While most dogs spend their lives as family pets and companions, some dogs are given the privilege of participating in dog shows. Dogs who are part of dog shows are also pets, but they do spend more time being groomed than the average dog. Dog shows are important in maintaining breed standards. These standards also help to assure that good genes, that best represent the breed, will be carried on and preserved.
We humans often latch onto one specific breed as being some of ‘soul mates’ with them. In my case, it was French Bulldogs. I had never heard of French Bulldogs until we got our son a dog identification guide. When I hit the page with Frenchies, something just clicked in me, and I knew I wanted one. We didn’t get one, we got three and when I sent pictures of them to my sister, she sent me pictures of our grandmother, in the early part of the 20th Century with her French Bulldog, Caruso. I had never before known that she had Frenchies. I can only imagine the connection is genetic.
Now, I never thought to show my pups at all, but for those who do like to take part in dog shows, Cherrybrook has everything you need to make sure your dog presents his or her best side. Always remember that show dogs are not the only dogs who would benefit from the best in dog grooming supplies, any dog can look their best with the use of the right equipment.
Training
Because dog shows are instrumental in keeping breed standards high, each dog that participates will need to undergo training. An unruly dog, no matter how beautiful, will be eliminated from the show. Training can be a way to form a closer bond with your dog, if you are going to be showing the dog yourself, as long as you keep it a positive experience. There’s an old saying, “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar”. Positive training and reinforcement generally provides longer lasting effects, too. Cherrybrook can make you training easier with the supplies they offer.
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The Coastal Adjustable Martindale Collar can be used when training your dog for the show ring. A show dog has to learn how to trot beside you and to obey commands when given. A Martingale Collar contracts enough to give your dog a correction, but not enough to choke him or her. The collar is to draw attention, not punish.
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I did mention positive reinforcement as regards training, and one way to provide that, in addition to praise, is by giving a small treat. You can choose a treat pouch that attaches to your belt, or one that clips directly onto your clothing like the Show Tech Black Faux Leather Treat Pouch. Treats are always easily accessible for a fast reward for good behavior.
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Getting your dog’s attention is made easier with a Clik-R Training Device. A click to signal positive behavior, followed by a treat, is probably going to make your dog repeat that behavior again, willingly. This clicker is easy to use, and produces a softer click than some other of these devices; it will be easier on your dog’s sensitive ears.
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Along with your dog’s collar, you will need a training lead to help control and train your dog. Leads can range from 6’ up to 20’, depending on what kind of training your are providing. Training for shows probably means that the shorter Auburn Cotton Web Training Lead would be a good choice.
Whether or not you’ve run into any glitches during training, Cherrybrook can help to make the whole process easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
A Beautiful Coat Makes a Good Impression
For those preparing for a dog show, it’s important to make sure that your dog’s coat looks its best. Some breeds, especially those with longer hair, will require a good deal of preparation, but even short-haired breeds must have a coat that is clean and shining. Shampoos and conditioners are the place to start. When choosing a shampoo for your show dog, you not only need to get the coat clean, but it has to look alive and lustrous.
A nice shampoo for making all colors of coat very bright is Chris Christensen White on White Shampoo. If matting and tangles are a problem, try iGroom Deshedding & Detrangling Shampoo. This shampoo helps to unravel those tangles and helps to clear out excessive undercoat.
After shampoo, if your dog is getting ready for a show, a conditioner can help his or her coat look terrific. Shampooing can sometimes strip too many oils from the coat, leaving it looking dry and flyaway. A good conditioner can tame that unruly and dull coat.
Show dogs are still dogs, and I doubt any of them are going to resist an ‘illegal’ run through brush or long grass if given the chance. It’s quite easy for the long hair of a dog to get tangled, but Crown Royale Ultimate Detangling Spray can help get those knots out fast. Running amok usually happens right before a show (a demonstration of Murphy’s Law), so it’s best to have something on hand that will relax those tangles without damaging the coat.
What Dogs Hate Most
If you could ask your dog what was their most dreaded experience right before a show, it would probably be nail care. I doubt there is one dog on earth that enjoys getting their nails clipped. Our Frenchies sure hated it. And no matter how careful I was while doing the deed, there was almost always one nail that bled. Clipping nails can be especially hard if your dog has black nails, like ours did – you can’t see the vein. But, nails must be managed, and Cherrybrook has products that can make it easier, for both you and your dog.
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Resco Candy Colored Nail Trimmers come in three colors and two sizes to fit your aesthetic sense and the size of your dog. Safety Nail Clipper by Miller Forge is another choice that might be easier to use, as the dog’s paw can be held in a more natural position.
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Nail grinders are another option. If your dog fights you when you try to use a conventional nail clipper the Andis Nail Pro Nail Grinder might be the answer. Because you have more control over how much nail is removed, it might be possible to avoid nicking the nail vein.
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All of us have nipped our dog’s nail vein. Even if you’re very careful, it can happen. When it does, you want to be able to stop the bleeding fast. Kwik Stop Styptic Powder, Gel, or Pads can help to stem the bleeding quickly. We used Kwik Stop for our Bulldogs. Another good product for treating nipped nails is Show Tech Nail Fix Styptic Powder.
Everyone concerned always breathes a sigh of relief when nail trimming is done. Be sure to reward your dog with a treat for being a trooper.
Attending to the Coat
The first impression any judge at a dog show will have is of your dog’s overall appearance, which is why the dog’s coat is so very important. Owners of short-haired dogs may have it a bit easier, but even they have to be sure that their Bulldog, Doberman, or Fila has a glowing and healthy coat. For those with dogs with longer hair, the process of preparing them for a show will be harder. However, great products are available to help the process and make your dog a masterpiece.
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Clippers are important for shaping the hair of such dogs as Poodles, Pomeranian, and Chow Chow. You will want a clipper like the Show Tech Experto that will shear cleanly and evenly, as well as one that runs quietly. Dogs can be made nervous by loud clippers, and a fidgety dog makes the task harder.
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Both Christ Christensen and Gelb Buttercut make shears that allow you to detail your dog’s coat. Trimming around the muzzle, paws, and the head and face requires a precision tool.
Once the shaping and fluffing has been done, you will want to use a finishing spray and perhaps even a cologne to help your beautiful dog take pride of place.
Putting Their Best Paw Forward
Do you live in a cold climate? We do, and I can tell you that our French Bulldogs did not appreciate going out in winter. Of course, we made sure they had coats to help make outside visits as comfortable as possible. Even though, when the weather was very cold, we encouraged them to use papers in the basement, they refused, so they had to go outside. We made sure the trips were as short as possible. If your dogs are subject to discomfort from the cold, why not provide adequate clothing.
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I think my Frenchies would have loved the fabdog Fab Ski Sherpa Dog Vest. Just looking at it makes me think how warm it must be. Available in many colors and sizes, this will sure help to keep your dog warm and cozy.
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Another great choice would be fabdog Sherpa Dog Hoodie, likewise available in different colors and lengths from 8” up to 24”. Covering those ears on windy days will certainly be appreciated by your dog.
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For complete coverage, even of all legs, the Canada Pooch Frosty Fleece Sweatsuit, which comes in an 18” length.
Warm clothing can help make even the worst that winter dishes up tolerable to your dog. Dogs sometimes take a while to get used to clothing, but some will accept it without a twitch of their whiskers. When we had puppies, one would twist and roll on the ground until he removed his coat, another stood proudly in his bomber jacket.
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