Prepping Your Furry Friend for a Pet Show
Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Pet for an Animal Exhibition
Do you want your pet to compete in a pet show? Then it will require lots of effort to make it possible. Discover some guidelines that can help you make the journey run smoothly.
Who says fashion and beauty are only for human beings? Even your pet can do brilliantly when it comes to setting trends. It’s no surprise that numerous pet exhibitions and competitions are held all over the world. If you are a considerate and proud pet owner, your desire to compete with your pet in one of these shows is obvious. But getting your pet to qualify for and win the event is no simple task. It takes a lot of dedication and even costs money. However, the overall experience is well worth everything. So don’t worry and refer to these helpful tips on preparing your pet for the event.
Train the Pet
Whether a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other furry friend, training your pet starts at the very moment, you buy it. However, it is usually the simple up-skilling that is unsuitable for pet exhibitions. Hence, it is critical to train them in compliance and behavior to please the judge. The fundamental principles must be reinforced through command and reward. This is to ensure that they always listen to and comprehend you.
You can also seek professional help. For instance, you can hire dog training experts to train your dog to jump or sit on your command. This is critical for instilling confidence in them and allowing them to rule the event. You may seek professional assistance, if necessary, but make sure they are properly schooled.
Evaluate Your Pet Impartially
Nothing beats having a pet in terms of sheer joy and contentment. However, when competing in a pet show, blindly loving them and ignoring their imperfections is inappropriate. To make them qualify for the show, various aspects of their personalities must be examined honestly. Use internet resources to learn about the standards for the breed of pet you own. Understand them and see what you can do. Some inherent flaws are inescapable, but minor flaws can be addressed.
Feed Right Nutrition
As a pet parent, you must ensure that your pet is never hungry, but are you providing the pet with nutritious food? The diet has a significant impact on pet performances and shows. Adequate nutrition earns your pet the badge “certified complete and balanced.” Is your pet a bit fatty? Then you must make it fit. On the other hand, if your pet is thin, it needs to be well-fed.
Consult a Vet
Your pet will be in frequent contact with other pets from several countries at a pet show. Hence, it is critical to consult a veterinarian to ensure that your pet’s health will not suffer from another pet’s sickness. It is also critical for your pet to stay up to date on all vaccinations to avoid infections. Competition is exciting, but not at the expense of your pet’s health.
Hire Handler
You might want to save money and manage the pet yourself in the event. However, even the worthiest dog fails due to poor handling. Thus, it is better to delegate everything to a competent handler. I understand it may be difficult for you to surrender your pet to another person, but your pet must win the title. Ask your breeder or a local club for references, and hire cautiously. Once a handler is appointed, get all the terms in writing to avoid any disputes.
Socialize Your Pet
It is critical to make your pet feel at ease in the presence of other pets. After all, you don’t want it to lack attention at the pet show just because it is easily distracted. Let your pet mingle with other pets by taking them outdoors.
Groom Your Pet
Hiring a groomer is a requirement if you want your pet to stand out in the competition. It is essential that your pet feels comfortable with the groomer. Hence, begin taking it to the groomer at least three months before the show. Also, ask the groomer whether he or she will be present during the event for last-minute work like masking flaws. Allow the groomer to enhance your pet’s appearance and feel, including hygiene, and make your pet flawless.
Attend Pet Shows
If possible, try to visit pet shows with your pets to understand better how things operate. Get some valuable tips and suggestions from the participants. Knowing how the program works from the start is helpful for obvious reasons.
Visit the Place
What is the show’s location? Is it outside or inside? If outside, is it rocky and sloppy? Is there enough space indoors to avoid feeling claustrophobic? Answers to all of these questions will help you plan ahead of time and take any necessary measures.
Pack Essentials
Packing for the event day might be tiresome, but it is also essential. Make a list of everything you’ll need, including first-aid kits, documentation, grooming supplies, a comforter, poop sacks, and other necessities. Once you’ve made your list, pack everything, and you’re ready to go.
It is only a competition, so put up your best effort without overburdening yourself or your pet. Relax and remain confident in the face of defeat. Don’t reprimand them by shouting at them or having them practice nonstop.