The American Kennel Club (AKC), the premier national authority on purebred dogs in the United States, holds shows in every state to find and rate the best dogs in their individual breeds. In the show ring, a dog will perform simple maneuvers designed to accentuate his best physical aspects. Ring training begins very early for some potential champion dogs, and weekly training continues until the dog earns enough points to receive a championship designation in his breed.
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Qualifications
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Ring training focuses on preparing your purebred dog to stand and run in a way that allows the ring judge to view his body in the best light. Called "Conformation," each dog is judged against a preset physical standard for his breed and against the other dogs entered in the show. You can find your breeds' standards on the AKC website. (See Resources.)
Starting Out
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Training a puppy for the show may begin when he is is 8 weeks old. Although most kennel clubs offer conformation training in classes, belonging to a club or training with a group is not mandatory. However, your dog will benefit from going through his paces in a situation similar to the one he will experience in the ring.
Your dog will learn to stand in a position that allows the judge to see his skeletal and muscle structure. Known as "stacking," this position is slightly different for different breeds, but in general, the dog will have his front legs shoulder-width apart and his rear legs slightly back until the lower portion of the leg is vertical. During training, the owner or handler will physically move the dog's legs into the correct position. In the ring, some breeds may be stacked by their handler and other breeds must self-stack, so adequate training is imperative.
Tasty treats may be used in training and in the ring to entice the dog to comply with running or standing requests. Known as "baiting," the dog learns to hold his position to get the treat.
Training the dog to run correctly around the ring takes lots of practice and a confident handler. Most breeds of dog are required to run by their handler's left side at a pace that allows their spine to remain as steady as possible, showing only their hip and leg movement. However, all breeds have specific requirements. For example, the German shepherd dog must run ahead of its handler on a long leash.
Socialization is an important part of a show dog's training. He must be able to control his behavior around strange dogs and their owners. Introducing a potential show dog to many different situations will encourage him to remain confident and happy during a show. Dogs who show aggression may be disqualified by the ring judge.
Practice Shows
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Local kennel clubs hold practice shows throughout the year to help owners introduce their dog to the show ring. Like a dress rehearsal, the dogs will run around the show ring and stand just as they would in a regular show. Practice shows are a valuable training tool for dogs and their owners who are new to showing.
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