Level 3Experienced
My dog won’t let anyone touch it: how do I prepare for the judge’s examination?
The answer
It accepts your cuddles at home, but backs away as soon as a stranger holds out a hand? At a show, the judge’s approach and the examination of the body call for particular preparation.
A dog may avoid contact because it is worried, not used to being handled or in pain. Before asking it to stand for the examination, you need to make these movements predictable and reassuring.
Beginner — Understand before handling
1. Work out what bothers it
Is it a stranger approaching, contact on a particular area or being held still? Observe without provoking its reaction several times. A sudden refusal, a localised sensitivity or a fear that has already set in all warrant a vet’s opinion.
The good reflex: note the circumstances rather than multiplying attempts.
2. Respect its stop signals
If it stiffens, turns its head away, backs off or growls, take your hands away and give it space. A dog that is keeping still may be uncomfortable. Do not scold it for growling: it is a warning to take seriously.
Remember: finishing the handling at all costs can increase the risk of a bite.
3. Start with a contact it enjoys
In a quiet place, briefly touch an area where it is comfortable. Take your hand away, then give a small treat. Do a few easy repetitions and stop before it tires of it.
The little sequence: gentle touch → hand removed → reward.
Intermediate — Making the examination predictable
1. Announce the movement
Choose a short phrase, such as “I’m looking”, before touching your dog. Use it consistently to help it anticipate what follows. Note: this announcement goes with a gentle progression; it does not replace watching how comfortable it is.
2. Break down the sensitive areas
Work separately on the ears, the legs, the tail and the mouth area. Start with a light touch nearby, then move on only if it stays relaxed. For the legs, follow the natural movements of the joints.
Example: accepting a hand on the cheek comes before learning to have a lip lifted briefly. Do not force the mouth open.
3. Bring in another person
Once the contacts are easy with you, ask a calm person to take over a movement it already accepts. Explain precisely where to touch and for how long.
The first challenge: one comfortable contact, not a full examination.
Advanced — Preparing for ring conditions
1. Teach the standing position separately
On a non-slip floor, first reward your dog for a few moments standing. Then add a familiar touch, then a break. This adaptation to the ring builds on preparation for veterinary examinations.
Your goal: for it to be able to stand with a relaxed body, without having to be held in place.
2. Change the setting gradually
Go back to the easy movements in another quiet place, then with another person. Reduce the difficulty with each new element: what works in the living room may need fresh preparation elsewhere.
Example for the show: a person approaches, stops, makes a brief accepted touch, then moves away. Increase the steps over the sessions.
3. Plan an interruption if needed
On the day, report any difficulty before the examination. If your dog stiffens, tries to flee or threatens to bite, ask for a stop and calmly take it away. Resume preparation with a professional if the difficulties persist.
Better to postpone a presentation than to turn the examination into an ordeal.
What the regulations provide
For international shows awarding the FCI CACIB, chapter 6 provides for the grade “CANNOT BE JUDGED” when the dog constantly refuses the examination, notably preventing assessment of the teeth, body, tail or testicles. An occasional hesitation therefore does not automatically fall into this situation.
Chapter 4 also reminds us that the dog’s health and welfare are the priority. Preparation should allow a calm examination, without harsh constraint.