go. Got to see if I get off from work. Our club trial is 3 weeks later, so I am pushing buttons ;)

You may want to try contacting some of these people,
they can teach you some tips on presenting your dog
to his/her best potential.
It's well worth it to travel for some ring training prior to a show,
it will pay off when you and your dog are prepared
for the show!
It can be the difference between low G or high SG

-http://www.kennelseeblick.com
-http://www.canineconcepts.com

Very interesting - thank you for all the advice; thanks everybody! I was planning on a show last fall, but it got cancelled. Now i'm glad; seems like there is a lot more to it than I expected. mfh27 - where do you train? We meet every week in New Orleans; I used to live in Pascagoula

PM'd you, Spruell.

My male is always in drive and very strong. He can drag a muscular 200lb man around (my husband) if he's trying to get to me, especially in those show collars.  Thats why he's going to need a strong handler.  He could care less about the other dogs.  The whole stand still and gaiting (as opposed to running) pains him very much.  He will be very friendly towards his handler and the judge.  I dont care what show rating he gets since I wont be breeding him, but I'd hate for him to get a G because he wasn't trained properly when he really has SG structure

My female shows like a pro; she's a natural stacker and gaiter.  But she doesn't like strangers touching her.  From what I can tell she was kept in a kennel the first two years of her life.  None of the helpers in the club want to touch her for the physical exam because she takes bite work seriously.  She's never bitten anyone that I know of, but she'll give them the stink eye.  Since she tollerates some people petting her, I'm hoping with more work she'll let the judge examine her without bloodshed.

If you are on good terms with your vet,
go by the clinic a few times a week and
have the vet techs etc "examine" your female,
teach her she must permit being touched if
you say so. You don't want your dog taking a shot
at the judge, or anyone else for something as
simple as a quick once over.

Use food, reward/praise, and use a command
for the actual  "exercise", but don't use the
stand/stay command for obedience

I will be at the Statesville show also. I believe my 2 handlers will be there and I will need only one. Don't know for sure if they will both be going or not.
DO NOT let your dog "drag" you! The actual tension on tbe leash should be medium not full strength. Otherwise you will get pawing at the dirt and NOT gating. Gating is a smooth free motion, not digging in and pulling like a sled dog.
Gating makes a huge difference in where you will be placed.
Sounds like you may need to hide and only call when the handler tells you to call, so that the dog does not get so excited.
I have found that dogs who tend to be somewhat dog aggressive are not so much at a show because they go into "overload" mode and can not focus on just one dog.  Thats where the handler needs to keep control of the head when stacking or standing and always turn away from another dog being face to face.
Will be fun to see you all there!!
Anyone else going?
Debby

Debby, we weren't letting our male drag us, we couldn't stop him from dragging us at times .  But he's getting better and learning he can only progress forward if he's trotting.

I have one in the male working class and one in the female long coat working class.  Hopefully we can find some handlers willing to put up my lot.

Thanks everyone for the help!  I want to have fun and want my dogs to have fun!

Well, mine is in the female stock coat working class so my handler will be available for both of your's if you want me to ask them?
Sounds like you're doing a great job!
Debby