How Do I Train My Puppy To Be A Show Dog?

We recommend starting your puppy with basic training the day after you bring them home. The best things to start with is basic handling skills. Get your puppy familuar with people touching their lips to lift them up and see their teeth, placing their fingers between their toes, petting them while standing and for the boys letting people touch their boy parts.

The command you need to teach your puppy for conformation

1. 'stand' and make sure the puppy stands still with this command,
2. 'stay' teaches the puppy to stay in the possition in which they are requested (stand) 
3.  'wait' is a temp stay command - I use this when we are walking and need to stop for a second before continuing to walk.  
4. 'lets go' is a good relase command from a stay into a walk (gait)
5. 'teeth' teach this when touching the lips so they know when someone is going to look at their mouth

There are classes that are for show dog training called 'handling classes'. These are great socialization classes where you and your puppy can learn ring procedure prior to your first dog show. You can start these classes as young as 12 weeks of age.

There are also mock dog shows called 'fun matches' or 'sanction matches' which are held by dog club. They are a great opprotunity to dip your toes into what it's like to show a dog prior to entering a 'real dog show'.

For information on classes in your area contact us at tollchester@gmail.com or check out canuckdogs.com