Preparing Your Dog For It's First Competition
Planning
to enter your puppy or
dog in a competition
of any kind is a bit nerve wracking, especially if you
have not competed
before. A great
idea is
to plan to attend several
events prior to your competition
and talk to some
of the handlers, trainers
and owners that are at
the event and are
showing dogs in the same type
of competition that you are entering. Most
dog owners and
lovers are very willing to help
out and provide information on how to get
started in the various competitions. Getting advice from people that are actively involved in showing dogs is a wonderful way to get your questions answered and to get some practical tips on preparing both yourself and the
dog for the event.
Tips for Preparing Your Dog
Often dogs have trouble concentrating on the event or competition the first few times that they are in the ring. There are
so many new and different activities going on that the dog may
be distracted or even a bit frightened of
all the people,
noises and even the lights and design of the ring or event course. Taking your dog, as a spectator, to several competitions can help with normalizing
them to the environment that they will be in during the competition.
Some of the larger competitions do not allow dogs in that are not
entered, but as the owner you can still attend, get an idea of what is happening
within the venue and then create similar environments for your dog.
Some ideas for similar events for your dog to get used to
crowds and noises is to
take the dog to:
Parks
Beaches
Walking through
downtown areas
Going to various community events
Walking the dog with other groups of dogs
Be sure to gradually introduce your dog to these events and make sure that they are
confident in large crowds, with other dogs, and even with noises and bright lights. Be sure to check in all areas for any prohibited areas to take your dog before starting this desensitization process.
Consider hiring a professional trainer or handler to
work with you and your dog for a few
weeks prior to the show or event.
The professional can help prepare you to work with your dog in the ring or during the event. If you are planning on using a handler rather than working with the dog yourself begin allowing the handler and dog to work together several weeks before the event so they are
comfortable with each other.
Bathing and Grooming
The day of the event can be very hectic and chaotic, so bathing and grooming the dog as much as possible in
advance can help prepare for the event. Consider bathing the dog the day before and just doing minor touch-ups the day of the competition.
Shine products and any specialized grooming should be done immediately before the competition. Be sure to walk the dog and allow them to use the bathroom before the competition and avoid feeding them just prior to the event. Always allow plenty of fresh water but be
careful to control the
amount or water consumed within an hour of the event.
Always be as positive towards your dog as possible during the event. Most dogs quickly learn the fun of competing and soon are just as eager to go to events as the owners.
Kelly Marshall is a popular
contributor at
http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find dog beds, dog steps,
pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.