Can My Dog Be Best in Show?
Friends, family members, and neighbors constantly tell you that your dog looks like a little doll. “Have you ever considered entering your dog in a show?” they ask. The thought has crossed your mind, but you’re not sure where to start. You’re not alone.
Numerous pet owners express interest in entering pet shows. But many hesitate because they don’t know where to begin. In this article, we’ll take a look at steps you can take, to have your beloved dog in and possibly win a dog show.
1. Verify your Dog’s Breed
Before you get started, you need to find out if your dog’s breed is eligible. It’s important to know your dog’s breed so that you may enter into the class offered. Not sure which breed your pet belongs to? Your personal veterinarian is a good start. However, to get an accurate percentage, you should consider a DNA test.
2. Register your Dog
Once you’ve verified the dog’s breed and if it is older than 6 months, you have to register it with The American Kennel Club in the United States or if you live in England, make sure you register with The Kennel Club.
3. Attend Dog Shows
Before you even think about showing your dog, you should attend a few dog shows. Try entering a local club and networking with others to find out more and basically learning the rules. Once you’ve attended a few dog shows, you may want to consider a Match Show.
4. Practice
A Match Show is a place where you can practice exhibiting your dog. The American Kennel Club has a list of Match Shows that you and your dog can use to see if you’re really interested in showing on a larger level.
5. Consider Working with a Professional Handler
After you’ve been exposed to the culture, in time you may consider working with a professional handler. The Eukabana video above entitled “The Secrets of Dog Show Handlers” features advice from experienced handlers, who not only experienced, but expressed the need to connect with the dog.
Michael Gadsby advised “People want these dogs to be perfect, like a robot and then it just works. So they might take them into the ring and they stand perfectly, and they move perfectly, but what’s missing is some charisma. What you really need to do is make sure these dogs are having a ball… When they come into the dog show arena they think it’s a great place to be and they’re looking forward to it.”
Showing Isn’t Easy
It requires patience and hard work. However, it is a good way for you to establish a better understanding of your dog and hopefully build a better relationship.
Does your dog have what it takes to be Best in Show? Who knows, but hopefully this article helps you take the first steps.
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