With the summer weather arriving and dog shows becoming scarce in warm places, it is important to maintain the condition of your dog and you while on hiatus. Walking and jogging are great tools to use to keep muscle mass on your dog and prevent you from having to catch your breath after a go-around.

Another great way to retain your knowledge of the ring procedure is to practice with your dog a few minutes a day. Simple patterns on the driveway, stacking before receiving a treat, or practicing the basics like stand and stay are great methods of sustaining needed skills so that when you enter the ring after a vacation you will not be rusty in the procedure.

And these tools can not only be used to brush up on skills while awaiting your next show, but can be used everyday between shows to keep up your junior rank and staying just that much farther ahead of the competition.

Every bit counts!