SHOPPER'S HELPER — Show Breed Ring
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Working with Goldens since 1987, the following favorites include products we've personally used or found success with, or those from recognized persons (authors, manufacturers) that we trust. However, clicking on them FROM HERE is critical to your being tracked so that the foundation can benefit from any potential sales. Once that tracking sequence is in place, ANY products you buy at these redirected stores helps with our cancer treatment/research fundraising efforts. And, just as importantly, it provides you with what we believe are the best and most innovative dog wares available. Just click on the item titles/names for pricing and availability.  

Show Breed Ring

Click to Win: Clicker Training for the Show Ring
This book was written by Karen Pryor and published by Sunshine Books in January 2002. It is the first book to present the techniques and benefits of clicker training for the show ring in full-color photographs and lively readable chapters. You can now train your Golden to extend its gait in the ring; stand with confidence; gait on a loose leash; self-stack perfectly; look alert and calm while the judge reviews the rest of the class; and teach puppies just weeks old basic manners and skills. And, this is all without punishment or force!
 
Tricks of the Trade: From Best Intentions to Best in Show, Revised Edition (2005)
By Pat Hastings with Erin Ann Rouse. The book you've been waiting for, in its newly revised edition! Learn the "Tricks of the Trade" from Pat Hastings, popular seminar speaker and producer of the best-selling "Puppy Puzzle" video. From the whelping box to the group ring, at home and on the road, everyone who is involved in the sport of dogs can learn something from this book. If you are a breeder or exhibitor of show dogs, "Tricks of the Trade" will be a valuable resource for years to come..  

Raising a Champion: A Beginner's Guide to Showing Dogs (2001)
By Meredith John & Carole Richards. Want to enter the world of dog shows and don't know how to begin? Learn the basics for showing your dog successfully: how to train your puppy to be a show dog, how to handle your own dog in the show ring, how dog shows are judged, how to enter dog shows, how to read premium lists, how to read judging programs, how to count championship points, and how to have FUN showing your dog. Over 250 photos and figures, will take you from your puppy's earliest training to his first show and on to earning his championship.  

The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Showing your Dog (2001)
By Cheryl Smith. Showing your dog can be great fun! You know your dog has what it takes to be a champion, but how do you get started? Here is everything you need to know about the rewarding world of the dog show circuit. This easy-to-read guide will help you discover whether the show ring is the right place for you and your dog, learn the basics of training, and develop the skills for successful showing. In the end, both you and your dog will be ready to succeed in the show ring. Includes tips from professional handlers and trainers; in-depth descriptions of the AKC, UKC, CKC, and FCI; How to discover the right event for you and your dog; teaching techniques and ring preparation secrets, and much more.  

Show Me!: A Dog Showing Primer
This book was written by D. Caroline Coile and published by Barrons Educational Sales in January 1997. It offers easy-to-follow tips and words of wisdom for those new to this challenging sport. The author reveals everything from grooming tips and obedience training to the psychology of dealing with competition loss. Ms. Coile also emphasizes above all to be a good sport, a gracious winner and loser, and to remember that this is your beloved animal and pet FIRST. Just in case you are wondering, the Golden pictured on the book's cover was Kim Cain's (of Mystic Goldens) very own famous guy BIS BISS CH Celestial Sirius Jake CDX JH WC VC SDHF. And, get this! Jake is our Little Lord Alfie's granddad!  

The Finishing Touch - A Book about Successful dog Handling (2005)
Written by Steve SeRine. How to show your dog in the breed ring. It combines understanding of the psychological instincts of animals with a practical system for showing dogs and competing against the professional dog handler. It also demonstrates the special contributions that dogs make in our lives and the many ways that they can teach, guide and help us. Practical, true stories are included that describe how dogs have saved people's lives, both physically and emotionally, to remind us of how important they are to our overall well-being and life satisfaction. Mostly, loaded with practical tips on teaching you and that special puppy to win!  

All About Dog Shows (2003)
By Sam Kohl. New Edition. The spectator's guide to understanding and enjoying a dog show! Places the reader in the role of an actively involved visitor to a dog show. During the tour through the many phases of the all-breed show, the reader learns which classes a dog may be entered in on its way to the Best In Show award, what the judge looks for in a winning dog, how the point system is set up, what dogs are in each group, and more. Pen & ink drawings, black & white photos.  

A Key to Movement Video (1997)
By Karen Armistead. If you are a serious dog fancier, show a dog, want to breed good and healthy dogs, or want someday to judge the breed you love, this video is a must! The format is based on what every judge sees: dogs going away, coming toward you, and viewed from the side. What distinguishes this video from any currently available is that for the first time the action is slowed down enough so that we see what is actually happening when a dog walks and trots. You will learn where to look, how to concentrate on specific places where bones can always be seen regardless of coat or patterns of color, and how to organize your looking so you can see how the dog is really moving.   Born to Win: Breed to Succeed (1997)
By Patricia Craige. This is a book about the philosophy and learned experiences of one breeder-exhibitor sharing some practical ideas based on a lifetime in dogs. For the breeder, just breeding a good animal is not enough. The puppy must be nourished properly long before the dam is bred, the litter born into the absolute ultimate environment and the puppies raised, trained and conditioned like Olympic athletes! Then, if all goes well, someday the very special athlete will achieve that longed-for success! Contents: Winning Takes a Plan (genetics, breeding programs, etc.), Winning Means Putting Your Plan into Action (selecting breeding stock, putting together a pedigree), Winning Means Hard Work (kennel facilities, picking and raising puppies, conditioning, time management, record, etc.) Winning Means Having Fun (the dog show, handling, sportsmanship, Westminster KC, etc.) Winning Means Special People (mentors, families), Winning Means Factoring in the Future (changes in the breed, grading, tomorrow's breeders.)  

