How to prepare a dog for the exhibition: useful tips

Many people prefer to start pedigreed pets to participate in exhibition competitions. If earlier there were no special requirements for the dog, today this list is exorbitant. Proper stance and walking of the animal, ammunition, clothing of the owner, the necessary equipment - everything should be taken into account in detail.

What to bring to the exhibition

1. Before you go to the exhibition, prepare bowls for water and food. Water your dog often in small portions, do not allow dehydration.
2. Take care of the so-called "kenguryatnik", which is hung on the waist. The bag is quite roomy, put all sorts of stuff into it.
3. Do not forget to take a comb with natural bristles, if your pet has a long coat. Comb it out before and after the trip, as well as immediately before the show.
4. Dogs tolerate moving, it does not matter if they go to another city or move within the same district. It is recommended to take a bed or soft bedding so that the pet can rest.
5. Take care of disposable diapers, they can be purchased at the pharmacy or pet store. It is important to understand that it is not always possible to walk a dog, it may not tolerate. Take care of the presence of garbage bags and dustpan.
6. On the road and at the show itself, you may need wet wipes if the dog suddenly gets dirty. If desired, replace them with a spray bottle and a clean, lint-free cloth.
7. A few weeks before the show, visit the veterinarian so that a specialist will prescribe a dog for motion sickness. It is important to consider the characteristics of the breed, the state of health of the animal, age, gender.

Practical recommendations

1. Call the leading companies that hold a dog show specifically in your city. Do not miss the opportunity to attend the event as a spectator. During breaks, communicate with other contestants to learn all sorts of trivia regarding training dogs.
2. Come to the exhibition in advance, you should have time for possible deviations from the specified plan. You shouldn’t do everything hastily, calmly brush the dog, water it, and clean yourself.
3. In order to participate in the exhibition, you will need to issue a veterinary passport. You also need to get admission, it can be done 3 days before the event in the club or clinic.
4. For the exhibition it is necessary to prepare not only the dog, but also the owner. Pay attention to your clothes, they should be neat, functional, inconspicuous. You will need to perform jumps, bends, minute runs, etc.
5. It is important to understand that a bright outfit will catch your eye on you, not on the dog, such clothes should be abandoned. At the same time, you should not wear shoes with heels, it will look ridiculous (except for special cases when the production cannot do without this accessory).
6. If you go to an exhibition in another city, you will most likely need a lot of things. In combination with animals it will be difficult to cope alone. Take a person with you who understands the nuances of the exhibitions.
7. Keep yourself in hand before and during the exhibition. Dogs are able to adopt the owner's location, so your nervous mood can bring the animal out of balance.

The main stages of preparation

The exhibition includes a number of requirements that must be considered. It is important to prepare not only the pet, but also yourself. Consider all the nuances in order.

Step number 1. Psychological aspect

1. First of all, prepare for the exhibition yourself. Remember, participation in competitions is only a hobby, entertainment. Of course, I want to take the place of honor, but if the dog does not cope, do not be discouraged. Learn to accept defeat, do not scold your pet.
2. In the process of passing the stages do not need to hurry, do everything measured, calmly. Carefully monitor the psychological state of the animal, manage to cheer him up and calm him down. Do not allow your pet to aggressively treat other dogs, do not allow barking.
3. You need to prepare the dog for the fact that she will have to stand in the exhibition position at the very moment when the judge turns his head to you. Do not interfere with other competitors, do not block them.

Step number 2. The right choice of ammunition

1. It is important to choose the right outfit for your pet. In cases where the dog is wearing a collar of soft material, follow the width of the product. Too narrow an object visually lengthens the neck, while a wide one, on the contrary, shortens it. Pick up ammunition, taking into account the size of the dog.
2. Equally important is the color of the collar. If it is a contrast, this step will help emphasize the coat color. The ring to which the leash is attached must be solid. Be careful in the case of a new collar. It is not uncommon for a newly purchased product to dye the animal's fur, reducing to no all the preparation.
3. Some owners use a chain strap instead of a collar. Such ammunition looks advantageous on large dogs. Chains can be welded in one, two or three rows, it all depends on the size of the animal. However, for inexperienced handlers, the chain will be an unfortunate option: the product may twist or the dog will twist out of it.
4. There are also special "drivers" for exhibition dogs. The length of the product is selected individually. You have to control the pet at each stage, up to jerks or aggression towards other animals.To gain confidence, attach a carbine to the ammunition, it will allow you to hold a large animal with both hands.
5. A large muzzle must be present on dogs of large breeds. Even if you are sure that the pet is friendly, do not neglect this recommendation. The absence of a muzzle is perceived by the judges as a bad form, you can lose a few points for disrespecting other contestants. Like the collar, the new muzzle tends to dye the animal's fur.

Step number 3. Correct stand

1. As mentioned earlier, the dog must adopt an exhibition posture at the right moment. To master a team, it will take several minutes a day to do the same exercise with a puppy. Here the main thing is regularity.
2. Place the animal on a flat surface, get him to stand in this position for 10 seconds. Do not allow the puppy to sit or “fidget” from place to place. If you have a small breed puppy, carry out manipulations on the table.
3. When the animal will stand in this position the necessary time, take a break. The next time, repeat the steps, but correct the setting of the limbs.The front legs should be on the same straight line, and the hind legs - in a small step from the front ones.
4. After a certain period of time, the dog must master a simple maneuver. She is required to stand with a high head and a flat back, also the setting of the paws is important, do not allow the dog to mark time.
5. Of course, to master such a team, it will take a lot of strength and patience. Consult with the breeder, each breed has a specific exhibition rack, consider the standards.

Step number 4. Correct walking

1. Put a “carrier” or a collar on the animal, start learning how to walk properly. Encourage your puppy to walk to your left. Stretch the leash, gradually reducing the distance. In the end, the pet must walk alongside your foot.
2. After mastering a puppy leash start to drive it counterclockwise in a circle. The back should be flat, head - raised. Periodically stop, entertain the dog, praise and give a treat.
3. After mastering the step, proceed to the study of the gait - trotting. As in the previous case, the head and tail should be raised, the back should be straight.Praise your pet after a regular run, gradually increase the duration of training.

Preparation for the exhibition is an important psychological aspect for both the four-way friend and his master. To take the place of honor, you must adhere to the basic recommendations. Prepare a delicacy in advance to cheer up your pet while working in the ring. Crush the treat with very small chunks. Give it discreetly during the performance and before the show.

Video: how to prepare a dog for the exhibition