Learning to be examined

The judge looks at and feels different parts of the body to assess conformity to the breed standard. They may also examine the teeth.

Prepare each movement separately before putting them together in a short rehearsal.

Beginner — Making contact familiar

1. Start with an easy area

Choose a part of the body your dog willingly lets you touch, such as the shoulder.

The little game: a brief touch, you take your hand away, then you reward. Repeat a few times before taking a break. If necessary, simply start by bringing your hand closer.

2. Explore the body gradually

Get your dog used to being touched on the back, flanks, legs, ears and tail, without trying to examine everything in the same session.

Try this: work on one area at a time and keep the most sensitive ones for later. Your movements stay gentle and must not cause pain.

3. Learn to recognise its discomfort

A dog that is still can be tense. Freezing, tightening the lips, looking sideways or growling can signal that the contact is becoming difficult.

Your reflex: stop, give it space and pick up again with something easier. A painful reaction or a new sensitivity deserves a vet’s opinion.

Intermediate — Linking position and handling

1. Add touch to the stand

First teach the dog to hold a short stand, then add a handling movement it already accepts well.

Try this: “stand”, a touch on the shoulder, a reward, then a release signal. Lengthen it gradually as long as your dog stays comfortable. Don’t use the lead to hold it still.

2. Bring in a calm person

Your dog may accept your movements and hesitate with someone else. Prepare for that difference.

Your progression: a trusted person repeats a single easy touch, then stops. You reward your dog. Then add other movements, without immediately asking for a full examination.

3. Prepare the particular checks

Showing the teeth is learned separately. For a male, also prepare the contact needed for the testicle check with the help of an instructor.

Your mission: have the right movements for your dog and breed shown to you. For the mouth, don’t force it open and follow the judge’s request.

Advanced — Rehearsing the ring situation

1. Get it used to the intended surface

Depending on the breed and the show, the examination may take place on the ground, on a table or on a ramp.

Try this: ask your club which surface to prepare for. If it is raised, use stable, non-slip equipment, with competent help. Prevent any fall and never leave the dog alone at height.

2. Put together a short sequence

When the elements are easy separately, combine the person’s approach, the stand and a few touches.

Your rehearsal: ask an instructor to play the judge. Start with a very short sequence, then take a break. You are building the continuity of the examination, without trying to test the dog’s limits.

3. Gradually vary the people and the places

An examination accepted at home is not necessarily as easy in a hall with other dogs.

Try this: practise in handling classes and explain to the instructor what is still difficult. Introduce new things gradually. If fear persists or there is a risk of biting, ask for professional help before going further.

On show day

Show your dog following the judge’s instructions and stay available to help it. If an instruction is unclear, ask for it to be clarified.

The examination must let the judge observe the dog. A careful approach and measured handling help preserve its trust.

A dog that is ready to be examined understands the movements and accepts them with ease.

The exercises suggested are teaching guidelines, not a method imposed by a regulation. The illustration shows the general steps; it does not define an ideal posture for every breed.