Show Dog Skills for Any Mutt

Whether Champion Blackjack Porpoises’ Ship Zin UDX III is under the bright lights at a dog show or visiting sick kids in the hospital, Dr. Gail Clark knows she can count on the Portuguese water dog to behave well.

Ship, as the 5-year-old dog is affectionately known, handles crowds, other dogs and unfamiliar situations with ease, says Dr. Clark, Ph.D., a dog behaviorist in Fort Collins, Colo., who offers training for both household dogs and classes for potential show dogs like Ship and their owners.

"He’s fabulous," Dr. Clark says of her dog Ship. "I bred and raised him. Without a doubt, if he hadn’t had this training, he couldn’t go into schools and hospitals. He’s just a great dog overall. He’s a pleasure to take to shows."

Ship behaves so well, no doubt, because he is showered with affection and attention, regularly exercises and eats a balanced, nutritious diet. But the secret to the way show dogs like Ship respond to both their handlers and situations with strangers lies in their training. Although you might not need your dog to trot enthusiastically beside you under the careful scrutiny of a panel of judges, you can put lessons from dog show experts to work with your furry pal.

Our dog show experts say you can apply their expertise in these areas:

Socialization
Show dogs must keep their cool among hundreds of their own kind, not to mention unfamiliar people. The value of early socialization can’t be overestimated, says Dr. Clark.

However, make sure your dog or puppy is in a controlled situation, say both Dr. Clark and Pat Malan, a West Virginia-based breeder of giant schnauzers who also shows dogs and offers handling instruction. For instance, dog parks can be unpredictable places where your dog might be jumped and frightened by other dogs, say these experts. Be cautious even when it comes to free play during a puppy class, they caution.

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