SHOWING YOUR DOG

Wizard01

Does anyone have any tips on if you want to show your dog? I have bought a few books off the internet but if anyone here could also help it would be much appreciated. She is a 7 month old Maltese, we have her groomed, (tearstains a bit of a problem but we are working on them) her coat is growing well, walking on her lead but after that i'm lost What does it take to be a showdog?

Cherry Blossom

I assume she is of show quality (you got her from a show breeder and specified a show quality pup) and IKC registered obviously.

Your best bet is to find somewhere reasonably near you that does ringcraft classes. You'll also have to find a groomer that has experience of grooming dogs for showing you can take her to regularly and can give you advice on how to keep her coat. You'll meet loads of people that will help you once you get into it.

If its just local shows in aid of charity etc. you don't need any of the above, no-one will have a clue what's going on but thats all part of the fun.

mymo

Just a tip for the tear staining, I was told to add a few drops (just a few in a bowl of water) of cider vinegar to my dogs water, and it really helped, she's not white and the staining isn't gone completely but it is paler.
You need to keep the area clean as you can, which can mean washing her face every day.
Cider vinegar is harmless and my two dogs drink the water no problem with it in, maybe even more.

You could also ask some breeders for advice and find out about ring craft classes in your area.
Just be careful of the drops for the eyes, angel eyes and the like contain antibiotics, not good to be using constantly.

lrushe

Is this the same dog you were having problems with being afraid of people etc.?
If she is the same you would have to put alot of work into socialising her first. A judge will want to run his hands all over a dog to get an idea of its build especially a long haired breed like yours where it is harder to assess their build from sight alone due to the coat. If she throws a fit because she is afraid the judge may disqualify her, the standard calls for a 'sweet-tempered' dog, if she is fearful or anxious it may be considered a fault.
I would begin by getting her into some socialising classes to build her confidence up, there would be alot of crowds at a dog shows so if your dog is already fearful a dog show could be terrifying.
When she is a bit more confident I would start her in ring craft classes and also bring her to some smaller shows just the get her used to hustle and bustle of a show. You can also meet some other showers and breeders who can give you the benefit of their experience.

ETA: Your dogs must be IKC registered to enter a show, best of luck!

Wizard01

lrushe wrote: »

Is this the same dog you were having problems with being afraid of people etc.?
If she is the same you would have to put alot of work into socialising her first. A judge will want to run his hands all over a dog to get an idea of its build especially a long haired breed like yours where it is harder to assess their build from sight alone due to the coat. If she throws a fit because she is afraid the judge may disqualify her, the standard calls for a 'sweet-tempered' dog, if she is fearful or anxious it may be considered a fault.
I would begin by getting her into some socialising classes to build her confidence up, there would be alot of crowds at a dog shows so if your dog is already fearful a dog show could be terrifying.
When she is a bit more confident I would start her in ring craft classes and also bring her to some smaller shows just the get her used to hustle and bustle of a show. You can also meet some other showers and breeders who can give you the benefit of their experience.

ETA: Your dogs must be IKC registered to enter a show, best of luck!

God no, we own two Maltese, we have a 7 month old and our other Maltese puppy that has her problems, we wouldn't put her through the stress like that, she panics if i walk past her so imagine what the poor wee pet would do in a crowd!
She is IKC registered, we bought her from a lovely woman in Limerick, don't think she is from show pedigree but to me she is priceless, It was just to bring her to 1 or 2 smaller ones to see how she gets on. She is a real show off and loves attention
Thanks for your help, as i said only starting off (well considering it) so wanted to know what she needs to do as well as myself