Show ring for dogs: what is it and what is it for?

Why can't you get by with a regular leash?

During a performance, you cannot wear the following on your pet:

• muzzle;
• parfors (a prickly or protracted collar with spikes directed towards the animal’s neck);
• classic collar;
• electric collar;
• halter (a training collar that tightens the mouth);
• loose canvas leash;
• roulette leash.

If you show up at a performance with your pet on a classic leash or muzzle, you don’t have to hope for high marks. Conventional accessories that are used for walking are not suitable for exhibitions, as they spoil the appearance of the animal. Gradually, dog breeders adjusted to the requirements of the judges and began to put rings on their pets.

At first glance, there is nothing complicated about this accessory. It is a durable cord with loops that vary in size for a person's hand and a pet's neck.

The ringovka is put on the dog like a classic leash, but is matched to the color of the coat, and therefore is almost invisible. The accessory got its name because it is used only in the exhibition ring.

In ordinary life, an unreliable cord should be put on your pet only during training, when you are preparing for an exhibition. When walking, use a classic leash - it is stronger and more comfortable. The animal should be safe, and the ring should be easy to tear or pull out of your hand.

Equipment

Despite the fact that the expert devotes no more than 10 minutes of his attention to the dog, you can spend the whole day on the exhibition. You need to arrive early to go through veterinary control, get a participant number and prepare your dog. Each breed is on schedule and exhibited at a certain time, which you need to check with the organizers 1-2 days before the exhibition. If the Spitz goes at 13-00, there is no need to arrive at 9 am, exhausting both yourself and the dog. It is enough to arrive 1 hour before the start to settle all organizational issues.

However, if the pet surpasses all competitors and becomes the best representative of the breed, it is left for best. This is the final comparison of the best representatives of different breeds to determine the winner of the entire exhibition. In this case, you can spend almost the whole day at the show, so you need to prepare and pack everything you need with you so as not to experience any inconvenience. Typically required:

• collar with leash for walking the dog before the show;
• a special exhibition ring, it should be thin, comfortable and pleasant to look at;
• a cage and bedding so that the pet can rest quietly from the attention of strangers;
• water and a bowl; feeding an adult dog at a show is not recommended;
• a special kit for preparing wool, consisting of different combs and cosmetics;
• hygiene supplies in the form of rags, napkins, bags and toilet paper;
• first aid kit for emergencies;
• pin to secure the participant number;
• treat for display in the ring;
• veterinary passport, certificate, payment receipt.

Don't forget about yourself, because being on your feet all day is quite tiring. For personal needs, you need to have a folding chair, food and water, as well as comfortable clothes and shoes. Do not be upset if your pet does not become the best representative; remember that the exhibition is just the opinion of one person. And the exhibition rating does not take away those wonderful qualities that are present in the pet.

Types of accessory

The main criterion when choosing a ring is that it should be comfortable for both the dog and the owner. The accessory must be durable so that the pet does not tear it during the performance. Because of this, the dog will be disqualified. The leash should lie comfortably in your hand and not slip. The length is selected so that the lace does not stretch or sag.

By purpose

Exhibition leashes can be single or paired (for two animals at a time). Different models are also produced for small and large breeds. For beginners in this business, it is better to get their bearings on the spot - try on several types of ringovki to determine which one looks better and is more convenient to use. The type of accessory also depends on the length of the coat.

By model and design

Each breed is suited to a specific show leash, which is not conspicuous, but emphasizes the exterior. There are the following ringovok models:

1. Noose. A cord with a metal ring at the end that regulates the size of the loop for the animal’s neck. Suitable for large breeds with strong necks, such as Labradors and Retrievers.
2. With expander (backing). The accessory is suitable for breeds with delicate or hairless necks, such as lap dogs, Spitz dogs, Chihuahuas, greyhounds.
3. With lock. There is a lock under the neck that prevents the loop from changing size.
4. Cobra. This dog ring looks like a metal chain with a drawstring cord. Suitable for large breeds such as Dobermans.
5. Chain. An accessory in the form of a chain with large links that do not pinch the wool. Suitable mainly for German, Central Asian and Caucasian Shepherds.

