Etiquette is just as important in dog shows as it is in your everyday life at home, at work and in public.  Dogs that are accustomed to shows are generally well-socialized with other dogs and have good manners with people. It’s important for you to know what is expected of you as his handler or as a spectator, as well.

1. Always approach other people’s pets from the front.
2. Never pet a dog without asking.  Make a fist with your clean hands and let the dog smell it before you pet.
3. Keep food out of reach.
4. Don’t block the entrance to the show rings.
5. Leave your pet at home; unentered dogs are not allowed on the grounds.
6. Wait until after the class to ask questions and pet the dog.
7. Children in strollers are at face level with large dogs, so watch out for quick tongues and bruising tails.
8. Visit the education booth for information about purebred dogs, dog shows, performance events, etc. instead of asking owners who are trying to concentrate on preparing for the show.

 

 

Conformation shows are divided into classes for puppies and adult dogs, males first, then females. The final class in a breed determines the best of breed.  This is how it works; Male dogs compete in up to six classes:

• Puppies three to six months old
• Puppies nine to 12 months old
• Adult dogs 12-18 months old
• American-bred dogs
• Bred-by-exhibitor dogs
• All open (all other adult) dogs.

After each class is judged, the first place winners return to the ring for selection of the best male, known as “winners dog.” This is the only male that earns points towards a championship.  Following selection of winner’s dog, the judge chooses the runner-up or reserve winners dog. The reserve dog gets the points if the winner’s dog is disqualified. Female dogs (bitches) then compete in the same classes, and the judge chooses a winners bitch and reserve winners bitch.

 

The final class in a breed includes the winner’s dog, winner’s bitch, and dogs that have already achieved a championship. The winner of that class is best of breed.  The judge also chooses a best dog of the opposite sex to the best of breed and the best of winner’s between the winner’s dog and winner’s bitch.

 

Dogs become champions by accumulating 15 points, which takes at least three shows but is more likely to take 10 or more shows. Points are figured on the number of dogs defeated and vary by breed. The number of dogs shown in one year determines the number of points awarded in the next year, so popular show breeds must defeat more dogs than rare show breeds. For example, in Ohio, a male Labrador Retriever must defeat 44 other dogs to earn the maximum five points, but a male Akita must defeat only 14 other dogs. The best way to get experience and learn the ropes is to go to a show and watch before entering your own.

To show your Min Pin, they must meet grooming standards as set out by the professional association in your country.  See Chapter One for more detailed information regarding ear cropping, tail docking and height requirements.

 

Before a show, your Min Pin should be in top form, physically and mentally.  Taking care in your dog’s appearance will help to boost their confidence; trust me, these guys are smart and they know when they’re looking good!

 

His ears should be gently cleaned.  Any weeping from the eyes should be cleaned away with a soft, warm cloth.  Resist the temptation to bathe him just before the show; give his skin and hair time to develop the sheen and gloss that comes with natural oils of their skin.  Bathing strips away these oils and can leave the skin and hair dry

 

If this happens before a show, a bit of olive oil (as in a teaspoon, not a bucketful) rubbed into the coat can help bring back its natural luster.  Have nails clipped a week before so that you can just clean and polish them the day of the show.

 

The beauty of a Min Pin is in his natural, athletic appearance.  He really requires little grooming for a show.  More important is his overall health, posture and physical characteristics.  As long as his coat is glossy and brushed and his eyes, ears, nails and teeth are well cared for and clean, you’re all set!  When in doubt, watch a video or read a step-by-step illustrated guide to show grooming specific to the Min Pin breed.

 

Take a grooming table, tack box, dog food, water, camping chairs, a first aid kit and show clothes to the show.  As the trainer, you should be well groomed, too.  Wear a neat, professional outfit.  Your hands should be clean and manicured.  Wear your hair neat and avoid applying too much makeup.  The dog is on display, not you!  But your appearance should be professional.

Once you have mastered walking together, you can begin to train your dog to trot.  Begin by walking and gradually increase your speed to trotting.  It is important to train him to keep pace with you, neither lunging ahead not falling behind.  The judges will expect your dog to keep his head high, so use a sharp jerk upward to correct if he lets it droop.  As you jerk the lead, say “Heads Up” in your happy, encouraging voice.

The object of this exercise is to teach your dog to change directions with a tug on the leash.  You will give them quite a bit of slack on the leash and begin walking.  As you walk, give a gentle tug on the leash while changing direction and saying “Come”.  She should change direction with you… continue walking without stopping.  Repeat this exercise several times, remembering to praise her for following in the right direction.  Gradually you will drop the command and use only the leash tug as your instruction to change direction.

As you attend dog shows, you will learn the different poses that your dog will be required to hold during showing.  You can also watch an instructional video.  Praise and treats work well for this type of training.  Keep your Min Pin in the pose for a short time to start, gradually working up to more difficult poses for longer periods of time.

 

While she’s posing, check her over just as the judge will do.  This will help her to prepare and know what to expect, so pick up her paws, check her teeth, etc.

A dog show is not the place to discover that your Miniature Pinscher doesn’t like to be handled.  The judges will carefully examine your dog which will include touching their stomach, hind quarters and even their testicles.  It’s important to know how your Min Pin will react to this kind of attention.

 

Grooming is a great opportunity to train your dog to sit still and pose during grooming.  Use a bench or stool for grooming and have them practice sitting and standing while you brush their coat, clean their ears and eyes, and trim their nails.  Teach your dog to climb up onto the table (if you don’t have a grooming table, any table with a non-slip mat on top will work). 

 

Handling classes are also very important.  You and your Min Pin will learn together what is expected of you.