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Saturday, March 25, 2023

What is the key to influencing a judge's decision and achieving success in a dog show? Effective Tips For Show Dog Handlers


Effective Tips For Show Dog Handling

Obtaining an advantage in dog competitions is a highly coveted and confidential pursuit. What is the key to influencing a judge's decision and achieving success in a dog show?
Winning a dog show is not solely dependent on the Saturday and Sunday events. It requires a consistent effort throughout the week, which encompasses preparation and training. The outcome in the show ring on the weekend is the culmination of the extensive hours invested in practicing and conditioning.

Professional handlers need to devote a significant amount of time each week to the careful grooming and physical conditioning of the dogs they handle. This involves following a rigorous routine of of training and practicing, tailored specifically to the needs of each individual dog. In contrast, given the constraints of limited time and resources, owner-handlers must make astute decisions to optimize their efforts in dog show preparation.



Establishing a weekly schedule and adhering to it is a crucial step towards achieving success. Discipline, Dedication and Commitment are everything here!

Dedicating time on non-show days to coat and muscle conditioning tailored to your breed and dog's specific needs is critical. Participating in training classes is advantageous for both the dog and owner, as they provide a social atmosphere and a chance to enhance ring presentation skills. Confidence in your dog and yourself is vital, and your body language can effectively communicate with fellow competitors and judges. Professionalism demands that one looks and acts the part.

A dog handler who himself is the owner of the dog, possesses a unique advantage in his intrinsic understanding of his dog. On the other hand, a professional handler, unlike an owner-handler is required to swiftly evaluate a dog's physical and temperamental traits and make necessary adjustments. That's a real big challenge. He typically doesn't have the luxury of time to develop a personal bond with the dog and an indepth understanding of the dog.

Observing a judge's pattern and correctly evaluating his preferances before entering the ring is bonus. Paying attention to when and where the judge gives the most attention and where they place their hands during the exam may indicate their priorities. A matured and well experienced handler always tries to understand a judge's subtle tendencies during breed judging. That's the secret of his success story!


To gain an advantage, it is crucial to maintain a consistent visibility in the ring.

Visibility requires the strategic allocation of both time and space. One must remain attentive and prepare to showcase the dog's finest attributes during the most suitable moments throughout the class judging. Judges may become bored and impatient if exhibitors are unprepared during their allotted time. Given that each entry has a limited time, typically around three minutes, exhibitors cannot afford to make presentation mistakes. Any small mistake in presenting the dog or grabbing judge's interest may turn the game completely against you. Demonstrate a Confident, Competent, Calm and Composed consistently is crucial for establishing your credibility before the judge. Your conduct within the ring should indicate that you are determined to emerge victorious. These 4 Cs are truely crucial to win the judge's attention.


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Have a thorough understanding of your dog's preferenes to understand how to use the bait.

To effectively use bait during dog shows, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of your dog's behavior. This knowledge enables you to determine how best to utilize the bait in a way that motivates your dog and enhances its performance in the show ring. In the world of dog shows, using bait can be an effective tool to motivate and enhance your dog's performance. However, it is crucial to recognize that not all dogs respond well to bait, especially those that are inconsistent in taking it. In such cases, it is best to refrain from using bait as it can appear desperate and diminish your credibility in the eyes of the judge.

Moreover, understanding how and when to use bait is crucial. For instance, attempting to shove a piece of liver into a dog's mouth while the judge is examining expression is a recipe for big disaster. Instead, a more effective approach would be to train your dog to stand calmly and attentively in a free stack, while strategically using bait to enhance its side silhouette.

Ultimately, mastering the use of bait requires careful observation and analysis of your dog's behavior and preferences, as well as an understanding of the judge's expectations and preferences. With these insights, you can use bait effectively to enhance your dog's performance and increase your chances of success in the show ring.



Why sometimes an owner-handler is better than a pro handler?

An owner-handler is often a better handler for his or her dog to be exhibited because he/she has an intrinsic knowledge and bond with their dog. They understand their dog's temperament, strengths, and weaknesses, which enables them to present their dog in the best possible way. Also, the owner-handler has a greater investment in their dog's success, both financially and emotionally, which can translate to a higher level of dedication and commitment. This deep connection between the owner-handler and his/her dog can also be beneficial in conveying confidence in the ring, which can impress the judge and potentially sway their decision. However, this is not to say that a professional handler cannot also achieve success, as they have a wealth of experience and knowledge that they bring to the ring.



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