Handling several dogs

Clear organisation for a calmer day

Two dogs to get ready, classes close together, a number to find… With several companions at a show, the small tasks can pile up fast.

The key: plan who goes with each dog, when, and with what equipment. Then you can give your attention to the dog you are showing while the others wait in good conditions.

This article is about organising a day with several dogs, as well as the possible preparation for pairs or group competitions.

Beginner — Organising the essentials

1. Prepare a sheet for each dog

Note its number, class, ring, the planned handler and the ring information given by the organiser.

Try this: use one colour per dog on your sheets and folders. You will find the right number more easily when it’s time to get the next one ready.

Timings still need watching on site: your schedule is a guide.

2. Gather the equipment dog by dog

For each one, prepare its own suitable lead, its number and the useful accessories. Keep shared items in a place every helper knows.

Your little test: ask your helper to prepare one dog’s equipment without asking you any questions. Whatever is missing or hard to find is worth organising better before the show.

3. Plan each dog’s waiting time

Choose a set-up that suits their habits, with water, time out and organised supervision. Separate them if being close together stops them resting.

The useful question: “While I’m in the ring, who looks after the others?” Have a concrete answer before you leave.

Intermediate — Smoothing the handovers

1. Get the dogs used to their stand-in handler

A handover is easier when the dog already knows the person who may show it. Do a few sessions together before the show.

Work on: a start, a stand and a short mock examination. Pass on the words you use, the usual pace and the gestures that help the dog.

A short trial often reveals what an explanation alone leaves out.

2. Tailor the preparation to each individual

One needs a quiet moment; another finds its bearings after a few movements. Watch each one separately.

On its sheet, add three lines:

What helps it concentrate.
What tends to distract it.
The short preparation that suits it.

Test these points in training to avoid improvising on show day.

3. Keep an eye on the running order and flag difficulties early

If two classes risk overlapping, contact the stewards concerned and prepare your handover. A change of organisation or timing is not guaranteed.

A useful phrase: “I have two dogs whose classes seem to be getting close; could you tell me how things are planned to run?”

While one person follows the calls, another can get the next dog ready.

Advanced — Anticipating the rest of the day

1. Plan for several dogs being called back together

Depending on results and competitions, several of your dogs may be needed at the same time. Identify in advance the people available for these possible appearances.

Your training scenario: “Two dogs are called back: who shows each one and who keeps the others?”

Help must remain compatible with the rules: attracting a dog’s attention from outside the ring is “double handling”, which the FCI forbids.

2. Prepare pairs and groups as a separate exercise

Check the entry conditions for the competition, then train the dogs to move and stop together with the planned handlers.

Try this: start widely spaced. Then work on a shared path and a calm stop. Bring the pairs closer together only when they stay at ease and attentive.

Individual success does not guarantee a smooth group presentation.

3. Rehearse a miniature day

Simulate a preparation, a first run in the ring, a return to rest and taking charge of the next dog.

Watch for small hold-ups: a lead that can’t be found, different instructions from different helpers, a dog getting restless when the other leaves…

Fix one thing at a time. This rehearsal makes the handovers more familiar for the whole team.

The “Who does what?” challenge

Before the show, each helper should be able to answer:

Which dog am I in charge of?
When is its next class?
Where is its equipment?
Who takes over if I’m busy?

Good organisation lets each dog get individual attention, even when the day fills up.