How to prepare dogs for shows

Preparing for Grooming Competitions

With a host of grooming events coming up over the summer Joanne Angus of Look North gives her tips on preparing for shows:

How do you enter the world of competition grooming?

This is one question we are asked by our students here at Look North Grooming and Training Centre. The answer is dedication, the resolve to build on your skills and belief that you can do it.

Many of our students over the years have entered the competition circuit to go on to achieve great things.

My top tips to prepare for competition are:

1. The quality of the dog you select is important. As a beginner the quality of the dog would be different to the quality you would need for champion level. Ideally you need to select a good breed type to enable you to get the most from your styling. As a beginner – a dog that you enjoy grooming in the salon, which behaves well on the table and looks good when you have finished, is the one to start with. As you climb the ladder then so the quality of the dog should too. 2. Research the breed so you know exactly what the standard trim should look like; even if you are clipping instead of hand stripping the overall picture should be the same. Obviously in the case of cross breeds or breeds that are not trimmed for show but trimmed as pets, it’s a blank canvas and up to you how you style. 3. The key point to competing is preparation; you will never get a good

finish on an ill prepared dog. This includes bathing, drying, nail and ear care, under pads and hygiene areas. Make sure the correct drying technique is used for the coat type. 4. Tools and equipment must be correct for the technique you are hoping to demonstrate. Double check that everything is sharp and always carry spares. Ensure you have the extra items you may need like anti static sprays, scissoring sprays etc and that you have tried and tested them on your selected dog’s coat . 5. Whilst trimming stick to your routine and methods and time yourself. Always have a test run at your salon before the competition to ensure you have your timings right and always allow yourself extra time for nerves! Try to get the dog finished with 10 minutes to spare which will allow you to double check your work for any tatty ends. 6. Present yourself as well as the dog. In other words ensure the dog can be seen easily and does not blend into the colour of your clothes and use a colour co-ordinated table cover to show him off. 7. Watch the judge carefully as they go over your dog, you can always pick things up from this. 8. Pay attention whilst the judge is judging other competitors. They may turn to look at your dog again and it’s fast asleep on the table! 9. Above all enjoy yourself. It’s not often you get two hours to trim the dog so enjoy the experience.

Inspired by Crufts?

Here’s how to get dogs show-ready, according to GroomArt’s Master Groomer, Laura Campanella:

With grooming shows back live or even local dog shows or breed shows planned, every groomer and owner would like their dog to look their best. Getting a dog ready for Crufts is much, much more than giving a dog a trim and a pedicure. It involves months of preparation, from ensuring they’re accustomed to big shows, to having their coat groomed to a high standard. Laura Campanella – master groomer and hand stripping expert at GroomArts – has shared insider tips on achieving show dog standards.

How to get the Crufts look

different needs because of their coats. It’s vital to understand what type of coat each dog has – and what products are suitable for it. Wire-coated dogs like Terriers, Schnauzers and Jack Russells require a keratin-based shampoo to fortify their coat. Conditioners are also a good idea, to remoisturise the skin. For dogs with curly coats, such as Poodles, Bichon Frise and Water Spaniels, volume-boosting shampoos are a must. Also, using a product with some keratin will make the hair thicker and result in a high-standard groom. Silky-coated breeds like Afghan Hounds, Irish Setters and Cocker Spaniels can use a wider variety

of shampoos, so choose one to suit each dog’s particular hair and skin needs. There are some great-smelling products out there.

More shampooing tips

• Water temperature: lukewarm water is best. Test the temp with your elbow, just as you would do for a baby • Hair dryer or towel: using a hair dryer from a distance is completely safe, as long as the temperature is only warm or cool. It’s actually a better option for dogs with curly coats, whose coats can become matted from towel-drying • Bath brush: a reliable brush will remove dirt, debris and oily residue, allowing natural oils to replenish themselves • Getting a glossier coat: if you need to bathe your dog regularly, use a moisturising shampoo, or a sensitive/ oatmeal shampoo if they scratch themselves a lot • Hairspray: there are sprays on the market specifically designed for dogs, which can help keep each pooch’s locks firmly in place for shows Brush up on coat maintenance Coat maintenance is clearly much easier for short-haired dogs. A rubber palm brush will help keep their coats healthy and your home tidier. With a double-coated breed, like a Shiba Inu, Chow Chow or Husky, a grooming rake or a deshedding tool will remove any dead undercoat and cut back on the frizz. Add a shed stopper to your grooming routine and you’ll also reduce dog hair around the salon. With a curly or silky-haired breed, you’ll want a metal grooming comb and a pin slicker brush to get rid of any knots before they turn into matted fur and need to be shaved out. For most breeds, scissors are an absolute must for your grooming kit. You might need straight scissors for curly coats, chunkers for thick curls or thinning shears for heavy coats. There are now plenty of high-quality dog grooming scissor sets available.

Once you have all your equipment, it’s important to get the technique right. Always brush your dog’s fur in the direction it grows, adjusting the angle to follow their body. Different breeds need different grooming routines. Curly, silky and short-haired dogs should be groomed every 4-6 weeks, with a bath every couple of weeks. Wire-haired dogs can usually be groomed less frequently: every 4-8 weeks. But their coats have to be stripped out by hand, rather than clipped, which takes longer. However, every individual dog is different. Encourage dog owning clients to keep their pet’s coat in the best possible condition between grooms. www.groomarts.com