Tips on showing
dogs
(Translation by Peter De Decker)The following tips have been
extracted from manuals supplied by the National Breed supervisor of the
Netherlands and are a combination of
suggestions made by various people. The main contents are the tips
provided by Mr J. Verdaasdonk, the owner of the Huize Hintdonk kennels.
Further suggestions are made by Mr. P. Neffs.
1. The handler and owner/caller should discuss everything
beforehand. By means of sign language the handler can instruct the
owner/caller of the dog. 2. Show the dog as soon as it enters the
ring. 3. Whilst the judge is still at his table place the dog once
or twice in the show stance. 4.The dog should either be in show stance or be sitting or
is in the down position so that the judge cannot get a bad
impression. 5. When the dog is presented for individual examination
don't just come from where ever you are make sure you always approach from
a direction that is advantageous. When you handle a dog with suspect
movement endeavour to place the dog in a show stance whilst the previous
dog is still being evaluated. 6. After the individual evaluation move the dog out of the
judge's view. 7. Never display faults through
inexperience. 8. Remove a knick behind the withers by first brushing the
coat against the grain of the hair and than lightly pressing it
down. 9. Don't let a dog with light eyes face the
sun. 10.Place a dog with long nails in somewhat thicker
grass. 11. When a dog has a high tail-set brush the coat against
the grain, move his rear-end into the wind or hold the tail at trousers
height. 12. When a dog has slightly bend legs: remove the problem by
taking the dog with both hands at the upper arm and placing the legs
outwards. 13. When the dog has a steep croup do not place the hind leg
at the handler's side too far forward. 14. Do not spread the front and hind legs too far apart when
you are showing a "long" dog. 15. When a dog moves cow hocked or close make it only pull
slightly on its leash. 16. An "east/west" dog is corrected by lifting the dog with two hands at the upper arm and place the legs straight and closely together. 17.When a dog shows "open elbows" call the dog strongly so
that it pulls slightly. 18. With poor hind angulation place the dog in such manner
that the hindquarters slope down by placing the back legs more backwards.
Present depth in the knee. Place the farthest placed back leg under the
tail. 19. When a dog is ambling lift the dog momentarily, or pull
it sideways or change speed. 20. When a dog has a weak under jaw, make it tired
beforehand so that it presents itself with open
jaws. 21. When a dog has widely placed ears draw its attention
through calling. 22. Attention can be drawn by means of sound for example calling, whistling, rattling or a combination of sound and the view of an article such as a handkerchief, ball or by means of a hand by moving the hand low over the ground and forward. The dog must be able to identify the attraction! Overdoing it is harmful. 23. A long tail is placed over the hock on the handler's
side. 24. When the dog falls on the forehand, call strongly and
keep the line taught without undue irregular
pulling. 25. When a dog has poor front angulation do not attract the
dog and don't let the dog raise its head
high. 26. Save the dog energy as much as you can when the judge is
not paying attention. 27. Never call a dog when it is not necessary. Only when the
dog weakens should the owner occasionally show
him/herself. 28. During the gunshot test the owner should be right
opposite the dog. Beforehand call but not during the firing of the
gun. 29. Be prepared for the judge's questions. Don't let your
attention to the dog wane. If you can't do both place the dog in a sit
during the discussion. 30. Narrow thighs are brushed shortly before the assessment
instance. You can also wash them in the
morning. 31. A dull coat is rubbed with a cotton
cloth. 32. Keep the nose and eyes of the dog free when showing the
teeth. 33. Don't present a small dog at a fast gait; make shorter
strides and maintain a fast pace. If possible cut
corners. 34. Never let attention dwindle. Always watch the judge.
Make sure that the owner/caller always watches
you. 35. Make sure that you are in a fit
condition. 36. By preference keep the line at a 45-degree
angle. 37. Always remember the number of the handler in front and
behind you. 38. When there is a disagreement between the handlers about
the position always consult the judge. 39. Watch out for dogs lunging out at your
dog. 40. Wear fitting shoes and
clothing. 41. Avoid going closely near excreta dogs often want to pull
away. 42. During warm weather let the dog drink (only too much can
cause harm). 43. Never react to comments made by the
public.
and lastly 44. Always behave in a sportily manner. Tips provided by Mr
P. Nefs. 1. A dog showing too much back slope is normally placed with
the back foot on the handler's side too far
forward. 2. To show good front angulation lift the dog at both upper
arms and place the legs well under the dog. The same effect can be
achieved by placing the front leg at the judge's side further backwards
than the other front leg. 3. When a dog has a steep croup place the hind leg on
the side of the handler further backwards. 4. Flat withers can be corrected by placing the front
legs together. Get the dog's attention. 5. A correctly constructed dog is best shown when
pulling slightly. (You should be able to control the pull with on finger
through the loop of the leash. 6. When the dog falls on the forehand keep the line as
low as possible. 7.. The owner/caller should be out of
sight.
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