According to the design, the rings can be single, that is, the accessory is one-piece, one-piece, and separate, consisting of a thin cord-collar and a leash.

By material

Leashes made from genuine leather are especially valued, but they only look good on large dogs. For little ones they choose satin, silk, nylon, nylon. If the accessory is cotton, then it should have a protective coating, for example, wax, so that the dog’s neck does not rub. You can find rings made of metal or paracord.

Day X is approaching, how to prepare a Spitz?

Your representative of the show-class breed is healthy, in excellent shape, his fur is shining, his eyes are sparkling, and his loving owners have decided to show him to the world. First of all, I advise you to carefully study the information about the upcoming event so as not to miss important points in the preparations. Depending on age and level of training, dogs perform in different classes and show their skills to judges as part of the exhibition program for the specified class.

Any Spitz show is not complete without the following stages of preparation:

• Washing before the exhibition. If the dog is dirty, you need to give it a good bath 2-3 days before the event. Before going to the bathroom, comb the coat thoroughly, then rinse with special attention, use shampoo and conditioner. It is better to use proven means to get good results. After washing, comb the wool thoroughly again. It is not worth bathing in less than 2 days, as the undercoat will not have time to dry. If your Pomeranian doesn't look dirty, experts recommend using dry shampoo and then brushing the coat. Be guided by the situation and appearance of the pet. If the exhibition takes place during the shedding period, after a bath the dog will shed hair for several days. If there is no shedding, then wash your Spitz. To decide for sure whether to wash it or not, experiment in advance - how the fur coat behaves after washing and dry shampoo, whether the dog loses hair or not, this is individual.
• Combing. As I already said in the previous paragraph, you need to comb the hair before and after washing. Then, comb your dog again immediately before leaving the house or in the exhibition hall. Use a stiff, natural bristle brush. This will not damage or electrify the fur. Be prepared that this is a very labor-intensive process; comb every strand for a good result.

• Grooming. It is better to entrust the procedure to professionals who know how to prepare a Spitz for an exhibition. Grooming is not just about cutting your Pomeranian's hair. This includes plucking hair in unnecessary places and giving an ideal shape to the ears and toes by trimming the fur on them. After a visit to an experienced groomer, the dog will look natural and impeccably neat. In full accordance with the breed.

• Nail trimming. Don't forget to trim your pet's nails the day before the show. This is a normal grooming procedure; a Spitz show is not needed to monitor the condition of your dog’s claws. If this is your first time encountering this, purchase special scissors and a file and trim the claws without touching the pulp. That is, trim only the light part of the nail.
• Teeth cleaning. In normal life, a Spitz needs to brush its teeth 3-4 times a week. If you follow this rule and the dog does not have plaque or tartar, brush your pet's teeth as usual the day before the show. If tartar has already formed, contact a specialist and your dog will undergo ultrasonic cleaning.

• Ear cleaning. This procedure is also a regular one: wipe your ears with a damp cotton swab, then with a cotton swab inside, remove excess hair.

After all the manipulations to create beauty, carefully examine your pet; it should be clean, beautiful, well-groomed, but at the same time look natural.

Criterias of choice

The model, material, thickness and length of the accessory depend not only on the breed and size of the dog, but also on the experience of the owner. If you are preparing for an exhibition for the first time, it is better to choose a regular show ring without any frills. Then you can compare different options to choose the one that is more convenient for you.

The show leash should be invisible on the pet's neck, so the color is always chosen to match the shade of the pet's fur. You should not buy bright laces, no matter how beautiful they may seem. The exception is Yorkshire terriers. They can buy colored accessories; red is often preferred.

For large dogs, strong and short show leashes are selected, for small dogs, long and delicate ones. The larger the pet, the stronger the material should be. There will be a lot of animals and people in the ring, so your pet will be nervous. One sharp movement and the weak ring will tear. Before the exhibition, it is advisable to buy several leashes in reserve.

It is necessary to find a middle ground - the accessory must be strong and invisible at the same time. The collar should not divide the dog's neck into 2 parts, emphasizing flaws. It is better to choose woven or sewn show leashes, but not glued ones. There may be additional decorations on the ring - beads, tassels, etc., but they only distract the judges, which can result in a low score.

