How to Groom a Dog for Show

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How to Groom a Dog for Show

Medium

30 - 60 Minutes

1 Month

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Introduction

If you want to successfully groom your pup for a show, it takes a little planning and hard work on the night before whichever show you're planning on attending. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you need to groom your pup to meet their breed's standards. You can find this information online, or your vet, or another professional groomer may be able to help. It also means that you need to pay close attention to detail. If you trim Sir Bartholomew's coat, it must be perfectly even, nails must be trimmed back evenly and ground smooth, ears have to be clean, anal glands expressed, and more. Dog shows are notorious for being very strict with their guidelines and standards, so being able to groom and bathe your dog to fit those standards is the key to placing well in the show.

Dog's Perspective

The biggest issue you are likely to have is getting Bart to put up with this level of grooming at first. In time, he will have learned to deal with it. But be patient, thorough, and gentle with him. Use positive reinforcement in terms of praise and treats to help get him used to the entire process. Show grooming can be a long, arduous process, so it's important to work up to that level.

The Full Spa Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Dryer

Toothbrush

Step

Brush and clip

Start by completely brushing out Sir Bart's coat, removing any tangles, debris, and minor mats. Take your time to really get out anything that a judge might consider to be a fault. A dirty dog will likely not place well. Make sure his coat is perfectly clipped to the approved standard. You can look up images on the internet or consult a vet or professional groomer for tips and tricks on how to properly fit the breed's look.

Step

Pedicure

Give him a complete pedicure using nail clippers to cut the nails and then a grinder or file to shape them and take the sharp edge off. His nails should be well maintained while not being too short or too long. They should also be cleaned underneath them.

Step

Clean the ears

Using a cotton swab and a little bit of dog-safe cleaning solution, clean out the inside of his ears. This will remove any build up and help disinfect any ear mite bites. Make sure not to push any type of swab down too deep into the ear to prevent harm.

Step

Bath time

Once he is in the tub for a bath, take the time to express his anal glands. Rinse the mess down the drain and then give Sir Bart a complete bath using vet-approved shampoo and rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the shampoo. Condition his coat and then rinse it out which should leave his coat soft and shiny.

Step

Blow dry and finish

Blow dry his coat, brush it out, and then do any last-minute trimming that needs to be done. Give Sir Bartholomew III a tasty treat. Keep him inside and clean overnight so he is ready for the show.

The Between Show Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Toothbrush

Step

Keeping him clean

Between shows, you should keep Sir Bart bathed frequently and brushed on a daily basis when you get up in the morning and just before you go to bed. Consult with a vet to ensure that the amount of bathing is not too frequent that it causes harm to the skin.

Step

Clean those ears

Clean his ears at least once a week to keep them clean. Be sure you clean them thoroughly the night before the show, as the judges will likely inspect his ears very closely.

Step

Clean the teeth

You should be brushing Sir Bart's teeth and gums every day. You should also be taking him to the vet to have his teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year. Regular use of dental chew sticks and rawhide bones will also help keep his teeth clean.

Step

Condition that fur

Each time you bathe Bart, be sure to use a leave-in conditioner in his coat. This will help keep his coat nice and soft, along with giving it a nice, healthy glow. Make sure the conditioner that you use is dog-safe and vet-approved.

Step

Show time

Use an undercoat rake to remove any loose or shed hair, then a slicker brush to help keep his hair lying flat and looking its best. Time for him to wow the judges and take home the cup!

Caution & Considerations

Make sure you have all the tools you need to keep your dog groomed, especially on the day of the show. You may choose to take a bag of grooming tools with you to the show location in case he needs some emergency maintenance.
You can use treats to reward your dog on the day of the show, just don’t use the really smelly ones as this can cause bad breath.
Take your time when trimming his coat to ensure you get the cut you need and you don't slip and hurt your pup.
Make sure you do your homework so that you know what the judges are expecting to see based on his breed. A wrong cut or look can cause disqualification or low placement.
Be sure you use a puppy wet wipe to clean his bum right before the show. This is especially necessary if he's recently been to the bathroom.
Make sure everything is clean right before the show including his teeth, his ears, his bum, and double check that his nails are properly trimmed and shaped.

Conclusion

The most important part of learning how to groom any dog for show is taking the time to learn everything you can about your dog's breed with regard to what show judges expect to see. Spending several months practicing the entire preparation process will help ensure you and Sir Bartholomew III are both ready for show time.

How to Groom a Dog for Show

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Full Spa Method

The Between Show Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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