PL. HELP HOW TO HANDLE A SHOWLINE IN THE RING - Page 1

Hi all,
 im in a fix my friend who is an excellent handler had to leave town and will not be back by the time of seiger show. can anyone guide me towards basic tips of showing e.g walking trotting.
by the way my dog has excellent focus and immedieately reacts when called from outside.
any help will be appreciated.
regards

ali

there's a list of handlers on the Sieger Show website, intervew them and pick one.

http://www.usasiegershow.com/sieger/2011/Handlers.aspx

if you don't do it correctly, the judges will consider it an insult.......and your dog will be placed at the very end.

sitasmom,
im in pakistan and handlers are not available on the net. i am a fast learner and have a month to
practice just need to be pointed in the right direction.

If this were the case, how would any new handlers ever be able to go first time in the ring? My son will be handling one of ours, sorry if it is considered an insult by some. He has been working hard learning and the dog is very experienced.

      Have you watched many videos on the showing? Watch how they keep the dog to trot and make sure it is not pacing. Practice stacking and there are good descriptions on how to stack. It does make a difference on the shape you are in, the experience of the dog, and what age group of the class.  I think anyone doing it their self and doing a good job is admirable. It is an honor to be handler, owner, trainer is it not?


     Age and experience of the dog makes huge diffence IMO. I would not start out on inexperienced dog if you can help it. We have a 10 month old and I would not dream of son handling him in the ring yet, however the vetran knows his job and is able to do it with little guidance.

thank u for the encouragement newbie, my dog is almost 16 months old and has been to two shows before and won his class in both and was reserve best of breed in one of them. he is a easy dog to work with he has superb temperament and focus.

So am I correct in reading that you want help in HOW to train before the sieger show?
If so, you will still need another person to walk with the dog while you are out in front. You also need to make sure you handle his mouth and teeth ALOT so that he is used to this. Also his testicles must me handled also. If he knows "stay" this will help in getting him used to staying in the "stacked" position for a reasonable amount of time.  If he already knows how to "pull out" with out hopping and lunging then all the other person will need to do is hold the leash and walk/run. It is your job to keep his focus on you and not on the handler or judge.
Hope that helps some and if you had additional questions please ask.
Debby

debby ur an angel u r talking specifics now and that is great.
1. he has no problem showing his teeth.
2. he doesnt mind his testicles being checked.
3. his focus is brilliant on my voice.
4. his pull out needs improvement and advice needed.
5.he is reasonably good in staying in stacked position but needs improvement. advice.

but what about the handler isnt there any tips on how to do corners, and hoe tight should be the tension in the leash etc.

ali

If you have a second dog and handler it helps as we have been doing here training the pup to both go in front of the second dog and for being behind him. We use three people in training one for each dog and one out front calling to them. We also tape off a ring to simulate the real thing and they are seeming to understand better.

You're very welcome Ali
On the "pull out" it's hard because you need to judge what the specific dog needs. Some need you up close to keep their attention and other would go crazy if you stayed up close. Some need to you be out of sight and only call. Others (most dogs) need you to be half a ring ahead of them all the time. A favorite toy or noise also helps to keep the focus and drive to get to you. It's a fine balance and really needs to be geared to what the individual dog needs. As far as the hopping and lunging, this is a sign that you are either too close, or calling too much, need to hide and only call, or just plain additional training.

The advice to set up a practice ring is very good.

Whomever you have helping you at home: when the dog is hopping and lunging they need to give a few quick jerks on the leash or a voice correction or both until the dogs goes back into gating. Cornering will need to be done much the same way except alot of time during training the handler needs to get close so as to guide the dog through the turn until he/she learns what turns are all about. When the dog is approaching a turn DO NOT CALL. because you are usually not on the same side... calling from a diffent side during a turn will make the dog try to cut the turn to get to you.  Or for a young puppy you just get close during the turn to keep him on track and follow you around it. Your dog is older though so he should not need you to get close on a turn. Having a visual ring and turn for the dog to see is essential.

During the stand you should be quiet, so as not to over stimulate the dog. Usually standing in front but all the way at the end of that particular side and only making a small noice if the dog looses focus is best. The handler can have a "stand" command or a "Stay" command and repeat it if necessary and if the dog gets a little "antsy" then just let him walk in a circle and restack him again. He doesn't need to stand forever. Making them short and sweet and gradually longer is usually what works. Letting him come to you as a reward is useful in both the movement and after a nice stand.

The handler at the show will be experienced enough to overcome small things so dont worry about having every little thing be perfect. Just have fun and make it fun for the dog!!!
Debby

Thank u debby i think after resding your post that im doing most of the things correctly upto now.