I have a lab x collie due to go in a show this sunday, can anyone suggest anyways of which i could keep his attention regardless of atmosphere and the fact have no treats etc on me.

what kind of show is it ?

If its a companion show you can use anything treats toy use a silly happy voice at him. Liver cake works well.

<Liver cake works well>

Not in obedience it is not allowed even at companion shoes

lots of voice! and encouragement!

What about a piece of material that you could wipe in something that he loves the smell of, ie, favourite food or person and then somehow wear it?!!!

Sorry, might be a really stupid idea, but if he is anything like the dogs that I have had, they are normally lead by their noses if not their stomachs. :)

The ways of cheating at obedience are legion and a halfway decent judge has seen most! If you want to keep your dog's attention then train, don't attempt to find a way around the rules. Getting thrown out of the ring is upsetting. I've only had to do it 3 times in the past I'm glad to say.

Regards, John

That would be classed as a toy & also  not allowed obedience

There is no short cut to training your dog to work without food/toys waved under its nose. (If there were I'd be a champion)

You can still reward your dog when you leave the ring providing you haven't been carrying food or a toy on your person but you need to train him to concentrate for longer than you expect to be in the ring, and also to train him to ignore all kinds of distractions you may come across at a competition. This is something you need to achieve before going to a show, it can't be taught 10 minutes before you go in.

Most judges will allow you to do a training round (ie not competing) using a toy and this could be useful after you have trained against distractions at home.

Guest
If you are looking to keep your dogs attention in a 'show' ring rather than obedience you can use just about anything...food,toys etc
Archer