terrier show

[SplashofSoy]

My lakelandxfell puppy is from working parents and his sister will work in time but Henry is just a pet (plan to do agility etc when old enough). However his breeder, who still keeps in touch, has invited me to enter Henry along to a working terrier breeds/lurcher show. This is a proper traditional terrier show. I could do the crossbred puppy class.

I dont want to sound really daft but have never been to a proper terrier show we have done a local companion dog show before but thats it. Henry will just have his usual black collar and lead, is that ok? I dont think i have to smart like crufts but probably just neat and tidy. I think i should bath him the day before? What will the class be like, do i need to have Henry practice his moves?

Any tips and advice as dont want to embarrass myself or his breeder.

Link to pics (he is the tan dog, 1st 3 pics and last pic on page 2) http://www.countrypursuitimages.co.uk/THORNTON14.aspx

 

[threeponies]

I took our Patterdale to a couple of shows this year,like you had never been before and didn't know what to expect! She wore a slip lead instead of her usual collar, only while in the ring though. All we did was walk in a circle round the judge, then he called the dogs in individually to go over them, then walk away from judge, turn and come back past judge into the line again. Walk round the ring all together as the judge pulls in the winners. The ones I went to had rosettes to third place, anyone not pulled in left the ring right away. Have fun!

 

[Vizslak]

Smartish country wear is fine for terrier and lurcher shows, I usually go in jeans, country boots and tweed jacket or a joules top etc. Don't need to be smart at all, wear what you are comfy in. Slip lead is always preferable to normal collar in the absence of a show set. Practice trying to get him to stand squarely, looking alert and at you, most terrier shows dont use a table but may be worth practicing incase. He should trot along next to you on the end of the lead with you walking at a steady pace, thats worth a practice as well, pulling along like a steam train wont get him anywhere! Practice someone else coming up and going over him, lots of terriers (especially young dogs) fall down at this as it takes them by suprise at being man handled by a stranger, he is very unlikely to get placed if he growls or snaps or backs away, they are a little more lenient with puppys and first timers though. Most of all, have fun! Terrier and lurcher shows are lovely relaxed shows with a friendly atmosphere as a rule. Enjoy yourself and make sure he does too! Good luck.