The price of the accessory depends on the material. The cheapest - nylon - cost only 100-200 rubles. But such a leash breaks quickly and may not withstand even one exhibition.

Leather rings cost from 500 to 1000 rubles. The price of handmade accessories starts from 2 thousand rubles, and the upper limit is determined by the materials. Some people prefer to insert precious metals and stones into the leash, and then the cost reaches tens of thousands of rubles.

Emotional mood

An exhibition is a very exciting event for both the owner and the dog. If the owner is worried about how to perform with dignity, do everything right and win the competition, then the dog is tormented by completely different fears. Usually there are a huge number of people and dogs at shows. A small Spitz can be frightened by a cluster of Alabais, Shepherds and other large four-legged brothers. And given that animals feel the owner’s excitement, their emotional state will prevent them from showing themselves in all their glory and performing with dignity. At the show, as at other exciting events, it is important to remain calm and try to protect your pet from unnecessary stress.

You need to understand that a show dog is not only an ideal exterior and proportions, it is also a certain courage when a dog likes to show itself and participate in the show. There are many examples of different breeds where ideally built dogs lost to weaker competitors at exhibitions. All because of the reluctance to exhibit. Typically, such “opponents” of the show express their dissatisfaction with passive and sluggish behavior or, on the contrary, are too excitable. Therefore, training is an opportunity to accustom your pet to discipline and to the exhibition in general. He must realize that this is part of his life, get used to it and not show his dissatisfaction.

Exclusive accessories

The judges do not evaluate the show itself, but it highlights the dog's shortcomings. Everyone has them, and each has their own. To make the accessory present the pet in a favorable light, some owners weave or sew a show leash themselves. Others order from private craftsmen according to their own sketch. The craftsman can be found on forums and reviews from dog breeders.

Addition, expansion Natalya (@ringovka_)10 Tra 2021 r. about 5:25 PDT

Exclusive ringovki differ not only in design, but also in design. It is limited only by the imagination of the creator - some even make a kind of good luck charm out of the accessory.

Additions, expansions Amulets and rings for dogs (@lucky_starr_dog) 11 Kvi 2021 r. about 7:33 PDT

How to make it yourself

You can buy a ring at any pet store, but a handmade accessory will last much longer. There are many ways to weave or sew an accessory. The simplest is to buy a ready-made nylon cord, tie it to a metal ring and make a loop at the other end, securing it with a fastener purchased at a sewing accessories store.

You can weave a ringovka by hand. To do this you need to buy:

• beads with a large eye or a retainer;
• metal ring;
• satin, leather or waxed cord.

Cut 2 pieces of cord 5 m long and fold them in half together. There will be 2 loops on one side; they need to be tied to a metal ring. You will have 4 free ends of the cord of the same length. They must be intertwined with each other in any way.

The simplest weaving scheme looks like this: first you need to cross laces 2 and 3 together, then draw 1 under 3, and 4 over 2. Next, you need to weave the outer laces between the middle ones using the same principle. It will look like a braid.

How to use

The job doesn't end with choosing the right show ring for your dog. You need to learn how to put on the accessory correctly and move with your dog together. Not only the pet, but also its owner will have to undergo training.

The exhibition leash is put on the dog according to the following algorithm:

1. Sit the dog down with the “Nearby” command.
2. Form a loop for the neck, attract the dog with a toy or reward so that the pet reaches forward.
3. Place the formed collar on the pet’s neck and pull the cord to the level of the throat.
4. Tighten the ring so that it runs in a place where the muscles are not expressed - along the base of the neck.
5. The loop is secured with a clamp.
6. The leash must be held so that it is not too taut, and the hand moves slightly to the side.

The accessory is held in the left hand, since in the ring you will move counterclockwise, and the dog should walk in the inner circle. It is advisable for her to walk slightly ahead of her owner.

At the exhibition, it is better to hold the free end of the ring in your fist so that it does not hang down. This does not affect the convenience, but spoils the external impression of the performance. The owner can demonstrate free movement when the leash is not pulled and the dog follows learned commands.

