Steps to Becoming a Professional Dog Trainer or Owner

Becoming a show dog owner or a professional dog trainer isn't just a matter of finding any dog and entering him in a dog show. There are certain steps that need to be taken.

AKC Registered Dog

The AKC (American Kennel Club) keeps a registry of purebred dogs. If you want to show a dog, you will need to have a purebred dog and will have to register him with the AKC.

Vaccinations

Your dog will need to be current on all inoculations. Check with your local vet to make sure that all the inoculations are current and up-to-date. You will also need to provide proof to the dog show about your dog's inoculations.

Grooming and Presentation

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Your dog will need to be properly groomed. Grooming is more than just giving your dog a good wash and brush. The judges will look at the condition of the dog's ears and eyes, the health of its coat and skin, the nails, and the breed appropriateness of a given "cut."

Proper Equipment

Before showing your dog, you will need to purchase all the necessary dog show equipment. This may include:

Dog show leads
Grooming equipment (such as brushes and nail clippers)
Dog crates
Ribbons or other decorative items
Collars

Join a Breed Club

One of the best ways to learn about your dog (and even to find the right dog to buy) is to join a breed club. Search for a club that deals specifically with your type of breed. They will be able to inform you on the best way of training and caring for your dog and will also be able to direct you to shows for your breed of dog.

Attend Handling Classes

Finding the right handling classes is important if you want the best chance of winning shows. Handling classes will give you the right skills to present your dog to its best advantage during the show. Here are some dog show handling tips:

Make sure your dog is comfortable with the routine.
Prepare your dog for show conditions from the time he is a puppy.
Keep a towel nearby to keep your dog's mouth clean.
Find a handling class that deals specifically with show dogs of your breed of dog.

Online Sources

There are a number of resources on the internet for people interested in showing dogs.

American Kennel Club (akc.org)
Show Dog Magazine (showdog-magazine.com)
Info Dog (infodog.com)

These places will direct you to local clubs, dog show information, places where you can buy dog show equipment and national and international dog shows.

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