My dog won't eat: what to do at a show?

Start by telling two situations apart: it refuses a reward during the presentation, or it is eating less, or even nothing at all, including its meals. The first observation invites you to review the context; the second deserves a vet's opinion. Refusing food does not, on its own, tell you the cause.

Beginner — Observe before insisting

1. Check what it is really refusing

Has it eaten its usual meal? Is it refusing only a treat, or all food? Also look at its energy, how it chews and whether there is any vomiting or diarrhoea.

The good reflex: note what it has actually eaten, rather than concluding that it is "being fussy".

2. Offer it a quiet break

If it seems anxious in the hall, move away from the walkways and let it recover somewhere peaceful. You can then offer a small, usual reward, without insisting. This approach adapts stress-management recommendations to the show.

Your goal: regain comfort before resuming training.

3. Avoid the improvised buffet

Don't pile on new foods to get a few mouthfuls. Frequent changes of diet and some human foods can upset its digestive system.

Try this: stick to its usual diet and ask for advice if the refusal continues.

Intermediate — Adapting the rewards

1. Choose a reward it already likes

For a healthy dog that eats normally, a small familiar treat can be more appealing in a distracting environment. Choose one that is compatible with its diet and any restrictions.

Be careful: a more tempting treat does not solve pain or illness.

2. Prepare another way to reward

In training, find out whether it likes a short game, praise or calm interaction. Not all dogs value food equally.

Practical application: prepare these alternatives before the big day and check the event's rules before using a toy in the ring.

3. Count the treats too

Rewards eaten during the day are part of its food intake. Note them and adjust its usual ration accordingly, without arbitrarily cutting its meals to make it more motivated.

The useful detail: prepare a portion of rewards in advance to keep better track of quantities.

Advanced — Understanding and deciding

1. Compare contexts

See whether it accepts the same reward at home, outside somewhere quiet, then near a busy environment. Link these observations to its posture and reactions.

The practical tip: note the place and the distractions. Eating away from the ring and then refusing close to it can guide your work, but does not on its own prove that stress explains everything.

2. Decide in advance when to stop the presentation

If it refuses rewards and freezes, tries to flee or stays very tense, stop the preparation and take it away. Avoid using food to draw it towards a person or situation that worries it.

Your benchmark: accepting a treat is not enough to guarantee it is comfortable either.

3. Have a loss of appetite assessed

Contact a vet if its eating habits change, especially with other symptoms. Don't wait 24 hours if it seems ill. The PDSA recommends a very prompt consultation when a dog has eaten nothing for more than 24 hours. Emergency: difficulty breathing, collapse, a swollen belly or repeated unproductive attempts to vomit require an immediate call to the vet.

The progress to aim for: a comfortable dog, able to take part, whose usual appetite is preserved.