The dog should wear only the show collar and/or lead. The lead may be nylon or leather of a length and width appropriate for the dog and handler. If a separate collar is used, it should be a proper show collar, including a show hex or jeweler’s link chain. The 6-foot obedience lead is not acceptable in showmanship.
Acceptable collars and leads:
- Link/Jewelers Hex Chain (Fine link)
- Nylon Collar
- Link Collar
- Loop Martingale Lead
Images of the collars/leads can be found in Appendix B.
Position the collar portion of the leash or collar around the animal’s neck, just behind the ears. This will allow control of the dog without choking it.
Exhibitors should neatly hold the excess showmanship leash in their hand and not have any loops or ends visibly dangling out from their hand.
4-H members are responsible for grooming their own dogs. Since grooming is part of the learning experience in the dog project, it is important for the exhibitors to know why their breeds may require special grooming.
The judge will ask questions of the exhibitor about the dog and the project. Questions should be appropriate for the age division of the exhibitors. Some of the topic areas that a judge may use are dog care, grooming, health, exhibitor dog breed and country of origin, purpose of dog breed, AKC breed groups, vaccinations, parasites, dog parts, amount and type of feed, and 4-H Dog manuals. Judges may also determine their own questions.
Judging will include evaluating the movement of the dog and exhibitor together. Exhibitors should move the dog in a straight and even gait, working together as a team. The exhibitors should be aware of the judge so they can react with the least amount of hesitation. They should avoid putting themselves between the dog and the judge. Unnecessary jerking, pulling or extremely loud commands are not acceptable.
Exhibitors should make their gaiting smooth, straight and at the correct speed. When in motion, the dog should move naturally and freely. Avoid traveling ahead of or behind your dog.
4-H Showmanship exhibitors should watch for the judge and show their dog for the duration of their class. Exhibitors should always pay attention and not cut in front of the judges view of the dog such as (European turns). The exception is if a youth decides to include a courtesy turn to be able to get their dog into better position before their pattern.
Courtesy Turns are Optional - Courtesy turns are optional and to be included or excluded at the choice of the exhibitor. Exhibitors should note that if they do include a courtesy turn, they need to keep good flow and smoothness or they may lose points. Exhibitors do not get extra credit for doing a courtesy turn. The purpose of a courtesy turn is to line up your dog to go straight away from the judge at the start of their pattern. Not all dogs are easily directed through a courtesy turn so it may be better to exclude it. If used, the courtesy turn is done in front of the judge at the start of their pattern or as noted for a specific pattern.
Exhibitors in Showmanship should hold their lead in the hand that is beside the dog. Use the entire ring unless the judge gives other instructions.
If mats are used, the dog should be centered on the mat while the exhibitor off to the side (if the mat is wide enough). The exhibitor should still be on the mat.
The dog is to be kept between the judge and exhibitor at all times.
In showmanship, the exhibitor’s appearance is as important as the dog’s grooming. The handler’s hair should be off the face and contained if necessary. Anything in clothing, grooming or behavior that distracts from the presentation of the dog is not appropriate.