How to Show a Dog in the Ring

Attend numerous match shows in your region. Match shows are dog shows that do not count towards a dog's championship. They are hosted by AKC clubs across the nation for fun and practice. Owners and novices compete for ribbons and fun. They are an excellent way to practice the art of handling dogs without the pressure of competing against professionals in an AKC-sanctioned, real-point dog show.

Enroll in a handling class. Many obedience handlers and AKC clubs offer conformation handling classes. This is an excellent avenue to learn exactly how to show a dog in conformation and it is also a good way to let your dog become familiar with the protocol of the ring. The dog needs to learn to stand according to his breed and allow the judge to run his hands over his body. The dog needs to learn to accept having his teeth checked. If the dog is a male, then he needs to allow his testicles to be checked by the judge. As the judge touches the dog from nose to tail, the dog needs to stand without flinching, biting, growling or moving away from the judges hands. Handling classes are an excellent way for both the owner and the dog to prepare for serious competition.

Attend numerous AKC shows. Watch how the dogs are handled by the professionals. Do not be embarrassed to approach professional dog handlers and ask them for tips. Always do this after the show is over, because during a show, most professionals are handling numerous dogs in various rings and will be too busy to talk to you. Never be afraid to ask questions. Familiarize yourself with the AKC rules and regulations for dog shows. Learn the standard for the breed of dog that you will be showing.

Choose a professional outfit to wear when showing in an AKC show. Men tend to wear suits with a tie. Women wear suits or a professional dress ensemble. Wear flat shoes that are easy to walk and run in. Make sure the shoes are not slippery if the show is outside and the grass is wet. Each competitor will be assigned a number. Wear the number on your left arm. If you have long hair, pull your hair back so you can see your dog, the judge and where you are going as you handle the dog.

Pick a tasty treat that your dog loves. Most serious competitors will use boiled liver, because it is easy to dice into small pieces and place in your cheek. Dogs who compete in a dog show should focus on the handlers face at all times. Treats are an ideal way to achieve this, because you can spit the treats from your mouth to the dog or from your mouth to your hand. The dog will learn to intently watch your face in anticipation of a treat.

A few people use fanny packs for treats, but this means the dog spends all of its time staring at your midsection awaiting a treat and this is not ideal. The dog needs to look at your face when standing for the judge to observe.

Tell the judge that you are a novice and this is your first dog show, if that is the case. Do exactly as the judge indicates. Every judge has their own patterns they want performed in the ring. These patterns allow the judge to see the dog's true conformation as it parades past. Some breeds are shown at a fast walk and others are shown at a slow run. Small dogs are lifted onto a table for the judge to look over, but large dogs simply stand on the ground. When the judge approaches your dog to inspect the dog, step in front of the dog and work at keeping the dog's eyes on you.

Allow the dog to move out in front of you a little ways when the judge indicates that she wants the dog to run or walk. The dog is showing itself to the best of the its ability. The breed or conformation ring is not about the dog heeling beside you when being shown. Dogs shown in this category run in front of you a little bit at a prance.

Watch the judge for her selections. She will point to which dogs stay and which dogs go. Some judges will narrow the dog-ring size down by eliminating half the dogs and then looking over the other half, but other judges will simply make a decision. Most judges point to the dog to let you know what they expect. If a judge points to your dog and out of the ring, then leave as you are out of the competition. If the judge points to your dog and then points for you to stack the dog up, then do what you are told. Some judges will line the dogs up in the order of the win. First, second and third. All judges are different, so watch your judge closely to see where you place during the show.