An Eye for a Dog - Illustrated Guide to Judging Purebred Dogs (2004)
By Robert Cole. 2004 Dog Writers Assn. of America Writing Competition Winner, Best Reference Book! Have you ever wondered how dog show judges learn to identify the subtle differences that separate a dog that is merely good from a dog that is outstanding? Now you can develop your own eye for sound movement and structure and learn how marking, size, and even leash position affect the judge's perception! You will get to actively participate in over 100 judging scenarios similar to what a judge encounters in the show ring. Become familiar with the concepts of breed type, balance, and proportion; learn how to evaluate fronts, toplines, the forechest, and sickle hocks; discover how canine trotting styles vary by breed and breed function; learn how to spot hidden faults - and how they can be masked. Dog breeders, dog owners, armchair judges as well as professionals will enjoy the challenge of testing their dog knowledge and powers of observation against those of author, illustrator, international all-breed judge Robert Cole.  

Conquering Ring Nerves: A Step-by-Step Program for All Dog Sports (2004)
By Diane Mayer. Whether you’re new to dog sports or an experienced dog handler, it’s quite common to experience mild to severe performance anxiety during competition. Now, with Conquering Ring Nerves, you can face and overcome your anxiety through an easy-to-follow, successful program. No matter what’s going on inside or outside the ring, Diane Peters Mayer shows you how to calm yourself, stay focused, boost your self-esteem, and give a blue-ribbon performance. She uses a multidimensional approach developed during her years as a psychotherapist and anxiety specialist, complete with exercises and techniques adapted from such areas as sports psychology, yoga, and physical fitness. You’ll discover how to ground yourself and compete from your "core", and take advantage of quick stress busters and ways to loosen and energize your body. Packed with proven tips to find success and have fun in the ring, Conquering Ring Nerves is your one-stop guide to overcoming competition jitters and becoming the handler of your dreams. *Reveals how to achieve peak performance under pressure in all dog sports, from agility, obedience, and confirmation to Rally-O, freestyle, and more *Features illuminating, real-life ring nerves stories *Explains how to stop being afraid, set goals, and reach them *Includes a Training Diary to keep yourself on track during training and competitions *Offers further reading and resources lists to build upon what you’ve learned.  

K-9 Structure & Terminology (2001)
By Edward Gilbert, Jr. &Thelma Brown. New edition. Many black & white photos and drawings. Ideal reference book for the breeder, prospective judge, or serious enthusiast/ringside judge. Learn to evaluate structure and movement, heads. Should give an idea of what to look for in the ring or in evaluating puppies. Excellent line drawings.
   
The Winning Team - A Guidebook for Junior Showmanship* (2004)
By Gayle Haynes. Written for beginning and experienced juniors, their parents, their instructors, and their judges. Learn what to expect when you step into the ring and how to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for the competition; the differences between AKC, CKC, and 4-H rules and how to win by understanding the philosophies behind them; and how to draw judges' eyes to what you want them to see. Extensive appendix, including a section to keep Junior Handling Records.  

Dog Showing for Beginners (1994)
By Lynn Hall. A survivor's handbook! Do I really want to do this? Finding the right breed, breeder, and dog, clubs and matches, progression of classes, the point system, how to enter, what equipment to buy, your first show, looking like a pro, playing politics, people problems, evaluating your dog, losers weepers, are we having fun yet?!! Brief discussion of showing in obedience and tracking. Designed for the beginner.  

New Secrets of Show Dog Handling (2002)
By Peter Green & Mario Migliorini. Techniques of handling your own show dog from two expert handlers. New Secrets is the definitive book on the sport of exhibiting purebred dogs. From early training to ring strategy and promoting a special dog, this comprehensive illustrated guide reveals the actual practices, procedures and etiquette involved in showing. You will learn what dog shows are all about; early show training; setting up your dog; baiting; ring procedures; conditioning; presentation and ring strategy; tricks of the trade; the secret formula for success and publicizing your dog. Peter Green is one of the foremost professional handlers in America today, with four Best of Show wins at Westminster and a host of other prestigious accomplishments to his credit. Mario Migliorini has been a successful breeder, trainer, and handler on two continents.  

The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets (1992)
By George Alston. Apply sports psychology to dog showing and get far beyond the average competitor. Learn training, grooming and psychology for showing. Etiquette, sportsmanship and planning a campaign. For the serious exhibitor and seasoned veteran. The author also puts on seminars which are very highly recommended by those who have attended! Author: George Alston.***Other books that may be of interest include: DSH125 Handling II video, DSH115 Winning with Purebred Dogs, DSH134 Born to Win.  

Handling I, Basic Video (1993)
By Michael Kemp. So you've got your first show dog and you want to show him yourself? Good for you! Now get this video and learn how to handle from Michael Kemp, top professional handler. Designed for the novice.    

Best Junior Handler (1997)
By Anne & Denise Olejiczak. A book on Junior Showmanship written by a junior! How to dress, sportsmanship, the basics, finer points, even special events you can compete in. A great book for those kids who want to get their show careers started right, and thorough enough that even a Junior without access to training classes can learn to be competitive!
   
Junior Showmanship from Hand to Lead: The Complete Handbook for Junior Handlers
This book was written by Mary Miller and published by Alpine Publications in August 1994. This book covers everything! It can help Juniors as well as their parents. It also is beneficial for both the beginner and the junior who has been competing for years!  

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