Programs-in-a-box – Handling Demonstration for the Breed Ring

Objectives:

1.      Provide techniques for basic training and presentation methods.

2.      Cover problem solving methods

3.      Gaiting patterns

4.      Proper clothing

Points to cover:

1.      How to table a Sheltie quickly and efficiently. Lifting correctly to support the dog and have the least effect on your grooming job

2.      Importance of placement of the table. Demonstrate how much easier it is to examine the dog that is placed on the judge’s side of the table and toward the front. The judge only has 10-20 seconds to do the table exam, don’t make it difficult and backbreaking. Have a few people demo this. Have them exam a dog set in the middle of the table or at the handler’s edge. Then reset the dog on the judge’s side and have them do the same exam. Not only is it easier…you can get a better exam of the dog’s structure.

3.      Demonstrate where to put your hands throughout the exam on the table. Tell the audience why it is important to move your hands out of the judge’s way while still supporting the dog and giving it confidence. Hand placement may be used to lead the judge’s eye to certain virtues (or to try to cover or downplay certain weakness in the dog).

4.      Demonstrate Free Baiting – teaching a dog to stand four square and give attention to key word such as cookie, treats, look, watch, etc. Stress the importance of having 2-3 key words to draw on if necessary.

5.      Hand Stack on the floor – importance of teaching the dog to allow you to move a foot or two without the dog totally losing its position or stack. Follow a set routine with the dog so he learns the routine and can count on you doing it the same each time.  Best is to set the front left leg, and then front right leg, then rear left leg and finally rear right leg. Always keep one hand on the dog ruff near the head during this process so he will remain still and learns to depend on you.

6.      Bait – discuss the definition of bait – to lure, as with food, to entice…it does not say to FEED. Dog should learn to watch the bait…piece of food…. Until you reward the dog with a very small bite at a time after the judge has observed the dogs ears and expression. DO NOT give the bait to the dog prior to the judge checking the teeth or prior to you showing the teeth.  Have your trainer or friends give the dog a treat OCCASIONALLY to teach the dog that sometimes that stranger (judge) may feed him and is a nice person, not someone to be fearful of in a judging situation. Do not over do this or the dog may jump on the judge or snap at the judge during the exam expecting a treat.

7.      Gaiting – discuss the usual gaiting patterns and how to correctly perform them.

a.       Straight down and back, triangle, L, and around.

b.      Keeping the dog in the center of the mat and aimed at the judge.

c.       Correct speed for your dog and the breed.

d.      Negotiating turns with least break in dog’s gait.

e.       Courtesy turns – yes or no when it may be best for your dog and why.

f.        Stopping – head on – when best, turn to side – when best!

g.       Watch the judge, follow directions; don’t assume even if you have been watching the judge’s ring procedure.

h.       What to do while waiting in line, don’t let others distract you with chatting. It may be meant as harmless or it could be to your disadvantage.

8.      Clothing – discuss proper attire. Men – suits or dress slacks and blazers with complimentary shirt and tie. Ladies – Dress (not too short) with enough flare to allow running without excess material that will flap in a dog’s face. Slacks with an attractive, conservative top. POCKETS!

You are never trying to up-stage the dog. Colors should be selected that compliment the color of the dog without hiding it’s outline. You are trying to do all you can to draw the judge’s eye to the DOG so you should never compete with the dog.

Activities:

1.      Practice at home.

2.      Go to training classes if possible.

3.      Hold a small handling class at the end of the program. Use two ex[erienced people to work the class. One doing floor work and one doing table work. Try to give each person a few positive helpful words about their floor and table presentation.