The morning itself: the final touches before the ring

Morning grooming is for freshening up the presentation prepared beforehand. A quick check, a few touches suited to the coat and enough time to settle in: that is a programme that lets you start the day calmly.

Before you leave: look before you brush

Look at your dog as a whole, then check the details: clean paws, dry coat, no dirt and no little tangles that appeared overnight.

Adapt your touches to his coat. Vigorous, systematic brushing is not suitable for every coat type, in particular corded coats. Stick to your usual techniques and the presentation expected for the breed.

A full bath in the morning may suit some preparations that are already mastered, but it can't be improvised between breakfast and departure. In particular, you need the time required for drying.

Beginner: three tips for a simple start

1. Plan a walk before the finishing touches. Let your dog do his business and spend a few minutes exploring quietly. If possible, choose a clean route, then check his paws on the way back. That avoids redoing all the cleaning after an enthusiastic trip across the wet garden!
2. Clean only what needs it. A bit of dirt on a paw or around the mouth? Use a clean, slightly damp cloth if that suits the coat, then dry gently. For brushing, go back to the techniques you learned from the breeder or groomer.
3. Keep time for arrival. Allow a margin for parking, any checks and settling in. Check the organiser's information and keep the requested documents to hand. A relaxed arrival also lets your dog discover the venue before the final touches.

Intermediate: three tips for managing preparation at the venue

1. Let your dog settle after the journey. Offer a walk in a permitted area, water and a quiet moment. Watch his behaviour before starting the grooming: a dog that has just arrived may need a few moments to get his bearings.
2. Work in small areas. Put the coat back in place with the right tools, without making unnecessary extra passes. Then look at the dog standing and moving. The presentation should allow his outline to be appreciated: in the American Cocker Spaniel, the standard specifies that the feathering must not hide the lines or the gait. [2]
3. Respect the grooming areas and rules. Check where preparation is allowed and the instructions specific to the event. At FCI international CACIB shows, substances that alter the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose are forbidden. [1]

Advanced: three tips for getting the last few minutes right

1. Adjust your timing to how the judging is progressing. Find your ring and follow the staff's announcements. Organise the finishing touches near your turn, while leaving a margin. Your dog can then rest while waiting instead of spending a long time being prepared.
2. Check the presentation as a whole. Step back a few paces before touching up. Check that the result matches the standard and that any grooming accessories have been removed where they must be. For the Poodle, refer to the requirements of the chosen clip; the standard also reminds us that excessive grooming must not be encouraged. [3]
3. Finish the grooming, then be available for your dog. Once the finishing touches are done, lift him safely off the table. The FCI rules forbid keeping him tied up on it for longer than his preparation requires. Before going in, favour a few familiar gestures and a calm attitude. [1]

Just before you go in

Do one last quick check: exhibitor number visible according to the instructions, lead ready, coat clean and dog available. Then put the brush away.

A lock of hair can always move between two steps. At this stage, your attention is most useful to your partner: be with him, watch him and walk into the ring with him.

Sources

• [1] FCI: Regulations for FCI Dog Shows (PDF)
• [2] FCI: Standard No. 167, American Cocker Spaniel (PDF)
• [3] FCI: Standard No. 172, Poodle (PDF)