Show off your dog!
Similar to confirmation classes at national dog shows, but the handler is judged instead of the dog. This allows every dog to be eligible to compete, regardless of breed or mix.
Main Skills:
If you and your dog can trot on lead, and your dog can stand quietly for examination by the judge, you can do this class!
Benefits of Showmanship class:
Many components of this class are part of the Canine Good Citizen test. Walking on lead, being examined by a stranger, all in a distracting environment including other dogs are in the CGC test and are all great life skills for your dog. Showing your dog give you confidence and working together helps strengthen your relationship with your dog!
How Showmanship is scored:
Dog and handler are judged on their neat and well groomed appearance. Handler is judged on gaiting their dog around the ring, stacking their dog, and handling their dog for the judge’s examination. Handler may also be asked a few questions about their breed and its care.
On the day of the show, you show up with you both nicely groomed, knowing what breed you are showing your dog as, and strut your stuff proudly!
How to train for Showmanship: Teach your dog to stand (“stack”) on command. Bonus if you teach to stand with all four legs square (Google stacking your dog). Practice trotting (gaiting) with your dog at your side. Try to find the best speed where your dog trots with style. Check out the gaiting patterns below.
Patterns
