Tips and Hints

for the beginning Junior

These are tips and hints I have found to be helpful to me when I began Juniors. I am still not very experienced, but that doesn't prevent me from giving what I know! I know how hard it is to get going, especially if you're doing it on your own, so I hope these can help you get you on your feet!

Training Tips

• The phrase "Practice Makes Perfect" DOES apply to this sport.
• When you are trying to train a young puppy, do it on a table to get them used to it. Use a LOT of treats!
• If you are trying to train an older dog, especially a stubborn one, do not push training sessions beyond about 10 minutes. Also, don't push the proccess. It might look like they can stand for 15 minutes on the second day, but they can't! Don't let it get out of hand.
• Try not to frustrate the dog or yourself if you are having a bad day. If you think that you don't have the patients to move a foot to only have to move it back (several times), don't try to do it. Just play for the day.
• Train your dog to be more focused on you then what's going on in the ring.
• When training a nervous dog, one that doesn't like food, or one that likes food so much that she'll take you're fingers clean off, get a tennis ball (a toy or whatever) and play with them until they live and breath for it, then use it in place of treats.
• After training, always play with them!!

Same thing goes with these, but someone might not know them, I didn't!

• When the judge is inspecting your dog's bite, make sure your head is not in the way. They are looking at the bite, not you!
• Don't be afraid to talk to your dog during down times (like when other dogs are being examined and doing gaiting patterns). Be loose, play with him/her a little and have fun!
• When the judge is going over the entire class, focus your attention on what you think are the best parts of your dog. The judge likes to see what you think of your dog!
• Golden retrievers are to be shown on a loose lead, so don't choke them!
• Find the thinnest, shortest (unless you show GSDs) lead that you think is safe so you won't fumble around with it in the ring. If you are like me with my huge GSD lead showing a golden, you'll look bad with it.
• If you think that your dog might shy away from the judge when he puts his hands on its back, support your dog under the stomach to prevent movement.
• If you are in front of the line to go around, ask the person behind you if they're ready; don't just take off running.
• Be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the next dog when gaiting. It is very rude to run up on a dog in front of you, and messes both of your dogs up. Do this by timing the dog in front of you and leaving a big enough gap.
• Use "sir" or "mad'am" when you address the judge.
• ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE JUDGE!!!!

• Keep good records of your wins, loses, and points. You can use a computer spreadsheet such as MS Excel or a plain ole notebook. Download a Junior table for HTML here. Either way, you should have this info for each show you go to:
  • Show name/Kennel Club name
  • Show date
  • Judge's name
  • Your place (ie, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc...)
  • Number of Juniors you beat
  • Number of Juniors entered (your class and total)
  • Any comments that the judge or spectators had about your preformance and what you need to improve on.
  • What gaiting pattern the judge asked you for.
  These can help you immensely when competiting.
• Stick around to watch the other Juniors, especially the Open classes. They really know what they are doing and watching them can teach you a lot faster than you can teach yourself. Watch what they do that made them win or lose.
• Washing your dog at least 36 hours before ring time allows natural oils to return to his/her coat to give it a natural shine! Just remember to keep them clean!!
• Stay to see who wins group placings and Best in Show. You can always pick up tips by watching professional handlers at work.
• Hang around the grooming area when you're not showing. I have found groomers very helpful and really nice.
• If you need help with something, ask a handler or breeder. They are usually happy to help.
• If you don't win: always congratulate the winner! If you do win: do it graciously. Don't pitch a fit if you get 2nd by walking out of the ring and throwing you ribbon away. This is extremely crass and could get you repremanded by the AKC.

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