How To Train a Dog for a Show

Training a dog for a dog show takes a lot of work and dedication. Remember you are working with an animal and should not treat a pet like a slave. Animals have feelings and react based on how they are treated. In order to train your dog for a dog show, please follow these instructions:

1. First, you should consider behavioral training or obedience training. Training for a dog show is considered activity training. If your dog has had previous luck in training, then training for a dog show may be a good thing.
2. Learn how to groom your dog from a dog groomer, video, book, or other method meant to help with grooming. You may also want to read up on your particular dog breed to see what grooming is appropriate for them.
3. Try and attend handling classes or use a video to help with show handling. Be sure to find instruction specific to your dog breed.
4. You need to make sure and train your dog with a leash. Put a leash on and let them go wherever they want to go.
5. Call your dog as you are walking together and pull the leash in different directions and see if they follow. If they do as they are supposed to, make sure and give lots of praise. Keep repeating the procedure as this helps with direction and discipline.   
6. Take your dog on walks with you without a leash. This is a good training tool and is comparable to obedience training. This will teach the dog to stop when you say stop, etc. Make sure and praise your dog and speak with a happy tone to your voice.
7. While you’re walking with your dog, gradually increase your speed until the dog is trotting. Switch the dog from left to right and practice turns. If the dog drops their head, make a quick jerk upwards. At the same time, be enthusiastic and speak happily.
8. Make grooming fun for your dog. Have a special grooming table set up and have your dog jump up on the table. This gets your dog accustomed to grooming.
9. Practice posing with your dog. Reward your dog when they pose properly.
10. Remember your supplies.  Make sure and take a grooming table, dog food, water, chairs, a first aid kit, and show clothes to the dog show.

This should be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your dog. Make the best of it but remember to not get too caught up in show business or let it interfere with a good relationship between you and your dog.