Handling Tips

[JPerrelli]

Ok, so I've decided to show Murphy, who's now 15 mths. I've been going to a confirmation class for the last 3 weeks. I've dropped Murphy off for the day (once a week) so the trainer can spend more time with him, then after work I go over and we train together for a couple hours.
He works great for the trainer. Me, not so much.
When we practice in class, he tries to grab the leash out of my hands, pulls at, and is a complete mental case. I've tried correcting him, but it's hard when he's got half the leash in his mouth. I use a 6' leash. I've tried shortening the leash, giving him more leash so I can correct him, but nothing has worked. I'm not going to be showing him (at least not at first), but I'd like to be able to walk around the ring without him grabbing the leash. He walks fine on our regular walks, but he's horrible in class. I talked to my breeder about it, and she said he knows I'm a softy and is taking advantage of it. She's right, but I how do I fix this?

 

[Angela]

Maybe try a 2 foot show leash.

 

[JPerrelli]

Good idea. I was thinking of getting one to see if it would make a difference. I'm going to my first dog show tomorrow just to watch and get an idea of what goes on. My breeder gave me a list of things to look for. I didn't know the had booths at the shows. I'm trying to decide if I should just bring a certain amount of cash, or if I dare bring the credit card!

 

[Windancer]

lol..He just percieves you as his buddy....time will let him know when it is work and when it is play...some ring experience will help alot.

 

[heather pluciennik]

Bring both in case I see something for Morgan! Just kidding! May need it if we go shopping for water stuff.
Still trying to get a answer on the time of showbut should have it by morning. Unless you already talked to someone. I used to be a junior handler but it's been years since I did it. I'll try to help if I can.
Hope to see Murphy sometime this weekend. It's been awhile since we all played together. See you tomorrow.

 

[ardeagold]

Keep the leash behind and under his ear and he can't reach it. Have you been working with him on a show lead or a regular leash? Maybe if the show lead is one of the thin chain ones? They often don't like the feel of that chain in their mouths.

 

[R Taft]

The only time I use a check chain now, is a very fine one when I show. I put it right behind their ears, high on the neck........And initially a very short leash
I have spent a lot of time with clicker training to get Katy to extend her trot and stand. I think it is the only reason why she is doing quite well in the show-ring, she is a little plain to say the least . Her trot is beautiful and extended. I have concentrated heavily on click and reward when she is in the right position. Now I just put on the snake chain and she knows it is "show-time". Katy is not the prettiest gal, so we had to work hard at making her action outstanding. You have to work with the bits you have got :lol:

When you have the chain higher behind the ears, initially in training, it will bring the dogs head up and that will elevate the front end (just like in horses) it makes them lighter on the front end and they work their hindquarters....this makes the trot extend and flow. And it looks better. Sound dogs will really show off their gait this way.
I also spent a lot of time making her stand and focus on me, so that her head carriage looks good, even when I relax.
Katy has got to the point where the snake chain goes on and I can have a loose leash and she just works, because she knows that there is a reward in all of this. And she loves showing off
We are doing the same with Lukey, because he was very timid when we first got him. To him the same is happening, he knows he is rewarded when he does certain things and with him we get excited and make it fun.
The only things that help is practice. here in Australia, everyone nearly always have to handle their own dogs, there are very few professional dog handlers, so we show our own. I learned the hard way, because I had no teacher. And I have just tried to make it a happy place. We always bring treats in. It is allowed at our shows.
I just watched lots of youtubes of the likes of Josh the newf, who by the way is Lukeys Uncle Good luck Ronnie

 

[heather pluciennik]

Thanks for the tips on how to make your girl look better. I need all I can get until we decide to show her. She needs a little more growing up and filling out to do I think? Thinking of posting pictures of what she looks like to see what other think. Yes Janet I know you think she's gorgeous and I do too but would like another set of eyes.

 

[janices]

Use a 2 ft show lead and thin show chain. Show chain I size just long enough to get over the head but then keep changing out sizes as grow. The longer for me tends to slip down and it's easier to bring up around ears and keep there.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/youthdevelopment/components/DA8209a.html
Go down to pics. Lead loop around finger then gather into hand and take up and release length as needed. Nothing for dog to grab.

 

[Pipelineozzy]

Good idea. I was thinking of getting one to see if it would make a difference. I'm going to my first dog show tomorrow just to watch and get an idea of what goes on. My breeder gave me a list of things to look for. I didn't know the had booths at the shows. I'm trying to decide if I should just bring a certain amount of cash, or if I dare bring the credit card!

NOOOOOOOOOO don't take the credit card...scary scary stuff...vbg.

 

[nsmarlis]

I'm with Cindy - leave the credit card at home!!! :lol:

 

[CMDRTED]

Janet, if you take the credit card, you'll need "as they say" a bigger Boat!