Present Your Dog

Properly

by Judy Doniere

As a judge, I am writing about dogs not standing for exams. I find that many people have never taken their puppies out to training classes or haven't been to a class for several weeks. One or two classes simply won't do a good enough job, not only for the pups but mainly for the exhibitors.

Many young dogs are motivated by their owner's nervousness, and it falls right down the lead. Many exhibitors rush to set the dog up and move the legs all over the place, having absolutely no idea how the dog should be stacked in the first place. Sometimes, when a judge is shown a dog's mouth, the poor animal's head is down almost to the floor, or possibly the handler opens the dog's mouth so wide that they almost unhinge the jaw, whereupon the pup naturally backs up.

Another problem I have seen is when the judge tries to go over the dog, the handler will allow the lead to drop back on the dog's neck so that the dog is literally walking around in a circle.

The exhibitor sometimes grabs the tail and holds on for dear life, using that as a prop to hold the dog in place.

Another problem I have seen is that the handler allows the dog to lean against them and, thus, enables the dog to use the handler as a security blanket.

I have found that instructing the exhibitor to stand in front of the dog and hold the head straight while I go over the body Works like a charm in 90% of the cases.

Please, exhibitors, go to handling classes for several weeks with your dogs, whether you are experienced in showing dogs or not. The dog and you need to get it together. Why do you think handlers suggest you send your dogs to them for training? They know how to present a dog, but they need to work with your dog. Every dog is handled differently.

Is it any wonder dogs or puppies don't stand for exam? The dog must know what is expected from the handler and vice versa.

About the Author:  Judy Doniere was a longtime Doberman breeder.  Among the many champions bred by her Toledobes kennels was the winningest Doberman female in history, CH Toledobes Serenghetti. As an AKC judge, she judged the Working, Hound, Sporting, and Toy groups.  Judy passed away in 2009.  She was a gracious lady, much loved by exhibitors, Judy will be missed by the dog fancy.