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Show dog training involves teaching techniques that allow a dog to compete successfully in dog competitions. Dog shows are extremely popular these days and consistently draw large audiences. Many people with show-quality dogs purchased from accomplished breeders often consider how to compete in dog shows.

Show dog training works well with dogs that have mastered behavior training and obedience training. Dog shows have a lot of activities that require mastery by the dog so having a foundation of success in behavior and obedience gives the dog a good chance of performing well at shows.

Grooming is a particularly important aspect of dog shows. A dog must be comfortable with excessive handling by its groomer because much of the pre show ritual involves bathing, clipping, combing and even blow-drying the dog to obsessive levels of perfection. It takes a patient dog to put up with this level of attention without bolting off the grooming table.

A particularly important aspect of show dog training is teaching the dog how to behave during the process of being shown off in the ring. One aspect of the show involves the handler trotting the dog around the ring in a confident, purposeful and graceful gait. It can take a lot of practice to have a dog perform this task in a way that seems effortless.

Another part of the show involves the examination table where the dog must pose for the judges and crowd while he is being physically examined by the judges. The judges examine dogs with their hands to make sure the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed’s standard. It takes a confident dog to be able to withstand this handling, including having his testicles squeezed, without flinching.

Show dog training is very rewarding for the trainer, handler, owner and the dog. There is tremendous pride as an owner sees his beautiful breed of dog on full display in front of a large crowd of admiring fans. The trainer and handler are also proud of their hands on work and hours of training that is proudly on display in the ring. The dog is also usually full of excitement at all the attention he is receiving, basking in the crowd’s cheers.

If you have a pure bred dog and are interested in getting involved in show dog training you might want to contact the American Kennel Club online at www.akc.org. They can help you find a certified trainer in your area and can give you lots of information on the whole process of showing dogs.