How to make your dog a show dog
If you’ve ever crowded around the TV with your favorite dog friends to watch Westminster or other dog shows, taking your own dog to a show may have crossed your mind. Dog shows aren’t for everyone, or every dog, but for those who enjoy getting out there and working in a busy environment, there’s no better place than a dog show.
Conformation is the sport usually referred to when people talk about dog shows. That’s where a purebred individual is looked at in terms of structure, gait, and temperament, and compared to the breed standard of perfection. If your dog is spayed, neutered, or a mixed breed, they can’t be shown in conformation, as it is meant to help assess the breeding quality of these individuals.
If that’s the case and you still want to show your dog, don’t worry! There are over a dozen other dog sports out there, and they all welcome dogs of any breed. The AKC welcomes any physically sound dog to join these other sports.
Find a trainer
No matter what sport you choose to show your dog in, you’ll need a trainer to get started. Conformation dogs must learn to show off their gait, stack, and to let a stranger feel them all over. Other dog sports require your pet to learn how to jump over obstacles, navigate courses, learn basic obedience commands, and other skills.
If you’re new to showing, a trainer can teach you how to develop these skills in your dog. They can also help you determine whether your dog will do well in the sport. A dog with poor conformation won’t do well in conformation for example, just as a dog that is afraid of heights might not enjoy climbing A frames in agility.
Your first show
After months of practice, it’s time for your first dog show! This will be your opportunity to compete against other novices, and see if you have what it takes. Your pet may do great at their first show, or it may become clear that they need a little work in some areas (probably both.)
While you’re there, enjoy it and don’t worry so much about winning as making sure your dog has a great experience. It’s also important to follow dog show etiquette. Keep control of your dog at all times, ask permission before touching someone else’s dogs, and if you have kids make sure they are under control and not pestering other exhibitors.
Dog shows can be fun and addicting. It’s an amazing experience to be around other people who love dogs as much as you do, and seeing other pets performing to their heart’s content. No matter what sort of show you decide to enter, you’ll have fun and so will your dog.
Once you’ve gotten used to showing, the chances are good you’ll start to place or even win shows. Each win leads to “points” toward a title for your dog. Once you’ve collected enough points, your dog will receive the title and can receive letters before the beginning of their name, as well as certificates declaring their title.