Bully Breed Dog Shows are popping up all over the globe, as the breed becomes more and more popular. If you have bully breed dogs, and you are looking to put them inside a registry show ring, there are a few things you need to do first.
BOND WITH YOUR DOG
This is one of the simplest, yet most important steps you can take to guarantee a more positive experience at a bully breed dog show. If you and your dog don’t share a bond, you can’t expect your dog to behave, and perform at a high level inside a show ring. All of this work needs to be done outside of the show ring. Take your dog for long walks. Play with your dog. Let him or her know that they are part of the family, and there will be nothing that they won’t do for you. It is a natural canine instinct for a dog to want to please their owner. So bond with your dog, and praise all of their accomplishments. You will see a big difference at any event, when your dog feels like it’s you and him/her against the world.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Far too many people show up to bully breed dog shows, with no former experience, and no type of training or preparation for the event. You can’t expect to take 1st place inside a show ring, against someone who has a ton of experience and knows exactly what the judges are looking for. Again I stress that all of the work begins outside of the show ring. Find someone local to you who has shown inside the ring before, and ask for tips and advice. Have them show you how to stack your dog properly when inside the show ring. Most registry websites will have a list of their judges, with some form of contact information. Give the judges a call, or send them an email and pick their brain. They will be more than happy to give you tips and advice on how to properly show dog, because they would rather have a show ring full of professional looking handlers, than a bunch of people just winging it and hoping for the best.
LOOK THE PART
I’m not saying that is guaranteed that you will ever lose at a bully breed dog show, strictly because of the way you’re dressed. But, if it came down to your dog and one other dog for Best in Show, would you want to be the guy the in the dress clothes, or the guy in the street clothes. In my opinion, it all adds up when judges are making crucial decisions. Maybe not for easy choices, but when there is a tough call, I would definitely feel more comfortable knowing that I look the part.
ARRIVE EARLY
If possible, arrive early to the event. This will allow you to set up and get your dog, as well as yourself, comfortable with the environment. Take him/her inside the show ring and practice before the crowd gets there and praise him/her for doing a good job. Introduce yourself to the show hosts, staff and judges. Fill out whatever necessary paperwork to register your dog for the show. Get all of that stuff out of the way, so that you can focus on the show ring, and taking home some trophies, and ribbons.
All of these things will help you to have a better experience at a bully breed dog show, whether you take home 1st place or not. You will definitely give your dog the best shot possible, by having a strong bond, practicing, looking the part, and arriving early to the event.
4 Ways to Prepare for a Bully Breed Dog Show
