We’ve all been told since childhood that “first impressions” are very important. Well, this most certainly applies in the show ring, as well. Put yourself in the judge’s shoes: When the dogs first enter the ring, the judge gets a cursory overall picture of each dog and handler. The dog is the subject, the handler is the artist. “Artist?” you may be saying…YES! The presentation of a dog in the show ring is artistry, and how you fine-tune it could be a determining factor between the winner and the second-best.
The artist painting a picture has prepared for the final result long before brush is ever applied to canvas. Training, tools, the proper subject and a proper environment all come into play. Apply this analogy to the exhibition of your dog. Where do you begin?
Begin with the promising puppy. In order to grow and blossom into a show dog of which you will be justifiably proud, your puppy must have the best of everything…the best food, the best exercise, the best socialization, the best conditioning and the best LOVE. Consistency is all-important; if you are only sporadic in the care of your young hopeful, you won’t reach the heights.
Opinions vary widely about which foods are the best for dogs. Dogs are individual and further, there are individual requirements even within specific breeds. Find what works best for your dog, and don’t take the easiest road. Radiant health comes from the inside out, and will be reflected in your dog’s happiness, stamina, coat condition, etc. I DO believe in supplementation, because (as with humans) I don’t think it’s possible to achieve maximum nutrition with foods alone. Over many years, I’ve proven the difference.
Proper exercise is fundamental to the dog’s growth and development. Toy dogs require less exercise than larger breeds, of course, but they should not be allowed to be couch potatoes. Exercise produces correct muscle development and healthy functioning of the heart, lungs and all other internal bodily functions.
In our overly-busy, stressful lives, it’s sometimes difficult to adequately socialize puppies. I’ve found, though, that REGULARLY taking puppies out to unfamiliar places where they will see many different people, even for a few minutes at a time, makes a world of difference. (How many times I’ve heard “he walks just fine at home”.) When the puppy is old enough, take it with you to a show well before you plan to show it, just to introduce it to the specialized atmosphere. The world of the dog show is different from any other place – even handling classes are not the same.
Pekingese puppies’ coats require more conditioning than breeds with less hair. Often I’ve seen people wondering why their puppies have adequate puppy coats, but there is marked “daylight” underneath, giving them an awkward appearance. This can be avoided by daily light misting of all the ends of the coat, thus preventing breakage. Spray your puppy lightly with a good moisturizing conditioner before grooming, then give the tips of the coat and ear fringes a final spritz. You may not need to groom daily, but DO moisturize the tips of the coat every day. Keep your puppy clean – dirt breaks coat faster than anything else! Be sure to wash the puppy’s face daily, giving special attention to the wrinkle and the eyes.
LOVE results in that special bonding between you and your dog. Even though Pekingese can be the exception, being frustratingly stubborn at times, the dog which knows it’s loved usually will do almost anything to please its special person. Love for your puppy can be reflected in your training procedures, even as it learns the difference between play time and show time. It is important, though, to use a different tone of voice in training and to manifest a somewhat different persona, as well. It helps to remember that dogs are pack animals – even our tiny guys – and you are the “alpha dog”. They look to us for guidance, and such guidance must be very clear. My first Peke was not a show dog (big surprise!), so I took her to Obedience training. The trainer was wonderful, and I still use many of the wonderful methods I learned from her. Among other things, she told her class that one of the biggest mistakes owners make in training dogs is to “ask” them to do something, rather than “telling” them. A dog which clearly understands what is required of it is a happier dog. Praise your little guy to the heights when it learns well…its greatest reward.
You’ve now done all your homework, and it’s SHOW AND TELL time! Your dog is ready; now let’s prepare you for the show ring. Choose your ring apparel wisely; remember, you’re the frame for the picture, and FIRST IMPRESSIONS DO MATTER Select colors which enhance your dog – solid colors are better than wild prints. Conduct yourself as a professional. Be courteous to your fellow exhibitors, follow the judge’s instructions to the letter. You want to be remembered favorably…there will be another day.
SHOW YOUR DOG AND TELL THE WORLD WHO YOU ARE.
Jacqueline Ragland
JA-LING PEKINGESE
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