Why show your dog? Without a doubt, most people show their dogs initially because they feel that their dog is a fine specimen of the breed and they wish others to see this as well. The competition of a show provides an excellent opportunity for dogs to be compared, contrasted, and evaluated. Win, lose, or draw —the show is always an educational experience for the owners as well as the spectators. Perhaps, the aftermath of a show will mean changes for your dog —better grooming, better training, or entry in other shows.

There is fun and excitement at a show and if your dog does make a good appearance you will be encouraged to pursue this endeavor. After several shows, who knows? You might even be ready to take this up as a hobby.

Showing Dogs—Quite a Hobby
Showing dogs can become a family hobby which is enjoyed by the members of all ages. Here is a hobby which has no special season—it goes on all year around. Dog fanciers can participate in this sport as much or as little as they desire. Many folks who show regularly state that their enthusiasm grows as they become more involved. First, they start with one dog, usually the family pet, and then if they are successful in their showing venture, they expand their enterprise. Attaining points for a champion is frequently the greatest incentive. Now, perhaps they will add an additional dog to the "family." If there are children, they will be indoctrinated by participating in the Junior Showmanship events. These junior shows give young people a chance to appear with their dog hi front of an audience. They can develop poise and self-confidence through such participation.

Although there are costs and time involved, all the people we have queried feel that it's all worth it. They find that the closeness between the family is strengthened because of this joint enterprise. Any hobby involves expense and they find that showing requires no more than golf or bowling. A show is very exciting, challenging, and fun. Many also find it gives them an excuse to travel which they might otherwise not do. And, last but not least, this is an opportunity to meet and talk to many people and to exchange bits of interesting information and dog lore.

All in all, this is a hobby which many can enjoy and which you may find is just the thing for your family.

Dog Showing—For a Serious Purpose
Should you desire to get involved with dogs somewhat seriously—let's say breeding or having a stud, or grooming—then the dog show exposure can give you valuable opportunities in
(1) elevating your dog's status.
(2) giving many people the opportunity to observe your dog.
(3) giving you a chance to meet people interested in your services.

To learn where and when dog shows are held, write to the dog show superintendent and request that your name be placed on their mailing list; you will receive advance notice of the shows.

This dog show information which is sent is called the premium list. It will tell you the date of the show, the place, whether the show is benched or unbenched, and the amount of the entry fee. It will also give you the names of the judges, prizes, and when the last entries will be accepted. Should you decide to enter a show, send in the properly completed application with the required fee.

Showing can cost you a lot of money or it can be an inexpensive hobby. Hiring a professional handler to show your dog will be expensive, but he knows his trade and will present your dog at his best. Most dog owners handle their own dogs and, thus, can participate and enjoy all the excitement and if they win it is even more satisfying.

Preparing Your Dog for the Show Training
The conformation class of a dog show is the opportunity for your dog to display his best physical qualities and his best performance. Thus, he must be groomed to make a fine appearance, and he must be trained in good conduct, for the judge will form his opinion based on what he sees—how the dog stands, walks, and runs.

Long before that exciting "first" show, you must train your dog to do the following:
I —Walk on the lead.
Holding the leash quite short, practice walking with the dog on your left side, training him to adjust to your speed and to stop when you stop. Conduct regular daily practice sessions which are fun, and yet instill pride and discipline.

2—Hold a pose.
Train your dog to allow you to pose him—to place him in the required stance position with the head up, alert expression, feet well-placed—thus displaying all his best features. Getting him used to this pose position from puppyhood to adulthood is good training.

3—Stand for examination.
In training your dog to allow the judge to examine him during a show, have friends examine him on a regular basis. This practice will help him to become accustomed to having his teeth checked and his body investigated.

