Scottish Terrier Breed Magazine - Showsight

HANDLING A SCOTTIE

By Charla Hill

T here’s a fi rst time for everything, and it’s your fi rst time in the ring. Panic sets in! It’s real stage fright! Th e solu- tion to this mental state is to be prepared beforehand. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and never stop learning. Being in the show ring is participating in the only sport where the amateur com- petes with the pro. But, the amateur has a distinct advantage over the pro. He does not have to earn his living by handling; thus handling your own dog can become a form of entertainment. It can be an avoca- tion, not a vocation. Th e pro has to “juggle” many dogs while the amateur has normally only one. Th e purpose of this article is to encourage the beginner and to o ff er some tips toward excellence. Toward this end, the beginner must do his homework, learn the “script” and rehearse. Remember that you must have a good dog to start with, and it must be groomed with skill. If presented well, you will win your fair share. Here is a list of “must do” practical exercises: 1. Go to handling class and weekend seminars. 2. Practice in front of a mirror. 3. Get someone to video tape you with the dog.

presented in a way to enhance the special features of the breed. A Scottie is tradi- tionally stacked or put into a posed posi- tion to show the pro fi le to the judge. If the instructor isn’t familiar with the terriers, you may have to adapt. Th ere are photos in most of the comprehensive Scottie books that show a handler stacking a Scottie. As you enter the ring with the other exhibitors, you will probably have to stack your dog. Traditionally, the head is held up with the left hand by the lead on the neck, with the right hand framing the tail. Some judges prefer that you let the dog stand on its own, and want the handlers on their feet, not their knees. Th is is where you may wish to train your dog to “free bait”. Th at is, to stand on his own, with ears up and forward, tail erect and look- ing up at you very alert. Don’t try it until you have practiced a lot. Start by never let- ting your dog have a treat from the fl oor. Always make him look up at you and take it from your hand. If the untrained dog puts his paws on your knee, ok. You can break that later, by just stepping back as he jumps, and then he lands on the fl oor. Use one word only like “cookie” or “treat” or “here it is”. Soon, your Scottie will be look- ing up when he hears these words. As you begin to show your dog, you may fi nd that you have to bend from the waist to touch the tail to remind the dog to keep it erect. If the dog holds his tail well, at this point, you will have to change hands with the lead and show him a bit of liver to keep his attention alert. Once you have him standing still, you can progress

to moving in front of the dog, standing sideways with both hands together with the bit of bait as you face your dog. Th e dog will still show a great pro fi le, and an alert expression. Presentation on the table for the judge’s examination is also done by stacking. Do not try it another way unless you are sure that the dog is trained not to move a mus- cle during examination. As the judge pro- ceeds to go over your dog, do not get in the way. Lower your lead for examination of skull and ears. It is okay to remove the right hand from the tail while the judge examines the rear quarters. After exami- nation, the judge will step back, and you must re-stack the dog for the fi nal pose and “picture”. Th is is where a mirror in front of the grooming table comes in. If you have posed and stacked your dog over and over in all the ways you can think of to make the dog look attractive, turning your body this way and that, the hands framing the dog to make a compact sturdy picture, then you will be very com- fortable when you assume this position on the show table. Take your time. You have paid your entry fee, and no one should be rushing you, including the judge. If your hands are shaking, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Say to yourself, “ Th is isn’t a life and death situation”. Mind set is all- important. We all want to win, but rush- ing and adrenalin will not help. A relaxed and comfortable mind set is what you must work on. Nothing is more important than how you imagine yourself before you are there.

4. Work on your mindset. 5. Sit ringside and observe.

Go to a handling class that may be sponsored by a local all breed or obedience club, or handler in your area. A Scottie is

“Use one word only like ‘cookie’ or ‘treat’ or ‘here it is’. SOON, yOur SCOTTIE wILL bE LOOkING up wHEN HE HEArS THESE wOrDS.”

S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J ULY 2014 • 263

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