preparing for a show - Page 1

Hi guys:)

i was just wondering if you show folks could give me some tips on how to get my babies ready for a show

I know about bathing and brushing but  see all kinds of potions and lotions and haven't got a clue what to use lol

some silly questions for you ......

Do you trim a bitches whiskers?

Do you cut the curl off the tip of the tail?

I use Mink oil is that ok?

Any other hints and tips would be appreciated , as im completely clueless lol

Tracie 

Dear God Tracie, trim their whiskers?   NO... providing they're clean... a jolly good grooming session, nails trimmed if necessary, clean ears, (I use Super Drug's own Tea tree wipes)... hey presto!

I always combed (wide tooth) then brushed.  You can use mink oil if you want! 

Very best of luck to you!

lol I thought that when the guy told me about the whiskers

Well... lots of breeds have theirs trimmed, to be fair... but not ours thankfully!  Where's the show?

not found one yet lol

just wanted to get some decent pics and have a practice :)

Shame you hadn't entered Devon open show... it's next weekend and usually friendly and relaxed.

Always bath about 3-4 days BEFORE the show to allow the coat to settle down, or you'll have a powder puff to take into the ring.  Also dont use a shampoo that "softens" the coat as you still want some of that harsh top coat to survive.  I've actually found that the blue bob martin shampoo leaves the coat at the right texture.  Dont use the aloe ones - they make things really soft.

Make sure that their ears and teeth are clean, and nails are trimmed neatly.  If you have a dog with the slightly longer (hare) feet, long nails will exaggerate them.

Other prep work - lots of road work and biking is good (not for puppies) for fitness/stamina for the right paces in the ring which is unlike anything else they do.