Early Training For Dog Shows Explained

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     If you want to show your dog, certain things could have, or should have, been done while you were waiting for your puppy to grow up. Let's take just a little time right now and discuss how to do one of them.

Let's start with the lead-breaking of your puppy since it is so important to the sound attractive stylish gait of a show dog. Let's assume that when you bought him he had never been on a lead.

After trying many methods, here is the one I like best.

Start training the puppy just as soon as you get him. If you keep him in a run or pen, every time you take him on a lead you should keep in mind that this will be his training period. However, if the puppy lives in the house with you and, at least in the beginning, has to be taken out on a lead to relieve himself, there should be a difference in the manner in which you and the puppy behave while he is on the lead.

Don't try to lead-break him for shows when he has other and more important business on his mind. Allow the puppy to sniff the ground and use a longer lead, giving him ample time to take care of his duties. If he is allowed to roam where he wants to and when he wants to he will scarcely be aware of the fact that he is on a lead and the duties will be taken care of quickly. With that important business out of the way you can then settle down to the training.

Now tighten up on the lead. Shorten it by crumpling it in one hand. Put the collar as far forward under the dog's jaw as you can. He will resent it - perhaps fight it - some dogs jumping into the air and screaming as though they had been hurt. Wait until he quiets down and then start walking in the direction you want to go and talk to the dog.

Call him by name and keep your voice pleasant. Don't drag him but keep the lead taut so he can feel in which direction he is being coaxed to go. As soon as he takes a few steps with you, praise him loudly and keep encouraging him to go along. After he goes along, try releasing the lead a bit and if he keeps going - fine! If not, use short jerks to keep him going. After the puppy goes along a reasonable distance, stop and pat him, praise him to the skies.

Then start out again. Repeat this performance several times and until he goes along with you without your having to tug at him. Then praise him some more, reward him with a tidbit if you wish and stop the training on a pleasant note. You should not have to do this too often before your puppy will be lead-broken. While he is a puppy he is so easily led and he is so anxious to please that it pays dividends if you master this early.

Getting away from your dog for a moment, let's talk about you - your appearance at a show. Your clothes are very important. Remember the saying, "Clothes make the man" ? It's something to think about. There is nothing that is going to happen to your very good suit at a dog show that would not happen to it anywhere else.

Too many men and women save their old clothes to wear to the shows, and when they are in the ring they look as though they didn't care. Also, if you wear something that is not suitable, you, instead of your dog, will catch the passing eye.

There are many more things that could be said about training your dog for show. However, follow these pointers and you will be off to a good start. Good luck!