Showing your dog for the first time is both exciting as well as stressful. Besides just understanding exactly what you are to do in the ring you also have to ensure that both you and your dog are in tip top shape for the big event. It is important for the handler, which may be you or may be someone you hire to show your dog to know how to work with and show the dog to really highlight the dog. One of the most important issues with the handler is to make sure they have worked with the dog before and that they know what the judges are looking for. While it is, of course, the dog in the ring the judges are watching, the handler needs to position, move and interact with the dog in a favorable way.

In order to prepare your dog for the show it is important to allow them to experience crowds, other dogs and sudden noises and movements. Start by taking the dog to public places to ensure they become comfortable with lots of people, other animals and especially around other dogs. This socialization and desensitization needs to start several weeks or even months before the show, especially if your dog is nervous, timid, or aggressive in any fashion.

At least a month before the show be sure to check all breed standards and showing requirements for the breed. If you find a picture either online or in a dog magazine of the clip or trim you want for your dog, be sure to print it out or bring it with you to your groomer. When working with a groomer that is familiar with clipping, stripping or trimming your breed this is not as essential, just be sure to review all show requirements so you only get the cut that you want. Set an appointment for three days to a week before the show, or even slightly longer in advance, but not too long as you don’t want the coat to grow out or appear less than crisp.

If you aren’t clipping your dog or the breed cannot be shown clipped or trimmed, you will still want the dog to look shiny and well groomed before the show. For breeds that are to have a flat or naturally sleek coat, it is essential to bathe them at least two to three days before the show so the coat will look natural on the day of the show. Bathing these types of dogs too close to the show date will leave the coat looking too fluffy, dry or fly-away. Most of the terrier breeds and the single coated dogs fall into this category. For dogs that are to have voluminous coats such as the Pomeranian bathing and blow drying on the day of the show is the best option. Nails, teeth, eyes and ears should all be checked and cleaned immediately prior to the show.

There are a number of specialized color enhancing, whitening and conditioning treatments and shampoos that can help make your dog look outstanding. Just be sure to use all products prior to the show and make sure there is no reaction or allergic problem with the products.