100 Questions (Dog Shows)

My responses are in bold. 

 Hello! I am completely new to the forum! I have a 2 year old Mastiff (sp female), and a 14 week Rhodesian Ridgeback (male), who I intend to owner-handle in conformation.  As I am fairly green to dog shows, I am taking show handling classes and have an excellent mentor.  I have so many questions that I have yet to have answered, so I was hoping to post them here to pick everyone's brains!  Hopefully this isn't confusing...

 -As my RR will be the only one here at our local shows (I have attended our shows for years and I am sure he will be the only one) though there are several other breeds being shown in Group 2 here, how will that work in terms of which class I show him in?  I am planning on showing him in the 6-9 month old Puppy and Open, but if I am showing at the Group level since I can't compete at the Breed level, what would be the order of classes?  Hopefully that made sense....If you are showing AKC then you will need to find competition to garner any points towards a CH title. You are basically throwing your money out the window if you attend shows as the "only"....waiting for a placement in Hound Group to garner points, with all the Specials and Handlers is imo, a waste of time and money. Get on a RR list and ASK to build points or majors in your areas or be prepapred to travel to get some. You show in your proper class, Open or Puppy 6-9 or Novice Handler whatever...if you are an only then you take your W/BOB ribbon (unless it is withheld which is rare but does happen) and you can wait for Groups and try your luck. I think they post Group ring times at some point during the show day...but we never really stay that long LOL.

 

 -When the judge is examining the dog's bite, are the lips just parted or is the mouth/jaws opened as well? Depends on your breed. If teeth need to be counted or accounted for, mouth pigment assessed then they will open the mouth or have YOU do so. Be prepared. I always prefer to show the bite, and more judges let you to cut down on disease spreads...but just as many, do it themselves and expect your dog to tolerate such.

 

-As for show leads, it's just a preference for my breed, but what are everyone's preference's and opinions/thoughts on different leads, snake chains, etc.  What would be good for a beginner handler AND a puppy?  What is "in style" as far as leads (I've shown horses and although I don't really CARE if it's in style if it's not practical, I am just curious!) TOTALLY...a personal and within the breed decision. Main thing is? don't get a lead or collar that distracts the judge, your dog or you...and don't get one that looks like it is there....unobtrustive and elegant. You have a strong breed so you best make sure whatever tackle you pick can handle a full out lunge from your dog, and that YOU can handle that, too.

 

-Are pant suits acceptable vs. skirts for ladies?  I've seen too many inappropriate length of skirts at our shows, and would like to avoid potential disaster when bending with my dog!  If skirts are the better choice, to the knee or below the knee?  Colour of suits? Some judges are old school and HATE to see a female handler in pants of any kind, others detest short skirts...short being completely open to interpretation. The judge should NOT be looking at anything but your dog...but some do, so be prepared and well groomed yourself. Do not pick a color that makes your dogs topline look off unless there is something you want to hide. Avoid patterns if they distract the eye unless you WANT to distract the eye. Pockets, pockets pockets. Comfortable shoes...COMFORTABLE.

 

-I've asked around about speed for gaiting and so far everyone has said what is best for the dog, but is there not a particular speed ie. like how GSD are shown at the flying trot?   Also the same question applies to stacking...RR's are slightly longer then tall, not a "square" breed, how parked out do you place their legs for the stack in this case? GSD's are shown at speed because that is what is best for the dog....YOU will have to figure out what is best. Some judges will TELL you "slow please" and that means, slow...they want to see if you are trying to hide something. Loose lead is always preferred, don't string your dog up...it throws most off their gait. Pay attention to your judge. the stacking questions should be addressed by your mentor...as can much of this. That is what they are there for...if they are in a different breed then simply watch RR's on videos at Westminsters site and take your cues from there. Stack in front of a mirrior. Stretching a dog back can fix a topline but also look like you are TRYING to do just that. Be careful.

 

And FINALLY, what do judges expect from the 6-9 month old's, and are they forgiving if your puppy breaks gait or hops around a bit...Depends on the Judge...some are stern and expect well behaved, others find a bit of nonsense appealing and reward it. Your pup should be capable of behaving itself most of the time, practice at Matches until you are reasonably sure. But pups are pups and they act silly sometimes. Never go in expecting to have a perfectly behaved dog and you will be pleasantly surprised as often as you are validated.

 

THANK YOU to anyone and everyone who can answer some or all of my questions, I hope I don't sound like a complete dolt! 

