|
Handling Skills |
Keep an eye on the ring and when it looks as though it is getting close to the time for Breed to be judged you will need to start getting ready.
Do any finishing touches to your dog.
This will vary greatly depending on the breed of dog and the weather.
Give your dog a general tidy up. Remove any dirt or mud if your dog has become dirty while waiting. Give your dog a brush over and make sure they look as good as possible for the ring.
Do the same for yourself.
Put your dog on it's show lead and collar.
When the judging of the preceding breed is coming to an end the Steward will call for the dogs of your Breed to get ready.
Assemble close to the entrance of the ring so that you can hear the Steward easily but leave enough room so that you are not in the way of other dogs.
The Steward will call your number.
Answer the Steward by calling out that you are present in a loud clear voice.
Move to the entrance of the ring
The Steward will direct you into the ring and will usually tell you where to position yourself when you enter the ring. If he or she doesn't, ASK.
If at any time you are unsure of what to do,
Note:
Make sure that the Steward knows that you are there and ready.
If the Steward does not hear you say you are there, he or she will call your number three times in total.
If you haven't responded by the third call, or the Steward hasn't heard you respond you will be called absent and you will not be able to enter the ring.
Remember that your first time at Showing is usually quite daunting and your first attempt will probably not be perfect.
As with everything it does get easier with practice.
Watch some of the other exhibitors and remember that every professional looking handler was at one stage just like you.
Everyone there was once a beginner, and that includes the Judge.
The two main things that ALL Judges will want to see are:
The Judge will want to look at your dog in a standing position. You will need to stand the dog in the correct manner.
The Judge will 'go over' your dog.
The Judge will look at your dog from a distance whilst it is Standing to get an overall impression of the dog's outline and proportions.
The Judge will then approach the dog from the front and examine your dog.
The Judge will run their hands over your dog to check the dog's structure, starting with the head. and will move over the dog from the head to the tail.
The Judge will need to look at your dog's mouth to check the teeth position is correct.
The Judge will also check that male dogs have both testicles fully descended.
2. Running Your �Breed� You will then be asked to �RunPace� your dog around the ring so that the Judge can see your dog's movement. The judge will be looking at how your dog's legs move in relation to each other, and whether the movement is of the correct type for the �Breed�. The idea is to move your dog so that it is pacing (trotting) around the ring. Watch other dogs in the Show ring so that you can see the movement that is desired. HOW To Run Your �Breed� You need to move your dog around the ring in a trotting motion. This is referred to as pacing. A good way to imagine what speed and type of movement the dog needs to move at, is to compare the dog's movements to that of a horse. What is required for the show ring is the same type of movement as a Trotter as opposed to a Race horse at the Gallops. The speed at which you will need to run your dog around the ring will require you to �RunPace� around the ring at a brisk pace. Start off slowly and build up the speed until your dog is moving in the right way. If your dog breaks stride (ie. starts to gallop) you are probably moving too fast. Slow down and try again. Younger dogs may require you to move at a slower pace than for older dogs It is a good idea to practice running your dog as much as possible before a show with someone to watch you so that they can tell you when the right pace has been reached. The dog should be moving in the trotting motion at a pace that looks comfortable, but covers as much ground as possible. These are the two basic things that are required for judging your dog. `The following chapter 'What Happens in the Ring' explains some of the usual ways that the above techniques are put together in the ring.