Any tips for getting a dog to show "expression" in the ring?

Question

Bindi was in her first shows this weekend. Didn't go great, but went really well considering we've never done this before. I've never even seen a dog show other than on t.v.

We have a few things to work on yet, one is her expression, getting her to perk her ears up when we come back to the judge after gaiting. I tried bait, and a squeaky toy this weekend. She ignored those in the ring, but didn't outside of it. The last time we showed I think the judge may have had something to do with it, Bindi didn't care for that one for some reason. The other 3 didn't bother her, but something about this judge just didn't fly with Bindi. We'll avoid showing under that judge for awhile.

Anyway what has everyone else used in the ring to help? I thought about using a duck call, but figured it would be a tad bit to loud for the ring.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

In our handling classes, we had different members take turns being the judge. Each of them had dried liver treats in their pockets, so when the dogs approached, they took out the liver, held it until the dog held a great expression for a moment and then gave them the tid-bit. The dogs got to expecting anyone that they approached in the ring, would have a treat for them, and would look expectantly....Creates a great expression!
Then of course the real judge doesn't have a treat, but the handler will give the dog one, just a second afterward,,so he isn't disappointed.

Answer 2

Well, I haven't shown enough to give too much advice... usually when I've begged a friend into letting me show their dog.

But I remember reading an article a few years back about how a clicker-type trainer was watching a show and mentioned that show-dog handlers were actually doing it all wrong.

Basically, if you watch some of the handlers in the ring, when the dog starts to lose attention they'll distract it with a toy or food. The dog can nibble on the food or play with the toy.

But this is basically rewarding inattentive behavior. The dog looks/acts bored, so he gets rewarded by having a toy flashed in front of him.

I know there's more experienced advice here, but I thought that was interesting when I read it, and thought I'd pass it along.

Good luck! Wish I were you with my first show dog!

Answer 3

I taught my dog what "watch" means. I say it in a kind of whisper, like "Ooh, look what I have!" Once I get the "look" I keep the attention with a whistle. My whistle isn't an exhaling whistle, it's an inhaling, fluttering whistle. It's very birdy. My dog responded very well to to me being quiet. It's like she has to pay more attention to what I'm doing. I whisper to her and she really digs it. She also knows "hold" which is her conformation version of stay. I also use squeaky toys and furry mice (cat toys.)
Have you been taking her to classes? The practice helps a ton! How nervous do you get once you are in the ring? Your nerves will effect her performance. This is why I never showed my own dog. The handler knows how to stay cool at times I would be sweating bullets. Good luck!

Answer 4

I whistle lightly through my teeth, on the intake breath. I used freeze dried liver, pieces of cooked chicken, and some crispy cold bacon. Your going to have to face that your dog will have its off days. Mine do. My first show was a puppy show, just a preliminary with the breed club. My boy took a flying leap off the judging table the first time the judge put his hands on the dog. NOT GOOD FOR ME and totally embarassing. He wasn't scared or nervous, he just had enough and wanted down.
I dont have to do as much with the stacking as you do (I take if from the avatar your into GSD's?) but my guys have to get perked ears and a good stand. Some days they are perfect. Some days I want to cry... it just depends on how focused you can get your dog on you. The point is to have them only think you are the ONLY thing in the ring. That requires alot of handling and desenitizing. It takes practice, practice, and a lot more shows.

Answer 5

I haven't done conformation showing yet, but I wonder if you have any correction matches going on at any local training clubs you could try out? They're great because they are just like the real deal, but they actually are just intended for training purposes. Matches can help get your dog used to the ring and maybe reach more of a comfort zone by the time you go in the real one again.

Answer 6

With trial and error, you will find what perks her up. She sounds like she needs to get used to shows and the distractions around her. It will get better when she becomes accustomed to the regular show routine. Always make it fun and memorable for her and she will be excited to go to the next show. I would try any of the suggestions from the others. Everyone finds a way to get their dog to perk up, but you will be the one who finds what it is. Take her to conformation classes and fun matches, if available, so she can experience distractions and many people acting like judges so she is fine with new people approaching her. Find a bait that she really likes. For a while, when I was showing my dog Cee Cee (she was my first champion) I wore one of those bait purses...you know they are small little purse looking thing that have velcro to keep them closed. I couldn't really use bait with her in the ring because it would get her too perky....so I would just rip open the purse...when she heard the velcro sound, she stopped and looked at me and was all mine. I always gave her bait at the end...to keep her knowing what was in the purse. This is what i found that worked for me....you will just need to try different things and see what works best for Bindi. Good luck!

Answer 7

I trick train my dogs.

Just as "sit" is a trick ... so is "ears"... and so is "smile" (which is mouth open and in a Samoyed it lights up the expression).

I also train "tail" (which brings the tail into position if it starts dropping and "wagga" ( which gets the tail moving "wagga wagga wagga" gets it REALLY going). "Easy" is a slow down and back trot, "Go" is cruising at a good rate and "Fly" is that speed where the dog barely touches the ground (NOT a good working dog gait... but useful when you need it).

If you've done any clicker training "ears" is pretty easy.. just click or give your word of approval when you see them... bonus treats for especially good expression.

I'm working right now on "tilt" which is the head ****** to the side.

And I'm accused of having dogs who show themselves..... LOL.. little do they know.

Answer 8

ok, lol I show gsds and I know how hard it is to make them look alert lol. I toss a treat in the air and catch it or I pretend to toss it away and sometimes it works some times it dosn't lol. After doing to down and back it really looks nice if the dog has it's ears erect but it isn't all that important....the judge just wants to see the dogs front feet natuarlly placed to check for east and west feet.

Answer 9

Train her! Get some friends with their dogs in a showring-like area to stimulate the environment of a show. Show her some favorite treats; her ears will perk (but her tail will wag--I don't think that's good in the ring). Reward her when she looks at you, happy and alert and ready to strut her stuff.

Answer 10

Make sure she is having fun when you are training her and get ur dog excited! Then she will be more expressive in the ring! GIVE HER LOTS OF TREATS TOO!