Ridgies

 Hello! I am completely new to the forum! I have a 2 year old Mastiff (sp female), and a 14 week Rhodesian Ridgeback (male), who I intend to owner-handle in conformation.  As I am fairly green to dog shows, I am taking show handling classes and have an excellent mentor.  I have so many questions that I have yet to have answered, so I was hoping to post them here to pick everyone's brains!  Hopefully this isn't confusing...

 -As my RR will be the only one here at our local shows (I have attended our shows for years and I am sure he will be the only one) though there are several other breeds being shown in Group 2 here, how will that work in terms of which class I show him in?  I am planning on showing him in the 6-9 month old Puppy and Open, but if I am showing at the Group level since I can't compete at the Breed level, what would be the order of classes?  Hopefully that made sense....

 Welcome to the world of dog showing! Canada has a different show system then the US so can't really help you much on this one. In the US though, those of us with lower number breeds often try to get together at certain shows so we have competition.

 

Ridgies

-When the judge is examining the dog's bite, are the lips just parted or is the mouth/jaws opened as well?

 Just the lips.

 

Ridgies

-As for show leads, it's just a preference for my breed, but what are everyone's preference's and opinions/thoughts on different leads, snake chains, etc.  What would be good for a beginner handler AND a puppy?  What is "in style" as far as leads (I've shown horses and although I don't really CARE if it's in style if it's not practical, I am just curious!)

 This is something to ask your Ridgie mentor but you almost can't go wrong with a fine nylon or chain show choke and leash that matches your dog. For puppies in training and even at their first few shows, I like to use Resco "cordo-hyde" because there is no tightening action to these leads. Once they are really good at being show dogs I move them to fine chain collars and thin nylon or leather leads. I prefer leads with no clip (you attach them to the collar by a small loop) because I think it looks "cleaner" but have used snap leads too. In different breeds though, different types of show leads/collars are fashionable, so again ask your mentor to be sure.

 

Ridgies

-Are pant suits acceptable vs. skirts for ladies?  I've seen too many inappropriate length of skirts at our shows, and would like to avoid potential disaster when bending with my dog!  If skirts are the better choice, to the knee or below the knee?  Colour of suits?

 LOL I think anyone who's been to a show has witnessed Dog Show Fashion Disasters!

 Pants suits are a good way to go - looks professional and is easy. Skirt suits work too. Color should contrast your dog, so that your dog stands out or at least be neutral. You can go with greens, tans, white or gray. Stay away from red or orange.

 

Ridgies

-I've asked around about speed for gaiting and so far everyone has said what is best for the dog, but is there not a particular speed ie. like how GSD are shown at the flying trot?   Also the same question applies to stacking...RR's are slightly longer then tall, not a "square" breed, how parked out do you place their legs for the stack in this case?

 You want your dog to be trotting, so the ideal speed is that which encourages your dog to trot. Legs should be placed under the dog in the front and so the hock is perpendicular to the ground in the rear. They should be able to help you with both these things in conformation class.

 One other thing I would suggest about class is to see if anyone there needs help with multiple dogs in class. You need to practice the motions a lot and that much practice can actually be bad for young dogs and cause them to get "bored" with the ring. You want your dog trained enough that he does everything but not so trained that the behaviors become almost robotic.  Judges like to see dogs who are "up" and "showy" and in some dogs, too much show handling class takes away from that. So I'd suggest working your puppy for a couple turns in class, then practicing with another dog. Many people who are going to conformation class have multiple dogs and wouldn't mind someone helping them, especially breeders with multiple young dogs.

 

Ridgies

And FINALLY, what do judges expect from the 6-9 month old's, and are they forgiving if your puppy breaks gait or hops around a bit...

 

 Most judges are pretty forgiving about puppy behavior in the 6-9 class. Occasionally you run into judges who aren't good for puppies because they are too heavy handed in the exam or because they get cranky about the dog wiggling around. On the flip side, some judges go out of their way to help make your puppy's show experience a good one. This is something your mentor should be able to help you with.

 

Dear rwbeagles and AgileGSD- THANK YOU so so much for your reply! A great horse trainer once taught me that good horsemen/women takes bits and pieces from here and there and puts it together into a program that works for them. This is why I love asking questions to many different people, to get a good feel for different ideas, thought, opinions, methods, etc. Unfortunately my mentor is not too familiar with my breed, but she is a wealth of knowledge and I am looking forward to learning from her as much as I can about general dog showing and handling. She's also away at a show for the moment so I have to wait for her to get back. My breeder is always a GREAT resource, but I hate to burden her with too many emails and calls so I usually wait until I have a few things together before I contact her. The Canada and USA CKC vs AKC showing is similar in some ways and yet very different in others, (10 points towards a championship here, although same judging requirements as the USA). As for a lead then I was looking at the Resco loop leads in tan or wheat so as not to contrast and distract too badly, are these fairly strong leads? If you're not using a snake chain what other collars can you use these leads with? We don't have any matches approaching in our area, the first show that is available to me is about 12 hour drive away in November, when my pup is 6 months, and I am planning on attending. It would be more likely to see another few RR's at this particular show. So in response to the first answer, if I were to take the BOB being the "only" are there any points involved or no because there are no other dogs, and if there are do they count towards the CH? Your responses are very helpful to me and I will be likely asking many more things along the road to the ring! Thanks so much!~

