Most eye-catching of all is the dog that is trained to stand four-square at the end of the lead and free bait. With this technique, the handler focuses the dog's attention on some form of bait and the dog literally shows himself.
The ultimate test of conformation is movement and there is nothing more beautiful than a dog gaiting effortlessly around the ring almost as if he were floating. With the rear providing the drive that propels the dog forward and the maximum reach of the front leg determined by the angle of the shoulder lay-back, a dog must be moved at a full or extended trot to fully utilize both his front and rear limbs.
Despite the fact that many breed standards contain little about gait, every dog is expected to be able to move in the way that is typical for its breed. The Miniature Pinscher, for example, has a very high-stepping, hackney action while the Afghan has a long, powerful stride and the Pekingese moves with a roll.
Any dog can be trained to walk on a lead but proper gait training is essential for a show dog. Regular gaiting, at a consistent pace, is the best form of exercise for building muscle in the right areas and gaiting is most often the deciding factor in the ring. Dogs that are gaited correctly consistently win over those that are improperly trained. A dog that moves freely and with confidence never fails to attract attention.
As essential as training is in preparing your puppy for the ring, you cannot forget the importance of socialization and keeping your puppy happy. These are the keys to developing his show attitude. Although showmanship is a quality that cannot be taught, like any talent, it must be carefully nurtured or it will be lost. The puppy who displays early signs of showmanship is outgoing and self-assured. Socialization increases his confidence and allows him to handle any situation with ease. He must be carefully trained and allowed to have normal puppy fun so he does not become bored. If your puppy enjoys his early days in the ring, he will love showing his entire life. It will be obvious in every step he takes and he will be noticed.
Our sincere thanks to the following breeders for generously allowing us to reproduce the exceptional photos of their Top Dogs. Be sure to visit their sites as listed below.
 |
 |
 |
 |
