Showing The Border On A Loose Lead
(based on an article written for the BTC yearbook)When first asked to write on this topic in 1989, I made reference to the many showing 'styles' in dogs, all designed to bring out the best attributes of one's chosen breed and when gaiting a dog in the ring, to show off movement to best advantage.
I wondered at the time why I might have been asked to write on the topic, as it had never occurred to me to show my Borders any other way than on a loose lead. However, on looking round, especially since writing the original piece, I am increasingly aware of Borders being 'strung up' and therefore moving on their tiptoes - frequently erratically.
What do I mean by 'strung up?' I mean that the dog is shown on a tight lead, often secured by the handler above or at his/her waist height so that the dog has no option but to step out by the handler's side, on its toes, with its neck fully extended. This particular 'look 'can be seen from the ringside in handling Fox Terrier exhibits, for example.
A Border exhibitor who emulates this method of ring presentation may believe that they are showing their dog to its maximum advantage and perhaps in some cases, think they are disguising faults in movement which may be more apparent on a loose lead. A good judge should always find those faults.
I wrote in 1989 that 'movement in our breed is not its strength at this point in time' and sadly, I still feel we have a long way to go. But surely by attempting to disguise the faults rather than as breeders, eliminating them at source, we are only perpetuating the problem? Novice exhibitors who are keen to learn, watch their peers in the show ring and pick up both good and bad habits.
Most exhibitors now take puppies to training classes, puppy socialising classes and ring craft. Over 30 years ago, particularly in rural areas, no such classes existed. One watched dogs in the show ring, sought advice or followed by example.
Nothing will correct a badly constructed puppy but we can help normally developing puppies to move freely and correctly, by looking carefully at their housing and activity areas. For example, by removing physical obstacles which may cause problems in the longer term. Creating a pen or run where a puppy must permanently stand on its hind legs in order to see out, or giving pups a bed or kennel which they have to jump up into or onto, could damage good conformation.
Pups should be encouraged at an early age to follow adult dogs when walking out. If the dam is included in the team, pups will soon catch on. Talking to them while walking helps keeps their attention and interest. Walking young puppies should be kept to a modest half mile or so at the outset, when first inoculations are over, with plenty of free running at home. A simple slip lead is then introduced and a supervised puppy will run about trying to shake it off or lose it, but will soon tire and can then be encouraged to walk on the lead - always giving it plenty of praise and at the outset, letting it think that you want to go in the direction it wants to go. Then start the walking outside again - something with which it is already familiar.
Pulling or jerking at the lead of a lively, reluctant youngster can result in a wilful adult and a reluctant exhibit in the ring.
Natural movement requires the dog to drive from behind. Stringing up a dog in the show ring immediately limits that natural action. Similarly, a dog distracted by titbits does not move naturally in a straight line because it is 'crabbing,' looking upwards to its handler for treats. Often the exhibitor is watching the judge and not the dog. All attention should be on your dog while it is on the move, ensuring its pace is correct for maximum effect; that the dog moves on the mats provided and that the dog is happy on the move and moving parallel in a straight line.
A Border is a dour little dog and generally not a lover of show rings. It does not carry its neck 'crested' with head upwards and forwards naturally. It does not tiptoe with short steps on the move either. Stringing it up will give that artificial appearance.
A free moving dog is a pleasure to watch. If Border exhibitors were to loosen their grip there would be some surprises, but faults will never be hidden by stringing up. However, it is worth persevering to achieve ring movement on a loose lead, thus avoiding one of the more unpleasant and insidious fashions which have been creeping into the breed since before 1989!
L.A.Gosling
2006
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