Show Dog competitions are popular all over the world. Thousands of dog fanciers find enjoyment through show dog competitions. Obviously, these owners of show dogs are very proud of their dogs, and they just love showing them off and hopefully win the competition.  Show dog training requires  a combination of obedience training, and also presenting your dog to the judges-where it will be prodded and probed as it is examined by the judge. Your dog must meet the standards of its particular breed, which the judge’s are closely looking for, and also maintain a perfect posture while remaining  relaxed throughout the examination.

There are several different categories that the show dogs compete in. Each category is  based on the variety of breeds within them  and the types of activities those breeds are best skilled at. The seven different categories include: Sporting, Non-sporting, Hound, Terrier, Working, Herding and Toy. Besides have a terrific confirmation, each dog must impress the judges with its skills -whether it is working livestock in the case of the herding dogs, or performing an obstacle course for a working dog. Sporting dog, such as Labradors will be tested in field trials. As you can see, there is a niche for every breed of dog.

Here is a list of the various show dog categories. Check out which one best fits your dog.

Sporting Dogs – These types of dogs were bred for hunting  game birds-either on land or in the water. Breeds in this group include Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers and Setters.

Hound Dogs – These types of dogs were bred for hunting  game by sight or scent.  Breeds of hound dogs  include:  Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds and many other hound varieties.

Working Dogs – These breeds of dogs were bred to guard property, pull a cart and even to  perform search and rescue services. Included in this group are such dogs as the Akita, Doberman, Boxers and St. Bernard breeds.

Terrier Dogs-Terriers are breeds that specialize in hunting and eliminating vermin from farms – Included in the Terrier group are dogs  such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier, Jack Russell terrier and many more.

Toy Breeds – These little dogs have been bred to be household companions. Included in the Toy group are Poodles, Pugs, Pomeranians, and Maltese.

Non-Sporting Dogs – This category is formed by a more diverse group of breeds, that come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and includes Bulldogs, Standard Poodles, Chows and Dalmatians. The dogs in this group are primarily companion dogs.

Herding Dogs – This category includes dogs such as the German shepherd dog, Collies, Australian Sheepdogs, Old English Sheepdogs, and more. These types of dogs were bred to help shepherds manage their flocks, Depending on the breed of dog you want to have, after you have thoroughly trained your dog you can enter him in a dog show in the category you would like him to compete in. Each dog breed falls within a certain category, so the dogs he competes against will have similar skill sets.

If you are interested in dog show competitions, get more familiar with what’s happening in your area. Check out your local Kennel Club to find out more about coming dog shows. You can meet and network with other show dog handlers to get some good advice getting started with show dog training for your dog.

For example, if your dog is a working dog, you will want to concentrate on that particular type of competition and what you will need to train your dog for his particular category’s competition. Watching and learning from an experienced dog handler will help  you will quickly learn the right way to go about the type of show dog training your dog needs.

Of course, you can’t really get involved with show dog training until you have already done a very thorough job of obedience training your dog. If you haven’t already fully obedience trained your dog, of course you will need to concentrate on that first of all.

Getting a new puppy is a big decision. It is a decision that comes with big responsibilities. Puppies require a lot of work, but also give lots of love. When considering getting a new dog you want to way the pros and cons and decide if this is really something you want to invest time and energy in.

Two major reasons to get a new puppy is the companionship and love that they offer. They can bring great joy to your life for many years and become a part of your family. Dogs can also give you a sense of security in your home, warning of visitors before you even know they are there.

One essential step you need to follow when getting a new puppy is to work on Dog Training Courses for your new puppy. This will allow you and your puppy to have a happier life together. If you have a well trained dog you can easily take them places and leave them at home with out worrying about the havoc they might cause. This does require time and commitment but you will be happy you spent the time researching and implementing Dog Training Courses as the pay off is big.

A new puppy requires a monetary commitment as well. Dogs can be expensive. Vet visits add up quickly, as well as food and Dog Grooming. There are Dog Grooming Courses to teach you how you can do it yourself, which will save you money in the long run. Purchasing accessories for your pet is another area that will cost a little money. You will need a collar or harness, and leash. Many people get a bowl for food and water as well as a dog bed. You will of course need to feed your dog and that will be an added expense monthly.

You can also expect to not sleep as well when you first get a puppy. Young puppies need to be taken out early in the morning and sometimes even in the middle of the night as they learn to control their bladder. This will pass once they get a little older, but you must be prepared to lose a sleep during the early days.

All that being said, dogs are a wonderful addition to a family. If you research dog training coursesand you weigh the pros and cons and feel you can make the commitment it requires, then you are ready to take the leap into dog ownership.