The next step is to teach your dog to submit to being checked by a complete stranger. Start with a friend who knows the dog; while you hold him in his show pose have your friend touch the dog all over beginning with his head, just as the judge would. This includes parting the dog's lips so the bite can be seen, and picking up the feet one at a time and dropping them back into position. Ask your friend to go slowly and thoroughly and to speak softly to your dog so as not to scare him.

Practice this more often with people your dog knows and trusts, and reward him after each examination. When he calmly accepts the examination, ask someone who is a total stranger to your dog and do the same.

Attending a handling class for dogs is particularly helpful in this situation. However, if you don't have access to one, people admiring your dog in a public place like a park will often go over him if you ask them. The idea is to get the dog used to remaining still while he's in his show pose and strangers are examining him.

Another most important part of showing your dog is the gaiting in the ring. You will be asked to gait your dog around the ring with the rest of the class. You will also be required to engage in individual gaiting in specified patterns. There are six main gaiting patterns. You need to learn and practice them with your dog. You must spend as much time practicing gaiting as you do stacking in the show pose.

It is also important to find the gaiting speed that makes your dog look best. Some dogs extend more and look better at a fast speed, while others lose all grace and symmetry at a fast pace and should be gaited slowly. Ask other dog show competitors or breed experts how they think your dog moves best, and then have someone else move your dog for you at various speeds and evaluate the gaiting speed yourself. Movement is very important in the show ring. A properly constructed dog should move well while a poorly constructed dog cannot.

If your dog is gaiting too slowly in the ring, short tugs on the lead will usually speed him up. Never drag your dog along with a constant pull because he will only fight you. The same is true if your dog wants to move too fast. Generally, you should move your dog on a loose lead in order to show natural, fluid movement.

While gaiting in the show ring, do not crowd the exhibitor in front of you, and do not pass unless it is necessary or unless the judge signals you to do so. If the dog before you is much slower, hold back on your dog when out of the judge's eye, creating a gap between you and the preceding exhibitor; then move out at your dog's best pace when in the judge's view so he can see your dog at his best.

While gaiting in the ring, try to keep one eye on your dog and the other on the judge so you can see when he is observing your dog and so you are aware if he motions to you.

Do not speak to anyone while in the ring, including the judge, unless he asks you a question. Keep your dog quiet and on his best behavior and don't let him sniff or come in contact with the other show dogs as it may frighten them. Also, never reprimand your dog in the ring. If he misbehaves, take care of it later, but do not cause a scene in the ring, especially in front of the judges.

It is also a good idea to watch the professional dog handlers in action when you can and learn more about different techniques in showing. You can also gain advantage by watching their style and methods.

Bird dog exercise is the one where one is in the plank position with right are extended and left leg extended.

my dog's an 8 year old female german shepherd, has hip dysplasia and stays quite lithargic at home, also unable 2 climb stairs..... but becomes active when taken on trips...can anyone suggest a way of making her exercise so as to promote her life span period and better health?

Change the lead from the left to the right hand (while maintaining the tension) and begin to adjust the rear legs. Do not let go of the lead or let the head drop out of position or you will most probably find the front will need readjusting again.

In some dogs with very good rears, little or no adjustment will be necessary and if that is the case, great; however, if your dog's rear is out of line, begin by adjusting the left leg and then the right, as with the front.

There's a greater variation of stances in the hindquarters between breeds. For example, German Shepherds are shown with one rear leg forward and the other back so check your breed photos to see which is correct for your type of breed. However, most are shown with the hind legs parallel and slightly wider spread than the front. The line of the pastern from the hock down should be perpendicular to the ground with toe straight forward.

At this point, your dog should be fairly well "stacked" in his show pose. Make sure none of the legs have shifted, and then check your dog's topline. In most breeds, the topline should be level or sloping downward towards the tail. Again, check your breed's standard, as some breeds, like the Whippet and Borzoi, require a "roach" back. If the topline is correct, make sure the tail is in the proper position and that your dog's head is up with an alert and intelligent expression.

As you become more proficient, you will see where you can make further small adjustments to improve the appearance of your dog and minimize his faults while maximizing his strong points. However, that comes much later, after you gain more experience. Make your dog hold this pose for only a few seconds at first while giving the command "Stay" then offer him lavish praise and reward him.

Practice this several times a day, until after one month or so of practice he will stand for up to five minutes or more without you having to readjust him. Always try to keep these sessions pleasant for both you and your dog and do not be overly critical until he understands what is expected of him.

