Suite101

FIRST AND LASTING IMPRESSIONS

Author: Marilyn Koyanagi
Published on: May 20, 1999

You pass a store window featuring the latest fashions. The display is covered with dust and the wrinkled garments hang shapelessly on outdated mannequins. A short distance away, another store displays identical merchandise. Attractive accessories complement outfits that are crisply pressed and perfectly fitted to the stylish mannequins. Which store gives the impression of quality?

You receive two job applications. One is handwritten with a lengthy description of the applicant's impressive skills. The ink is smeared and there are several spelling errors. The second applicant does not have extensive experience but her letter is neatly typed and well-worded with no errors. Which applicant has credibility?

What does all of this have to do with showing dogs? Everything!

Nothing leaves an impression more than a visual image and, in both of the above scenarios, IMAGE is the key factor. How you perceive the stores and applicants is determined by the image that each projects. Remember the old adage 'a picture is worth a thousand words'? This photo of the beautiful '98 DPCA National Specialty Winner speaks volumes. When showing a dog, you have 2 1/2 minutes to present your picture. Every detail must lend credibility to the overall image of quality.

CH. Foxfire's Devil's N Demons WAC
Foxfire Dobermans of Michelle Santana
Sunny Valley, Oregon
msfoxfire@echoweb.net

Envision yourself a judge. You have 5 dogs to evaluate. The first one will not walk. Explaining that this is his first time, the exhibitor alternates between bribing him to take a step and dragging him around the ring. As you try to examine him, he pulls away and constantly sits down.

The second dog drags the exhibitor around the ring. He seldom has two feet on the ground at any given time. When you attempt to examine him, he climbs all over you, trying to lick your face.

The third dog walks on a lead but has little energy and is timid upon examination. His coat is matted and his nails are long. You are not sure if the odor is coming from him or whether there has been a toxic spill in the neighborhood.

Dog four is adequately trained, moves with average enthusiasm and stands for examination. He has a weeping hot spot on his hip where he has chewed the hair. His poorly groomed coat is dull and he is overweight.

The fifth dog, although lacking in reach and drive, moves out in front of the handler without pulling on the lead. He is animated and free baits beautifully. His well conditioned coat is groomed to perfection and he is a pleasure to examine. Which dog attracts your attention? Which one has credibility as a show dog?

As previously stated, one of the most common mistakes made by exhibitors is to show a dog either before it is ready or when it is in less than perfect condition. Your dog may be an exceptional representative of the breed. However, if he is unable to walk on a lead, will not stand for examination and is not in optimum condition, the judge will have a difficult time evaluating him. The image the dog projects will be a poor one.

Do not fall into the trap of making excuses for your dog - "She just had a season so she is out of coat,""He is confused with obedience training," and the ever-popular "There is more to a dog than grooming and a judge should be able to see through a coat." A judge cannot be expected to see beyond your dog's shortcomings. He sees the total picture and has just over 2 minutes to evaluate it. If your dog is trained he will be easy to evaluate. If he is well presented he will give the impression of quality and have credibility as a show dog.

Dragging your dog around the show ring is one of the quickest ways to ruin him. This is the reason for handling classes. The importance of finding a good class cannot be overstated. The instructor, as well as being adept at showing dogs, must be knowledgeable about the various breeds and able to advise you on presentation and proper etiquette . The class should be small enough to allow for individual attention. If it consists of nothing more than moving the dogs in a circle and down and back, you will learn nothing and your dog will be bored before you ever get to a show. Everything connected with showing should be a pleasant experience. If your dog associates it with having a good time, he will be easier to train and you will never have a problem with his attitude.


The other essential part of presentation is grooming. Whether your dog is smooth or long haired, his coat must be in the peak of condition and oozing with quality like this exquisite Lhasa. Longer coats obviously need more care and must be trimmed in the manner typical of the breed. Some standards, such as the Cavalier, Soft Coated Wheaten and Poodle specify grooming requirements.

CH. Amesen Hot Gossip
Breeders/Owners
Jenny Longmire and
Michael Camac, Australia
amesen@tpg.com.au

Grooming the coated breeds is an art. Incorrect grooming can accentuate faults and give the appearance of faults where none exist. If you are unable to properly groom, it may be necessary to pay someone to do it until you master the necessary skills. Seek advice from your breeder on how to properly care for your dog's coat - combing, brushing, bathing, conditioning, and preventing breakage and staining. Nails, teeth and ears are also a part of grooming and must be tended to on a regular basis.

The description of an ideal coat in any standard refers to a mature specimen. In heavily coated breeds where there is a tremendous difference between puppy and adult coat, it takes an exceptional puppy to defeat a mature dog - as indicated by this stunning 11 month old, Best in Show winning Pom puppy. Coated breeds undergo a drastic change from puppy to adulthood. This transition period varies, depending on the breed, but it is generally not the best time to show your dog.

Ch. Chriscendo Cameo
Breeder/Owners
Christine & John Heartz Brookfield, Nova Scotia chriscendo@ns.sympatico.ca

Socialization, conditioning, training, classes, grooming... and now matches - will it ever end? The best way to find out if you are ready for a show is to enter a match. Matches are trial runs that will give you an idea of how well prepared you are for competition. Fun matches are more informal while Sanction matches are usually held under the same rules as championship shows.

In Canada, dogs over 3 months of age are eligible, including those who are already pointed. Finished champions and dogs with 5 or more points (half the number required for a title) do not compete against unpointed dogs. Regulations vary from country to country but matches provide an excellent opportunity to practice and learn in a stress free atmosphere. The dog is exposed to a show environment while the exhibitor can improve handling techniques. It is a good idea to attend several matches - both indoors and outdoors.

NOW you are ready for the real thing - your debut at a championship show! Choose a show that you think will be the least stressful. A local show eliminates the worry of travel. Fill out the entries and fax or mail them. Then spend the next 3 weeks praying that your dog does not blow his coat, chew a hole in his furnishings or develop a huge hot spot. This is when all females come into season! Review your notes and tips on showing.

On show day, allow plenty of time to get there, set up, pick up your arm band number and prepare your dog. Arrive at ringside in time to become familiar with the layout of the ring and the pattern the judge is using. When the ring steward calls your number, ignore your racing heart, take a deep breath and walk into the ring with confidence. Remember that you are doing this for enjoyment. It will be over before you know it. If the judge points at you, try not to look too surprised. If he points at a competitor, try not to look too surprised. Smile and congratulate the winner. If you have made it around the ring without tripping over your dog or knocking down the judge, it has been a good day - the first of many. Win or lose, hug your dog. He has earned it!

Sincere thanks to the breeders and owners who have generously shared their top dog photos. To visit their sites, click on the highlighted names of the dogs or kennels.