Showing Your Dog: a Beginner's Guide

Description

Competing at dog shows is an excellent way for the family - both young and old alike - to enjoy a hobby together. Many people enter this sport first with a family pet as a fun day out and then move on to more serious competition at championship level. The ultimate goal for most newcomers is to qualify for Crufts and perhaps even win the much coveted Best in Show award. This book takes you step by step through the process of what is required to enjoy showing a dog. It will tell you: - How to choose a good quality pedigree puppy and understand its health requirements - How to train and prep.;Cover; Half-title Page; Title Page; Copyright Page; Contents; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1: Starting Out; Breed standard; Being aware of faults; Choosing a dog with sound temperament; Checking the pedigree; Considering the training; Picking the right breed; The seven groups; Questions to ask yourself; How much to pay?; Doing your research; Buying from advertisements; A guide to finding a puppy for the show ring; Author's story; A good exhibitor ... ; A bad exhibitor ... ; 2: Learning to Show; Training at home; Vaccinating; Grooming; Introducing a collar and lead; Hands on; Fun time. Cover Half-title Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Acknowledgements Introduction 1: Starting Out Breed standard Being aware of faults Choosing a dog with sound temperament Checking the pedigree Considering the training Picking the right breed The seven groups Questions to ask yourself How much to pay? Doing your research Buying from advertisements A guide to finding a puppy for the show ring Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 2: Learning to Show Training at home Vaccinating Grooming Introducing a collar and lead Hands on Fun time. Puppy classesRingcraft classes Match night and parties Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 3: Grooming and Presentation Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness Grooming procedures Do it yourself Coat products Bath and blow dry Clippers and scissors Grooming table Grooming equipment Ears Teeth Mouth Feet, nails and pads Dog clothes The day of the show Coat trimming Poo bags Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 4: Entering a Show Plan ahead Finding a dog show What is a show schedule? Which class to enter Completing the entry form. Meeting the entry deadlineReceiving proof of entry Passes Establish a system Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 5: Travelling with Dogs Travelling by car Dog safety in cars Car training Taking out a breakdown service policy Arrive in time Keep in touch Dogs on board Leaving dogs at home Preparing food and water Using seat covers and blankets Staying over Keeping your room clean Travelling by caravan and camping Hot days Adverse weather Making plans for the journey Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 6: The Day of the Show. Coping with bad weatherKeeping cleaning products to hand Coping with hot weather Carry drinking water Navigating car parks Where to go Benched shows Show safety Finding your bearings Preparing your dog Presenting yourself Entering the ring Seen dogs Best of Breed Open shows Group judging Items to pack for the show Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 7: Rules and Etiquette The red book Breaking a rule Making a complaint Thinking of others In the ring Being first Arriving late Making enemies The judge Benching area Respecting the show secretary. Dealing with dog wasteApproaching other dogs Dress code Baiting Unentered dogs Groups Be polite Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 8: Awards and Prizes Trophies Rosettes Place cards Goodies Challenge Certificate Junior Warrant Show Certificate of Merit Breeder's competition Dog of the Year Stakes class Training club awards Author's story A good exhibitor ... A bad exhibitor ... 9: Major Championship Shows Crufts Crufts 2009 qualifications for entry of dogs Shows Obtaining schedules Finding out who is judging Keeping records Author's story.