Small Dog Shows - Preparing the Golden Retriever

"Post expositions" are non-official, smaller shows, in which you can not obtain eligibility for titles. In these the younger, inexperienced dogs and their masters have the chance to have a taste of what the atmosphere of a real exposition is like, without so much stress and rigidness. Frequently, the order of procedures is similar to that of official expositions, but the judge takes more time with each dog. Of course, the dogs are expected to have a perfect posture yet. However, each expositor receives a fair qualification and suggestions for a good presentation.

Learning How to Make a Presentation: An exposition day is long and tiring for you and your dog. If you have prepared well and face the situation with a lot of serenity, your Golden Retriever's reaction to this new situation will also be calm. You should cut your dog's hair at least three to four weeks before the exposition, so that on the day of the exposition, he doesn't look like he has just come out of the beauty salon. If you have to bathe him, do so a couple days in advance, so his fur doesn't look opaque and dry. Practice your dog's movements in crowded places; take him up an elevator full of people. He has to be able to tolerate being in narrow places. Train your dog with other dogs in narrow places, as that way he also has to lie around next to dogs without getting excited. Observe how he reacts when strangers pet him, as the same thing will occur at the show.