I took Kilo back to visit his breeders again yesterday (they like to see him!) and they asked me again whether or not I would show him(always do - but not in a hassling way I hasten to add!) as they say he is looking fantastic. I said as I usually do that I wouldn't know where to start with the handling and I feel that I wouldn't do him justice - so they asked that if they handled him would I let him do a show.

This is no problem at all to me, it would make them happy and I would also enjoy seeing him shown. I go to shows to admire all the dogs sometimes but have never really taken an interest in learning more about showing. The breeders do remove their dogs from the ring if they are uncomfortable etc so I know if he hated it then they wouldn't try to make him do anything.

Yesterday I asked what I needed to do to help them and was shown how to trot with him and lengthen my stride and also to get people Kilo doesn't know to look at his teeth as only myself and the vet look at them at present.

The grooming is easy - peasy and they said he was in perfect condition with good muscle tone and stood really naturally as he was 'so well put together' - I can see there is a whole new language to learn too.

So...to the point of my post - what else do I need to do to help? Are there any books etc that you would recommend (I am a geek) to understand things a little better? If Kilo enjoys it then I may consider carrying on showing in which case I would get myself to ringcraft classes, but TBH the show world has never really appealed!!

Any advice for me from you experienced people?

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I would personally attend ring classes before the first show - just so you can see how he acts in such enviroments, around other dogs.

Like breeders have said, just work on his movement - getting him to move well on the lead, turning corners ect on command, stopping on command and standing when asked.
Also working on his stand, standing him correctly and a period of time..getting people to go over him is great advice, not just teeth but from behind and the like to.

Just make it fun for him lots of praise and treats ...

Welcome to the world of dog showing - it is really addictive, I only thought I would give it a try and now two years on I have enjoyed every minute. Ringcraft is great fun as you get to see a range of dogs and meet a lot of people who share a love for dogs, which can be really interesting and you can learn a lot. Someone gave me the book Positive Training for Show Dogs: Building a Relationship for Success which is interesting as it uses the clicker to help train your dog for the show, otherwise watching others showing/handling is a great way to learn.

Good luck with your dog

Thank you both; some very helpful advice - he will stand on command but all the rest I will have to work on!!

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We use one treat only for shows and show practise as our breeder told us it helps them associate that with working, if you get me.

I have "showing your dog" book I think is what it's called. We started with fun shows, and just getting Holly used to being gone over before she was 6 months, so get Kilo used to randomers going over him etc... Ermm, not sure what else...

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The one treat is a good idea .

The problem with lots of randomers is that they are often afraid of Kilo..will find some fans of large dogs and enlist them maybe!

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You should get my OH to help haha, he's near you till Tues :P

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Where abouts in North Yorkshire are you? I am on the Lancs/Yorkshire border and i'd help if you're having trouble finding folk, I love big dogs and don't see enough of them where I am - we're all Yorkies and Cavs!

Don't have much show knowledge but i'd be happy to be a 'randomer' for you

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R.I.P Buster - Causing mischief over the bridge, sleep tight soldier

Can`t give any advice as I know nothing about showing dogs, but wishing the best of luck

As mentioned take Kilo to some shows, just to see what he thinks of the atmosphere etc and I bet loads of people will want to admire him and this will also means he has lots of strangers "handling" him, if you always give them a treat to hand to Kilo, he will soon associate all those strange hands with treats, so more likely to welcome any sttrange hands near his mouth and teeth in the furture... altho he might try to nibble them also lol

It might not appeal to you, but I think intil you get truly involved in things you know little about, you don`t know if they really are for you or not.
In a few years you might be a complete show dog freak with rosettes everywhere

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We're on the Lancs/Yorks border... However I think you said you'd be away when I'm up...

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