Tips on how to raise a top quality Show Dog

Let me be honest, its really not that easy to raise a show dog. First and foremost, you have to get a puppy with that X factor / show potential. Very few puppies have it and nearly all that do come from a top show kennel.

Once you have such a prize, he / she must be raised carefully with top quality nutrition for its breed, proper exercise and ongoing socialization. For coated breeds like terriers, afghans and poodles, you can easily put in daily additional grooming to that list. Most handlers (the person who takes your dog into the show ring) start training the dogs to walk/gait (move in specific patterns where speed and smoothness of movement) and stacking/pose from an early age, being very careful to make it fun and exciting for the dog at all times. Show dogs must like the dog show game or they will not get far. Keeping the dogs happy, content and safe is a handler’s #1 job. A quality that most people would look for in a professional handler.

Then, if you are still interested in raising a show dog, you should start by contacting breed clubs in your area. You’ll want to research which breed/s interest/s you. However, once you’ve settled on a breed, you will need to contact reputable resources to get going on your mission. Many top show dog owners invest a lifetime in this pursuit and do so out of a passion for their breed of choice, so if your interest is more casual, show dogs may not be the best match for you. Very few dogs are show dogs, but for almost all owners that shouldn’t really matter. Dogs are loved and lovable for what they have on the inside, not how they look on the outside. Most dog owners consider their dogs perfect just the way they are. In addition to showing your dog, there are many fun, competitive activities that you can do together. These activities include fly ball, agility, fetch, swimming among others. So think very carefully, should you decide to still pursue your quest in finding the ultimate show companion.

Another important point, is that show dogs mostly differ from a companion dog, but that’s at a totally different level, mostly you would need to know top breeders, attend various dog shows, get your fair view / outlook on the handlers and the dogs they are working with. You should get a brief idea from this lot of information on how to go about with you next step. All the best in your quest.

Inexpensive methods on how to get children going with the play / exercise routine

Children are never too young to start making exercise a regular activity, and will follow the patterns that you set for them. Include them in your regime, as indicated in the ideas below;

If they are toddlers, you could play Hide and Seek (Peek-A-Boo) - Its great fun and challenges their brain cells to work rapidly as this is one of the games that hones their memory skills. Count to 100 as they go and hide behind trees, shrubs, houses or the tent you have set up in your backyard or elsewhere, basically anywhere they can find a hiding spot. If you can see them, drag the game a little longer before you find them (even though you know they're there) and then get them to count while you hide. Note : It also helps them to count.

Football is another game that almost all children love and its great in the park or at the beach - all you need is a small net (for the goal post), go to your designated spot of interest and challenge them to a match. Good for coordination.

A trampoline is one of the ultimate energy burners for children whose energy and bubbling enthusiasm for jumping up and down on your expensive and custom made $4,000 imported medical mattress and bedroom set doesn't seem to wear them out. It can keep them busy for hours and it is a lot of fun, especially when you join in.

Skipping – A sport that most kids love and don’t you agree, it would do you some good to jump rope for at least a few minutes a day. And you can even do it with many different styles – straight, cross, military to name a few.

Hula Hoop – All of us just love to see circus performers doing this trick with a dozen or more of these rings, but you don’t need to have so many. In fact, its relatively easy, once you know how to get the knack of balancing the ring. Once you’ve mastered this around the waist, you can try this on the arms, wrists, knees and your children will absolutely love you for it.

Probably the easiest and most fun – yes, its dancing. Put on one of their favorite CD / tracks and boogie with them. This provides fun and exercise for both of you.

All in all, you get benefited too, as you also engage in similar exercise and you'll be teaching them valuable lessons...A fit mind and a fit body is what makes us healthy, wealthy and wise.