Dog Grooming
Trimming must be done weeks before a show. Hard coats grow more slowly than soft ones and thus must be started earlier. Until you are completely aware of the breed standards, your dog's assets and deficits, and are proficient hi the proper grooming techniques, let a professional do the trimming. If you wish to eventually learn this aspect of dog care, then by all means analyze your dog's preparation and seek advice on how to do it. There are courses offered that can help you master this.

The night before the show is a good time for a bath if it is needed. Place the dog in a tub, wet his coat thoroughly with lukewarm water, apply dog shampoo, rub until thick and sudsy, massage starling at the neck and working back. Be sure to protect the eyes and ears. Use a spray to rinse until all soap is out. Dry well by using a dryer or thick towel. Brush out and pin a towel around the dog with large safety pins.

The day of the show, check the time your dog will be in the ring and gauge your grooming accordingly. You will want to allow ample time to brush, comb, and tidy up your dog but still not start too early so that he is wilted long before entering the ring.

Smooth, short-coated dogs need merely to be rubbed down with a grooming glove and if the coat needs a shine, rub on just a little hair cream.

Long, flat coats should be sponged to remove dust and then brushed well.

Terriers should not be bathed more than necessary as it softens their hard coat. White terriers can be chalked to clean and whiten the coat but this chalk must be brushed out thoroughly before the judging.

Light colored poodles can be powdered, but this must all be completely brushed out prior to entering the show ring.

Towels should be used to protect dogs that drool. Protect the long-eared dogs from soiling themselves while eating.

At your first few shows, observe the professional handlers. They are usually glad to share some of their knowledge with you.

How to Behave the Day of the Show
Don't tire or overexcite your dog. The trip, the new surroundings, the crowd, and the other dogs are all terribly exciting so try to instill a calm element by remaining as relaxed and as natural as possible. Nervousness is contagious and could hurt your dog's showing, so exercise self-control.

Let your dog rest as much as possible and do only the necessary grooming. Allow him to eat and relieve himself according to his normal schedule, if possible. Some authorities recommend feeding long before the judging so that the dog is more spirited and not sluggish after a heavy meal.

The judging schedule will explain the time and ring in which your dog is to appear. Be on time as they will start without you if you are not there. Upon arrival at the ring, the attendant will give you an arm band bearing the entry number of your dog. This band is to be worn on the left arm.

When the group of dogs enters the ring, all the dogs are to be on their handlers' left side. Keep an eye on the judge and listen to his commands. Never block the judge's view of your dog. Try to keep your dog moving or posed while in the ring and have a special toy or treat in your hand to keep his attention.

Pose your dog carefully and be sure to allow yourself plenty of room. Place the forelegs so that they stand correctly; pull the head forward and up as you hold the tail in proper position.

When the judge makes his decision, accept it gracefully. Should you be a winner, that's fine. But, if your dog doesn't place in the winners' circle, please maintain a pleasant attitude. Judges try to make their selections fairly and carefully and their decisions should not be contested. If you wish to discuss your dog and get a candid opinion on how to improve his chances, most judges will be glad to talk to you briefly after the group is finished, when time permits. Dog shows are competitive and one must be prepared to lose as well as to win. As with any sport, it's how you play the game that counts. Enjoy the preliminary preparations and the show itself, and, then, whining needn't be so terribly important.

Professional Dog Handlers
Many dogs are shown by professional handlers. About 1,000 handlers are licensed by the American Kennel Club. A professional handler is one who may board and tram a dog to show, and, then, show it for the owner. For this, he charges a fee agreed upon for that show. Professional handlers may take many dogs to a single show. Professional handlers often arrange to take "strings" of dogs on "circuits" — a half-dozen or more shows held in towns and cities fairly close together so that the dogs and handlers move from one to another quite easily. For example, there are the Deep South Circuit, the Florida Circuit, the South Texas Circuit, etc.

Some professional handlers have full time jobs and go only to weekend dog shows. These handlers simply accept their clients' dogs at the shows. They bathe, trim and groom them, and then take them into the ring; whereas others own large kennels and board dogs for the general public as well.