Showing Your Skye

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Showing Your Skye by Debby Nelson

Not everyone wants to show their Skye, and the majority of puppies sold go to pet homes, but if you are interested in showing then be sure to make this clear to your breeder BEFORE you bring the puppy home. Regardless of how wonderful the pedigree is... every pup in a litter is not destined for greatness in the show ring or in the whelping box. If you have already purchased a puppy as a pet and have now decided to try showing it, you will first need to find out if it is of enough quality to be worth the investment of time and money that will be involved. Check first with your breeder or, if your breeder lives too far away, then go to a local dog show (you can contact the Canadian Kennel Club in Toronto for this information or see if any are advertised in your local paper) and speak to one of the professional handlers at the show (the Show Secretary's desk will have someone who can direct you) and ask if they will evaluate your dog for you. You should expect to pay (you should even offer to pay) for this service. Do NOT bring your dog to the show (it's not allowed if it isn't entered), but ask if you could bring the dog at a time convenient to the handler. If the dog is deemed good enough - great! If not, swallow your disappointment and start looking for a show prospect puppy from a experienced breeder.

Once you are in possession of a show prospect registered Skye puppy, the fun (and the work) can begin! Your breeder will register the puppy with the Canadian Kennel Club and it will have a long name, which will include the breeder's 'kennel' name. For example: if your breeder used the kennel name "MySkyeKennel" then your puppy might be "MySkyeKennel's Future Star". Of course the "call" name (the name you actually use when talking to the puppy) can be anything you like.

Now the training begins.... your puppy needs to be taught to walk correctly. That means to walk next to you, on your left side, without pulling or tugging on the leash. He needs to be taught to stand still on a table while a stranger examines him (including opening the mouth to show the teeth and having his testicles touched to ensure both are present if it is a male). It will also need to be taught to stand still while being brushed and groomed, this will be a big part of it's life - especially on show weekends!

Your training also begins..... you need to learn to groom correctly (your breeder should help you out there). You also need to learn how to 'handle' your dog. Again, check out your local papers to see if a local club puts on dog handling classes. You and your puppy can both benefit from the lessons. You should also attend some shows BEFORE your puppy is old enough to enter (6 months for CKC Championship shows) and just sit and watch the judging. It doesn't matter what breed really, just watch what the handlers do to keep their dogs attentive and what the handlers are required to do by the judges in order to display the dog properly for the judge to evaluate it.

When you think you're getting the hang of things, why not enter your puppy at a 'Sanction Match'? This is an unofficial show (no points are awarded toward championships) and puppies can enter at 3 months. Most breeders use these matches to help train puppies and get them used to the show atmosphere - so you can too!

When you go to a show, pack a bag. Not for you - for your dog! You should take anything with you that you might need.... show collar/leash, grooming tools, a towel and a bottle of waterless shampoo (just in case of carsickness, stress diarrhea etc.), food, water, a bowl, a crate (for the dog to relax in before and after judging), your judging schedule, your armband number, elastic bands, bait (any small portable treat that your dog will look alert for in the ring), a grooming table and a toy or two.

As for you... dress for work but wear comfortable shoes. It is normal to see well-dressed people in the ring wearing chunky runners on their feet. Do not wear dangling bracelets or anything else that might interfere with the judges view of your dog. And remember... it's just a sport! Don't take it too seriously and have fun. Do not expect to win all the time even if you DO think your Skye is the most incredibly beautiful dog ever born - it's a safe bet that others won't always share your opinion. It's a stated fact that the 'perfect dog' has never been born - and even if it was you'd never get people to agree about it! You are paying for the judges "Opinion" and you will not always agree with that opinion. Even dogs that go Best in Show on one day can be totally ignored by the next days judge. Win some lose some. And smile - there's always another show coming up! See you there!