Showing Golden Retrievers
Showing a Golden is not an easy job, but with a little patience and hard work it can be very rewarding and great fun.
It is easier to start training a Golden for showing from a puppy, during the first six months of its life. Most puppies bought from breeders who show Goldens have usually been used to standing on a table for inspection, so that the breeder can decide which puppy they may want to keep for themselves, which generally gives a good starting point. It is a good idea to continue to stand your puppy every few days to remind him of the situation of being handled and controlled.
The most important step to make at the beginning is to enrol at a ‘ring-craft’ class in your area. A class just for Golden retrievers is an advantage, but one for all breeds would be sufficient. If you go to a puppy socialisation class he can get used to meeting all breeds of dog and will be taught basic obedience lessons, which will then lead on to learning what you want him to do in the show ring. The only command that I do not teach my new puppies to begin with is the order to ‘sit’. This is because when he is in the show ring he must always stand, so it is better not to confuse him with the sit position, until he is confident at being shown.
One important part of showing a Golden is to make the most of his beautiful coat. To trim a Golden correctly takes a lot of practice and attending a grooming seminar is essential. Once your puppy’s coat grows into his thicker adult coat he will soon get untidy unless he is regularly trimmed, including the cutting of his nails. Your Golden will also need bathing a day or two before his ‘show day’ as this will enhance the natural colour and condition of the coat.
At the ‘ring-craft’ class you will be shown the two different methods of showing your dog; either to ‘free-stand’ him or to ‘top and tail’ him. The first method, ‘free-standing’, is my preferred way as there is nothing that shows a Golden to his best advantage than a naturally alert stance with a gently wagging tail. However, the second method is probably easier for the novice handler and also gives more control over a young puppy. You can use bait in the form of a tasty piece of sausage or cheese, but you may be able to work without anything by just keeping the dogs attention. All the dogs vary in character, as humans do, and while some are very easy to show and control others may take more time and patience to bring them to the required standard. Competition is very strong in the ‘showing world’ of Golden Retrievers, especially when showing a championship level.
As well as standing your Golden you will be asked to move him in the figure of a triangle, so the judge can see him from every angle. Many judges base their opinion of a dog on its movement, as a well-proportioned dog should always move well if handled correctly. It is most important to move your puppy or dog at the correct speed as puppies naturally do not move as quickly as an adult dog. Once the correct speed is decided upon there is nothing that looks as beautiful as a Golden in full coat, gliding around the ring.
So I wish you ‘good luck’ with your showing. I’m sure that you will find it a most rewarding and enjoyable hobby.
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| Vivid Imaginations | Webkinz - Golden Retriever | Webkinz pets are lovable plush pets that each come with a unique Secret Code. With it, you enter Webkinz World where you care for your virtual pet, answer trivia, earn Ki (Barcode EAN = 0065810839455). | £7.99 |
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| FurReal | Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup | This life-size Golden Retriever brings the pet experience to life, as he responds to you just like a real puppy. With highly innovative animatronics, this dog is able to listen and follow your voice commands and respond to kids just like a real puppy | £174.97 |
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| Unbranded | Ceramic Dog Sign - Golden Retriever | Ceramic Dog Sign - “A Well Loved Dog Lives Here”. Give the no. 1 dog in your life the recognition it deserves with its very own house sign. The 5`x6¼` bone china plaque comes with a weather-resistant colour portrait of your petR | £14.95 |
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| Unbranded | Illustrated Dog Bone China Mug - Golden Retriever | Illustrated Dog Bone China Mug - give the no. 1 dog in your life the recognition it deserves with its very own mug tribute. The bone china mug features the breed portrait of your choice on the outside and either your dogs name or yours within. | £8.95 |
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| Rescue | Pets Swim To Me Puppy - Golden Retriever | Hes the cute little stray that swims all day. He walks, then begins to swim when placed in water. Includes goggles and towel. Fill out and register the adoption certificate. Requires 3 x AAA batteries (not included). For ages 3 years and over. | £24.99 |
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| Cheatwell Games | Panorama Puzzle Golden Retrievers | A wonderful panormic image by renowned animal photographer Keith Kimberlin. Presented in a well made | £6.95 |
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| Royal Langnickel | Large Painting By Numbers -Golden Retriever | THIS SUPERB PAINTING BY NUMBERS SET INCLUDES ; TEN POTS OF ACRYLIC PAINT, 1 X ROYAL LANGNICKEL TAKLO | £0.45 |
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| royal | Canin Golden Retriever 3Kg | Royal Canin Golden Retriever is specially formulated for the needs of your Golden Retriever. The co | £14.96 |
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| Unbranded | DISC Tuff-n-Rugged Dog House | Perfect for Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and similar sized | £165.40 |
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| Unbranded | Fireplace DVD | A roaring hearth. A warm pipe. A glass of claret and a faithful golden retriever. If that sounds rat | £14.95 |
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| Best Of Breed | Golden Retriever (Book) | The | £12.99 |
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| About Pets | Golden Retriever (Book) | The | £10.99 |
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| Interpet | Golden Retrievers Today - Book Of The Breed | The | £6.99 |
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| Unbranded | Guide to the Golden Retriever | Pets Dogs Books Videos Breed Books | £6.84 |
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| Daphne's Headcovers | Daphnes Golden Retriever Hybrid Headcover | Daphnes Golden Retriever Hybrid Headcover DAPHNES GOLDEN RETRIEVER HYBRID HEADCOVER DAPHNES GOLDEN RETRIEVER HYBRID HEADCOVER FEATURES: Fits Utility and Hybrid Golf Clubs Made of the highest quality materials Each piece is guaranteed for life Adds in | £17.61 |
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| Daphne's Headcovers | Daphnes Golden Retriever Headcover DAGOLDRH | Daphnes Golden Retriever Headcover DAPHNES GOLDEN RETRIEVER HEADCOVER Daphnes Golden Retriever Headcover Features: Fit 460cc drivers Made of the highest quality materials Each piece is guaranteed for life Adds individuality and personality to your go | £17.61 |
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