Q&A for How to Train Your Dog for a Dog Show

Start with a stick on the ground! Praise your dog after they hop over it, and then keep having them do it over and over. Pretty soon, they'll think that it's what they're supposed to do, and they'll love it.

The first step is to have your dog understand that you want them to move in a specific direction when you move the leash in a specific position. Make sure that you aren't putting constant tension on the leash, though—you want the dog to respond and be where they're supposed to be by watching you, not because of constant tension on the leash.

Take plenty of water and offer the dog drinks at regular intervals. You can also buy chill vests, which you either place in the freezer or slide ice packs into the panniers on either side of the vest. Put the chill vest on him when not actively in front of the judges. It also helps to teach him a command such as 'Look' that distracts him from getting over excited.

There is no easy answer I'm afraid. Try and identify what exactly he's reacting to. Is it the presence of other dogs? If this is the case then you need to train him to tolerate their presence by rewarding him when he's calm around others. This is done by exposing him to a dog sufficiently far away that he doesn't react. Then reward his calmness. Have the other dog take a step closer, and then reward yours when he's good. In the show ring with lots of dogs in a small space this is going to be a big ask for him, and you may need the help of a trained behaviorist.