We used to have a member here who was very involved in ridgebacks - Bonita I believe. If you do a search you could always contact her through email.

 

Ridgies

As for a lead then I was looking at the Resco loop leads in tan or wheat so as not to contrast and distract too badly, are these fairly strong leads? If you're not using a snake chain what other collars can you use these leads with? We don't have any matches approaching in our area, the first show that is available to me is about 12 hour drive away in November, when my pup is 6 months, and I am planning on attending. It would be more likely to see another few RR's at this particular show. So in response to the first answer, if I were to take the BOB being the "only" are there any points involved or no because there are no other dogs, and if there are do they count towards the CH?

 While I'm in the States my dogs are from Canada (Vancouver) I plan on showing up there with my dogs and puppies, though, probably this fall.  Different breeds, but similar types.

 I'd be prepared for them to open your dogs mouth. If you get a Working breed Judge (even though you're in Hound) .... they'll want to open her up and take a look around. I was surprised the first time that happened with my Weims, it happens infrequently, but enough that I make sure my dogs all are OK with it!  Usually pups are given some leeway, but if your puppy is well behaved and shows well, it tends to be all the more rewarded, especially if he's a nice animal :)

 No points for BOB, if there wasn't any competition, but you get 1 point for Group 4 (as long as there are more than 5 breeds present :) and 2 for Group 3 and I think 3 for winning Group.  I've seen a few dogs gain their Championship with no breed competition in Canada, just doing well in Group.... long odds, but it can happen.  I know it's more competitive out your way with larger shows, than out West here.

 Personally for a smooth coated breed like RR's and Weims, I like a nice snake chain with a leather lead.  With a puppy, though, I'd probably use a leather collar/lead, until he's either well trained or a little older.

 I tend to dress business casual, unless it's a larger show, in with case I go business suit-type outfit.  I tend to like black, to contrast my gray dogs topline :)  I'd say any color than tan/brown for your RR's (unless you are trying to hide something, as Gina was saying) would do well.  I stay away from busy patterns, cause I want them to see the dog easily.  A penstripe, to me, is fine :) 

 Have fun with the puppy in the ring, Judges do understand that you are training a puppy.... most will not give it to a puppy if s/he doesn't earn it, however. I've had several reserves with one of my puppies, with glowing compliments, but simply said "She looks beautiful! I love her type, but she didn't deserve it today." and give the points to an older, well behaved dog.  So, go into it knowing a puppy can be a long shot, and look at it as a training opportunity.  It's just bonus if you win!!

 Enjoy it, I love showing.... it's not everyone's cup of tea, but, personally I think it's a fun sport.

Ridgies

As for a lead then I was looking at the Resco loop leads in tan or wheat so as not to contrast and distract too badly, are these fairly strong leads? If you're not using a snake chain what other collars can you use these leads with?

 

 For the Resco, go with tan. I use them more for training young dogs as they are easier on their throats than choke collars while they are getting the hang of things.  I may use them at their first shows or may not, depends on if they will gag themselves on choke collars or not. Usually I have them switched to regular show leads by time I start showing them though. IME the leads are pretty strong.

 You can always go with the fancy option - braided kangaroo leather leads and matching collars (I would get a leather collar until he's full grown though):

 http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=583&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=braided+kangaroo+leather+show+leads+collars&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Ridgies

As for a lead then I was looking at the Resco loop leads in tan or wheat so as not to contrast and distract too badly, are these fairly strong leads? If you're not using a snake chain what other collars can you use these leads with?

 

 For the Resco, go with tan. I use them more for training young dogs as they are easier on their throats than choke collars while they are getting the hang of things.  I may use them at their first shows or may not, depends on if they will gag themselves on choke collars or not. Usually I have them switched to regular show leads by time I start showing them though. IME the leads are pretty strong.

 You can always go with the fancy option - braided kangaroo leather leads and matching collars (I would get a leather collar until he's full grown though):

 http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=583&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=braided+kangaroo+leather+show+leads+collars&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=