{"id":1256,"date":"2020-09-13T18:38:16","date_gmt":"2020-09-13T18:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.petmoneysaver.co.uk\/blog\/?p=1256"},"modified":"2023-07-27T18:53:21","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T18:53:21","slug":"tips-first-dog-show-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petmoneysaver.co.uk\/blog\/tips-first-dog-show-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Your First Dog Show or Competition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last updated:<\/strong> July 27th, 2023<\/p>

Now, if this was up to me every single dog would be a winner. All those good boys and girls lined up, groomed immaculately and acting like little champions. We love you all. Unfortunately, I\u2019m not a pet show judge. There\u2019s probably a very clear reason for that. How do you choose between ALL of these good doggos!? Absolutely impossible. Yet, pet shows exist and somehow, they choose a winner. (Don\u2019t worry little pups, you\u2019re all winners in my eyes).<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019ve stumbled across this blog post, you\u2019re probably here looking for tips and tricks for making sure your Fido is the one to steal the limelight. Hey, I might not be the best judge, but I sure do know what they\u2019re looking for. Having previously entered Marley in a charity competition and watching many a crufts competition as the years have passed, although I\u2019m not one to enter my own dogs, I know a thing or two about how to prep them.<\/p>\n

First things first, you\u2019ve got to find out their temperament. You\u2019ve got to be prepared to be honest and upfront. Ask yourself, is my dog really ready for a dog show? If your dog isn\u2019t the fondest of people coming up to him in the street or gets agitated in a big crowd, or uncomfortable in busy settings, the answer is more than likely, no, they\u2019re not ready for this. Before you even consider entering your dog, think about how your dog will react. The last thing you want is to make your dog scared or uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

Shy, nervous or reactive dogs will not like competitions or shows. <\/b>They just won\u2019t. If your dog is reactive to other dogs whether that\u2019s fear from other dogs or wanting to be the alpha male then a dog competition is not the place to be.<\/p>\n

If they aren\u2019t ready, why not go and check out the competition and pick them out a treat or two? You\u2019ll gain an idea about what goes on without putting them through the stress.<\/p>\n

Bring essentials<\/b><\/h2>\n

Yes, it might sound obvious but you\u2019d be surprised by how many people get so worked up and excited about the competition that the basics slip their mind. They\u2019re so into getting groomed and prepared that something is always left behind. To help you out, we\u2019ve compiled a little list of what to take for your first pet competition.<\/p>\n