Just don’t let go of the ring completely. Judges may regard this as unfounded boasting or a sign that the owner himself does not know how to handle a leash. All dogs are judged under equal conditions, so ringing is mandatory.

Dog show

The rules of conduct at the exhibition, as well as participation, must be taken care of in advance. The result largely depends on how well the dog can show itself, its confidence and “courage.” Conventionally, the examination of an expert who gives a description and assessment of the dog can be divided into 3 stages.

The first stage is inspection on the table. Since Spitz dogs are quite miniature, for convenience the judges place the participant on a table where an expert can examine the teeth; male dogs are necessarily checked for cryptorchidism. Bulk wool can hide the anatomy of an exhibit, so long-haired breeds always look with their hands, experts feel everything that is not visible visually. The owner is required to accustom the dog to the fact that it will be touched by a stranger, not to show aggression or anxiety during the examination, and to stand confidently on the table.

The second stage is movement assessment. As a rule, the judge asks you to walk in a circle, forward and backward, some also require you to show movements in a triangle. It is necessary to choose a trot pace so that the dog does not get lost and does not go into a gallop, showing smooth and productive movements. This also requires training; it is advisable to start training gradually from 3 months.

The third stage is a stand on the floor. After the run, the handler must put the dog in a stance, at which point the participant must demonstrate all his strengths, hold his tail high on his back, his ears on the top of his head and remain motionless. During training, a toy or treat is most often used to make the dog seem collected and interested.

Training

It is necessary to accustom a purebred puppy to the show ring at 2-3 months. At first, the pet will not understand what you want from it, it will resist and resist. Once you are able to put on the leash, follow the dog. When she gets used to the accessory, pull her towards you and play giveaway.

Addition, expansion Brooches Talismans (@bantik_39) 30 Sich 2021 r. about 2:49 PST

Train your dog to a calm trot with his head and tail held high. Stimulate the execution of commands with a toy or edible reward - tease your pet with it so that it follows the way you want. While moving, talk to the puppy, but do not relax the tension.

When the pet begins to get used to the show leash, remove toys and rewards from the list of “intermediaries”, teach the dog to follow commands. Don't forget to reward your puppy with affectionate words and treats.

It is advisable to purchase several leashes - some for training, others for performances.

The first ones are put on only before entering the ring and taken off immediately after leaving it. This way the dog will get used to being required to accurately execute commands when they put on the “ceremonial” ring.

Reviews

Alla, 26 years old, Voronezh

“I have a Beagle. The dog is stubborn, so it took us a long time to learn the rules of behavior in the ring. I use either a thin ring from Trixie or a flat ribbon with a clothespin slider - it’s very convenient when you need to fix the loop under the ears.”

Pavel, 31 years old, Belgorod

“I bought a cobra chain for my husky. A convenient thing for both me and the dog. She feels confident, she doesn’t try to run away in the ring, she feels the importance of what is happening.”

What is a dog show ring

So, what is the accessory known among dog breeders as a ringovka? In essence, a ringovka is a long elastic cord-leash with a metal/plastic fastener on one side and a hand-grip loop on the other. The product is used during pet exhibitions. If you have bought a purebred puppy with an interesting pedigree and are going to take part in exhibitions, first examine the equipment for the necessary accessories.

As it turned out, it is prohibited to take a dog into the ring wearing a muzzle, electric collar or parforce. It is also not recommended to use a roulette leash, a classic leash or a canvas leash. Similar rules have been adopted at the level of the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF). An incorrectly selected accessory deprives the animal of well-deserved points from the judges. There are often situations when an elite dog lost the championship of glory to a “weaker” competitor only for the reason that he was presented in the ring with an ordinary collar or leash.

The purpose of the accessory is to demonstrate dogs at exhibitions

The name ringovka comes from the word ring. The main purpose of the accessory is to demonstrate pets at exhibitions. Some dog breeders who appreciate the benefits of the accessory often use the dog ring for regular walking of their pet. It is important to take into account the dog’s disposition and temperament. A typical dog, seeing a yard cat, can break free from a thin leash and give chase.