Advice for 1st time shower at sieger show USA? - Page 1

I am taking two dogs to show in the young dog classes at this years sieger show in WI. Can anyone please advice on what is expected? Right now I expect to have to run the dogs around the ring and then have them stand stacked while the judge examines them. Can I hold their collars while they are examined or am I expected to step back? If anyone can tell me what will go on it would be great.

Get them used to having their teeth checked.  I would find someone in your area to help you with ring training.

Same goes for checking thier tattoos (if applicable) and testicles if they are male. Have many different people do this, ones who do not see the dogs daily. REWARD them when they let someone check any of these things without putting up a fight or squirming away. Also, have people you know and trust that do not have daily contact with the dogs practice stacking them (not looking for perfection, just practice getting them used to having their legs and body touched and moved if you will have an unfamiliar handler). Have them practice holding their stack without moving, as long as possible. Yes you can hold the collars, but not to restrain them or prevent them running off/going for another dog etc (as in, they should not be acting crazy). Depending on the dog, I sometimes hold the collar to help walk the dog into their stack, and get their front nice and straight with minimal manipulation. If they are very focused on the double handler and leaning forward, this usually works well. It is more "aesthetically pleasing", at least in my opinion, when the dogs are trained enough to be stacked, focused on their double handler, and then the handler can step back without risk of the dog moving. Perhaps you already know this, but if you are the owner it is probably better to have someone else handle the dogs in the ring while you double handle. Hope that helped!

What classes are you entering?

Do you have a SchH club in your area, is so ask if there is anyone with experience that could help.

Do you have a handler?  It is easier if you get a good handler who can instruct you on double handling your dog.  When my dog was 7 months he was in the Sieger Show and Heidi Theis was the handler.  She knew exactly what to do for the exam and told me what to do for double handling.  If you go on the show web site they should have a list of people who are available for handling.

You will need::

show collar
show lead
Handler (Good one)

Your job will be to double handle
Handler's job is to present the dog, your job is to give the handler something to work with,

Your dog must be:

Able to walk on a leash
familiar with the ring proceedure as  mentioned in previous posts
in good physical condition
not overweight
socialized
responsive to you or a toy or able to run the ring without you (not Likely)
clean but not fluffy (fine line there)
able to move in the ring (long discussion about this needed)


You must be:

Familiar with the ring proceedure and aware of your position around the ring at all times during the class
Be in good enough physical condition to run the outside of the ring
Have plan B established when you can't run the ring
Establish and maintain communications with the handler

Good luck at the show!

Thanks!

Great question and some very useful answers