rianova Kennel

 

SHOWING THE JAPANESE TERRIER

A lot of show preparations can start when the puppy is still quite young. While the dog is still in his early puppy hood, concentrate on., winning his confidence so he will love and admire you. This will make training easier since your Japanese Terrier will do anything to please you. Basic training can be started at the age of four months. The puppy should be taught to walk nicely on a lead and to come when he is called. Stand him on a hard, but not slippery, surface for a few minutes each day, holding him by hand or on a collar and lead so that he cannot jump off. When he feels confident there, pick up each foot one at a time and feel him over, as a judge would do, and open his mouth briefly. When he is old enough, take the opportunity to attending ring-craft classes if you can. This will give him experience of other dogs of all sizes and he will also get used to strangers handling him. A travelling box is most useful. This way, when not in class, he can be put in his box and stay quietly. He will also be better off in this box for travel by car, especially when you travel alone, for his and your safety. A white collar and a lead, either in nylon or leather are best for showing off the Japanese Terrier. Other colours may look attractive for normal use, but will detract from the outline of the dog when showing, breaking up the line of the neck. Do use a lightweight outfit, not with masses of hefty chain, which would spoil the dog's movement. If you wish to bathe the dog before a show, do it at least a week before, as it will probably raise scurf from the skin. Some people with other smooth-hair breeds use coconut oil on the coat to give it a shine by massaging it in with the flat of the hand. But, as the Japanese terrier's silk coat is so perfect, I would not recommend using any of those cosmetics, just a velvet glove rubbed over the body and legs to polish and clean dust off him. Some people cut off all the lone whiskers on the muzzle, thinking it gives a sleek outline to the face; others like to leave them as they are. The natural way is the best. For the dog's sake, nails should be kept reasonably short all the time, and, if he really hates the process, get someone else to help you or hold him still when doing it. If the teeth are regularly cleaned, this should not be a lengthy job; remember than stubborn tartar may need scraping off. Ears should be inspected and cleaned out if necessary. Also look at the nostrils; hairs may be logged in the channels on the side. If the dog is much too thin or too fat, do not bring him to a show: a skinny dog with his pin bones sticking up will not do you nor his breeder justice; and if overweight, then that is your fault. Do not show a dog with long hair, as that is not permitted in the standard. Try to keep him calm. If you are a very nervous person, do not handle your dog too much; take him in your arms and just talk to him cheerfully; then you won't transmit your feelings to him. Once You are ready, be sure that you are in the right ring. Be sensible about your clothing, a voluminous skirt or a flapping coat will not add to your smart dog's chances, not will very high heels. The judge will surely see that you have the most beautiful Japanese Terrier he has ever seen.

[ Next | Home | Prev ]