If you have a puppy, you will have to be especially patient and expect his ability to hold the pose to be much shorter in duration. Your dog must enjoy showing or he will not perform well in the ring. Therefore, try to make it fun and don't forget to reward him with praise and his favorite treats.

Water Safety: Are You Risking Your Dog's Life When Playing In Water?

If you own a Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, or a Portuguese Water Dog, doing some type of water activities is one of the best ways for you and your dog to spend time together. Whether he is playing along the rolling waves of the ocean or fetching a stick in a shallow creek, spending time in the water with your canine buddy is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors.

Make Safety #1

When you and your dog are both paddling in the water, it is very important to think about safety as your number 1 rule. While many dogs can easily plunge into the water like a duck, some canines are a little apprehensive at first and need time to get used to the experience.

Below are 5 tips to ensure that both you and your dog can have a fun and safe time in the water.

1. Before your dog hits the water, make sure that he is healthy and in good condition. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any doubt abouts his health or fitness level.

2. When taking your dog to the water for the first time, do it slowly and go by his pace. This is especially true if he is still a puppy. Never assume that, just because he's a Labrador Retriever, that he will naturally know how to swim and will automatically tread the water safely.

3. Pick a warm, shallow body of water, one that will be easy for your first-timer to maneuver through. Take him to the edge of the water and let him explore at his own comfort levels. Do not splash him or drag him to the water before you are absolutely sure that he's ready. Give him a few minutes to get used to this new experience. Forcing your dog to go into the water before he is ready will just scare him off and lessen the chance of him trying again.

4. As he gets more curious, try taking him to the water by going in first and call him at the same time. Lure him with a treat or throw a toy into the water (making sure it is at a short distance and within his depth). Eventually, he will feel more confident about going further out, especially when he knows that you are having fun.

5. Before taking your dog to a large body of water, such as the ocean or a deep river, it would be wise to gear him up with a canine life jacket. This is particularly important if he is still new to swimming and/or if he gets too excited while playing in the water. Make sure that the life jacket fits him properly and let him get used to having it on while swimming before going deeper into the water.

Do guide dogs exercise, or is the walking around with their owners enough? If so, does somebody else have to take them out for it?

Also, does the owner tell them when to pee? You never see a guide dog up against a tree.

Biking With Your Dog - How To Have Safe Fun By Biking With Your Dog

Most dogs love to run, and some breeds are physically bred for speed and endurance, such as the Greyhound, who can run up to 45 mph. Other dogs that are built for speed are the Afghan Hound and the Saluki. But regardless of the breed or the size of your dog, expect that he can enjoy a good jog in the park, or even a quick run around the block. And if riding a bicycle is something that you enjoy doing, taking your dog with you (depending on his size and physical condition) is a wonderful way to spend time with him while getting and good workout yourself at the same time.

Bike Rides Can Be Safe

If you usually ride your bicycle around town or in your neighborhood, it won't be difficult for your dog to keep up with you. The safest way for riding a bike with your dog in this type of location is to keep him on a lead. There are products out there, such as the Springer and the Walkiedog, that keeps both your hands on the handlebars while giving you the ability to keep your dog on leash at the same time. These two products can be easily mounted under the bike seat and offer protection and comfort for both you and your dog.

Problem With Distraction?

Your dog will less likely get bothered by distractions if he knows how to heel. Therefore, practice his obedience skills like "Off", and "Leave it" before you begin your ride. Also, make sure you bring along his favorite snack. Whenever he comes across a distraction, tell him to "Leave it" and then give him a snack. It'll be easier for him to pay attention to you, above anything else, because he knows that you brought along his favorite snack. Also do this exercise before you ride.

Don't Forget The Basic Commands

If you like to ride along trails, bringing your dog with is one of the best treats you can give him. With a little basic training, your dog can be the best companion for a mountain biker.
In fact, there are a lot of mountain biking spots that you and your buddy can go where dogs can run free without a leash, such as along the trails of a National Forest, as long as you can keep your dog under your control and under voice command. Therefore, practice the Heel and the Come command until you are confident that your dog is able to obey you 100% of the time.

i have 2 dogs both shih tzu crosses,
they do not like going on walks.
i have become worried that they may be becoming un-fit, and would like to know is there any other things as in excersises i could o with them in my back yard, i don't have money as im a child but would really love my dog to get good excersise and have fun with me in the mean time,

yours sincerly,

nikki x