Bad Handling(conformation)

 Don't know where you are, but there will be some ringside mentoring going on in Mich. in May, according to the AKC site:

Welcome, Julia!  I have no technical advice as I've never shown in the conformation ring.  I'm sure some of our members, who show, will be along for a good discussion.  I have had experience in field events as a handler and as a judge.  A confident, pleasant demeanor, as a background to  the technical skills, will always serve you well.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to see pictures of your dog. :)

 Hi Julia, welcome! :)  Congratulations on your wins!! How exciting!

 Not too many conformation people on this forum, but the few we do have are all EXCELLENT at it!  So we make up for quantity in quality ;)

 I had a Kuvasz in my conformation class, so I got to see first hand a Kuvasz and handling of him, they are neat dogs! As far as common "mistakes" I'd say with all that coat you need to get the collar high on the dog under the jaw and at the top of the neck to really accentuate the length of neck.  Keeping it in the middle of the neck really messes up the outline, I've seen.  Also they seemed to want to overstack and it really made the dog look funny to have the hind too far out, like most breeds, but for some reason (maybe just this K? I don't know...) it really did bad things to the rear and made way too much slope in his topline. 

Just in general (not K related)  I've seen people who tend to hold bait way too high so it causes the dog to rock back on their rear, A-framing their front and removing the natural arch in the dogs neck.  Be sure to hold the bait at the proper height when presenting. 

 As Jackie said, we like photos here!! Be sure to post a few :)

HI Julia!  Welcome to the forum!  Something my friend who shows Bassets told me once was  when stacking your dog, don't look at her weak areas as it will draw the judges attention there.  Instead, look at a strong point.  I hooe that made sense- it's ind of hard putting things into words.

 Hi

I have only seen your breed in pictures. If you can find on the net a website of your breed which has top show dogs, study the pictures and watch how the dog is stacked.

 All dogs have strengths and also areas which might not be their stong points.  As a handler you want in the short space of time that you are in the ring with the judge to make the most of your dog's strong points. Training can help a lot, teach your dog to stand and stay, that way it should stay in the show pose you put it in.  If you go to the Westminster Kennel Club's web site, you can watch on line, top professional handlers and see how they set up their dogs. You will also, I believe, see your own breed there on video.

If your dog is not comfortable with the speed you are gaiting it at, it might pace.  Have a friend watch you and if possible, video tape you which will help you.  Practice, practice, practice stacking and gaiting. Practice  opening the mouth and looking at the bite.

It might help you to walk into the stack and then tell the dog to stay - that way you will not overstretch. Go to handling classes and if someone else moves your dog for you, it will give you the opportunity to watch the areas you need to emphasise to the judge.  For example, if your dog has an excelllent topline, and you are being looked at by the judge, moving your hand over the topline can help show how excellent it is

I use bait in the ring as it makes my. dog more eager and alert.

Walking your dog on a hard surface (road for example) will improve and tighten its muscles.

I always talk to my dogs in the ring and keep them happy so it shows.

I have Bouvier Des Flandres dogs.  And Rhapsody is a Best in Show dog, and was also a Best in Show Puppy.  She has always being handled by me in the show and she also has a CD title.

If you like you can visit her page  http://www.barbadosbouviers.net/rhapsody.htm 

Let us know how you do and show us some pix 

 Regards.

Margaret