Hi,
this may have been answered before in an earlier thread but does anyone have tips or advice for me with regard to letting the judge go over my dogs mouth - he's only 8 months and very full on and frisky and when the judge goes near him he will hardly stand still. He's not too bad when they actually go over him as I can hold him better but when they want to look at his mouth, he gets all giddy and jumpy. Is it just something I have to practise with him at home (I dont have much luck either) many thanks

Definitely practice at home. At least once a day, when you're having a cuddle with him and he's dozy, say "teeth" and quickly part his lips, then praise him. Don't go overboard and wind him up! - keep it low-key and matter-of-fact. As he gets used to it you'll be able to hold his lips apart for long enough to check his bite.

Yep thanks, thats what I thought too. Will persevere, he's not stupid so I guess he'll get the hang of it. He gets abit hyped up tho at shows which makes it abit harder. Practise will definitely help though.

Hi, my younger dog used to fight against having his bite looked at - even with me he used to struggle like mad.  I got him used to it by having treats at the ready, just started by quickly lifting his lip and saying 'show your teeth' and then immediately gave treat - he soon realised it wasn't that big a deal after all, and now is fine with judges checking his teeth - sometimes he still expects a treat though!!

In boxers, especially with puppies, most people will hold their dog's head/neck with both hands while the judge looks at their mouth. If the problem is that your pup wont stand still this may be worth a try. Obviously depending on the size of your dog it may not be practical lol.

Jen

Yes, I think I need someone to practise with me - I could hold him and they could play 'judge'.... he's a big bouncy dobermann - big being the operative word here. Thanks for the advice.

Hi Milomum,

As well as practicing at home, there's nothing to stop you asking the judge if YOU can show your pup's teeth to him/her instead if you think the puppy will be calmer with that.  Most good judges are happy to do this, particularly with pups, and apart from not over-stressing them, it's also considerably more hygienic than potentially passing germs from dog to dog ;)

Regards, Teri

Excellent advice. My Pup also has a hang up about Teetchecking, we have just got her used to it but others doing it is a no go area,we're working on it though.Terri, i didn't know it would be ok to ask judge that,so am really pleased. Have got or first show in 2wks-pooping it, so will be asking judge for me to do the teeth check. Thanks. Im a new member and  ive been reading all the post for past week and it really is a great site.

My boy is normally with his teeth however every now and again he will pull away so I have the liver at the ready, I say 'teeth' and just keep hold of his collar to steady his head, I immediately give him a larger bit of liver than normal once he has had them checked - he is 19 mths and getting the hang of it - I have also done his teeth for the judge :)

Hi Nikkiid,

You'd be amazed at some of things I've said to judges :D  Seriously, especially when new to the show environment for a dog (and owner) you have to prioritise what is more important - ensuring it is as pleasant and positive an experience as possible or perhaps (although not necessarily) missing out on a placing ;)  I've taken youngsters in and asked to show their teeth myself or even said "could we just miss the teeth (or testes :o ) today, it's a practice run out" and I've never had a judge take offence.  I've also asked if I could move the pup first and then have the hands-on exam because a particular youngster would be more settled that way.

When judging I've been happy to comply with any exhibitor's reasonable request which they feel most benefits their dog in the long term.  Don't do bribes though :D      

That's Brilliant, im defo going to be asking the judge for me do do teeth,and all you just said makes me feel very confident in asking- i was paranoid they would laugh at me and my newness to showing.  Ohh its all becoming very real and exciting as the teeth part of the show was the bit i was dreading. By the way my Baby, is a Fawn Bullmastiff Called Emma, thought id add that important part in about me, how rude am i, introduce myself but leave the best info till last!!

P.S  how do i get smileys?

Everyone gets nervy about showing initially - personally I'm still over anxious sometimes handling my own dogs but can be a cool customer LOL if handling for anyone else :D  Just remember to enjoy it - it's a great hobby and social event and a tremendous way of learning oodles about all things doggy!

Young BMs are often inclined to pull about a bit when having their teeth checked and most judges will appreciate that so don't feel embarassed - you may even notice others doing the same thing :)

Welcome to the forum BTW!  As for smilies etc, think the full list is on FAQ board - have a look there for the whole list!

Regards, Teri  

And should she start off moving at a gallop or something, any reasonable judge will allow you to stop and start again - I frequently have to do that even with my 3 1/2 year old when he's in a silly mood! :-D

Hi Milomum
I have a 9 month old dobermann male. I have had the same sort of problems as what you've mentioned. I was told at Ringcraft classes the reason he would play up (apart from being so young) was because I was not firm enough with him and when he misbehaved while someone was trying to go over him the tone of my voice didn't change enough.(they used to laugh and say rather than tell him what to do I was asking him and he was most definately saying NO!!!) After a few times of people pulling me up and reminding me of my mistakes I can now almost get him to stand still and hold his head straight (he won't bait so this is the bit that I'm trying to master at the moment). It seems like he is now knowing what of expected of him and just gets on with it. Almost gave up a few times but glad I perservered.
                                   Kind Regards