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.:HayleyH:. · Joined: 20 Apr 2007 Posts: 17 **Breed:** ESS, Brittany

Hiya,
It's not long before my first ever dog show and my dog (brittany) seems really unwilling to co-operate, when im training him alone he is really well behaved, however, if i ask someone to come and watch, he completely ignores me even if i tempt him with a handful of treats! Also i doesnt like anyone by his mouth, he doesnt bite but he does squirm, how can i stop that Question

Please Help Sad

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School can wait another 30 minutes. There are more important things to do. Like throwing dummies.

cressy · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:39 pm Post subject:

Hi, is his first show the BCGB Open in June???? If so use the saturday to get other peeps to go over him gently, certainly that is what I am planning to do!!
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Sue

guy · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:54 pm Post subject:

hayleyH welcome to the forum.

how old is he?

just a few thoughts -

to keep his head still - make sure the lead - and i suggest you use a half choke - make sure it is located well up his neck - you will have much more control.

Hold the loose skin of his lower jaw to stop his head moving to much. ~( the side away from the judge.)

whilst he is standing rub his tummy along the side of his penis. They seem to like this Laughing

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Guy; Ellie Topaz Catja. http://www.epagneulbreton.org.uk

BritAnnie · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 10:58 pm Post subject:

You should go to ringcraft classes with him, Hayley, before you go in the ring. But certainly we will all help on the Saturday.
Annie
_________________
Aberdon HPR's. Good-looking AND Intelligent.

Watch out for bobtails!
www.aberdon.org.uk
Join the Brittany Club and make more of your HPR
www.brittanyclub.co.uk

cressy · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 11:08 pm Post subject:

Sadly I can't get to ringcraft but I do get peeps to run their hands over Mugi and I try to get him to stand still while people walk past and round him. My other big bug bear though is I hate dogs that look bored in the ring so I would rather have a 'naughty' dog at the first few shows who is having fun than a dog acting as an automaton.

It has taken me 2 years to get my deerhound to stand well in the ring but his movement is great and he enjoys himself (tail is waggling madly). He does have some pretty hefty faults (feet and tail carriage) and he will never be winning big awards but a place and fun means more to me.

Using treats is good in one sense but you really need to use something he adores and that he only ever gets when he works hard at standing still.
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Sue

Liz · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:07 pm Post subject:

Hayley, We've all been there, believe me. It can take ages for them to settle down, but he will eventually. I have enormous trouble still with my girl if she thinks someone has better treats than I have - on one occasion she walked backwards round the ring as she knew the person behind me had very tempting food!

I agree with Sue, you want the dog to be happy. Any judge worth his/her salt should be able to work out what a dog is like even if it is moving around a bit. You don't want a statue and some fidgeting should be forgiveable in the lower classes.

Try and not let his behaviour bug you, as this just leads to more tension as he will sense you're unhappy with him. Don't forget, it is supposed to be fun for both of you.
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Liz

Ghilliegumdrop · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:46 pm Post subject:

If he's more interested in other people make sure you get on the end of the line so everyone else is in front and not distracting him from both ends.
AND DON'T WORRY we have all been there [and some of us are still there where ever that is]
Jan

.:HayleyH:. · Joined: 20 Apr 2007 Posts: 17 **Breed:** ESS, Brittany

Hey, thanks everyone i'll try all your tips and have my fingers crossed that they all work Very Happy

My first show is in may, cant wait even if i end up losing Very Happy

I'd be happy with 10th place out of 9 places Very Happy

If i watch for whats wrong i'll get everyones help to put it right in june Wink

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School can wait another 30 minutes. There are more important things to do. Like throwing dummies.

BritAnnie · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject:

Just noticed the message at the end of your posts. - Don't throw sticks for dogs - they can get them stuck in their throats Very Happy

And you're right - School can wait for a bit - but not too long, that's important too! Wink

_________________
Aberdon HPR's. Good-looking AND Intelligent.

Watch out for bobtails!
www.aberdon.org.uk
Join the Brittany Club and make more of your HPR
www.brittanyclub.co.uk

Ghilliegumdrop · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 5:15 pm Post subject:

Which show are you going to in May Hayley?
Jan
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Jan
Ghillie [the Gumdrop] and Merlin [the Demon from Hell] not forgetting Hovis the cat and Mike, the other half [although I'm not sure what the other half is]