Question about grooming and show leads

[Jamie]

Are there any special procedures or products that you use for grooming for conformation? Do you shave the whiskers off? Any special conditioning spray, etc. that you love?

Also, what type of lead do you use to show and where did you purchase it?

Thanks for your help to all my questions.

[Jamie]

Hi. I forgot to ask what age and for how long do you tape a pup's ears.....

[Cookie]

Hi. I forgot to ask what age and for how long do you tape a pup's ears.....

Hmmmm.......pup??? Something you would like to tell us Jamie?? Inquiring minds, you know....

Back when my husband and I had our first pug Ozzie, the breeder showed him to championship and the only thing I remember her doing as far as grooming was snipping off the whiskers with a small scissors so the muzzle was velvety smooth like his ears. And of course, lots of brushing. Maybe she trimmed the "feathers" on his back legs, but I'm not sure about that.

[shaynapug]

I do not touch whiskers! They do not have to be touched to win Best of Breed and Group Placements.

I do trim the tail .....the butt...and any leg hairs sticking out.

I use a chammy (sp) cloth to shine my girls up before showing....

I make sure their nails are done. I do them weekly..or every other week when showing.

[Cookie]

I do not touch whiskers! They do not have to be touched to win Best of Breed and Group Placements.

Interesting. I always just assumed it was necessary for the show ring, since she did it with all her pugs. This was also quite a while ago, though, close to 20 years.
Is it something that's not done at all, or do some handlers trim them and some don't?

[Co-Pilot in Flight]

I asked some similair questions not too long ago. To help you out I found that link which will answer some of your questions and then some. There is especially help on taping ears.
Grooming questions and stuff for first show

I don't know what the *experts* use ( I am brand new at showing), but a Rescoe lead is what i have been told is standard, no more than $15 and you can buy them at the dog shows. It is a good idea to attend a few shows with your dog to get them used to the environment, you can buy one then.

Good luck, showing can be a lot of fun and laughs, we have been having a pretty good time and haven't gotten our first point yet!

[Luvbean25]

Hey Jamie:

Sara started a thread about a month ago on grooming and there were some good ideas, suggestions, etc. in that one......
Grooming questions and stuff for first show

When it comes to showing you do as you like or prefer. The standard says that pugs are to be in "natural state" however...if you had a corporate job would you show up in your "natural state"? When you show, make you dog look like you are there to win. I can spend easily 2 1/2 hours grooming Noah before a show!

I trim (not shave) whiskers. I prefer a clean look on my pugs, and I do all of them, not just the show pugs. Again it is a preference. I do not shave them, just trim! When it comes to show leads it is a dog by dog basis...I use mainly a resco lead, but on Noah I use a snake chain and resco on the end. He has a VERY large head and I need head control with him. I have also used martingale leads, but they are not my favorite with pugs. I have about 15 diffrent types of leads and all are different, 80% of the time I am using a brown resco! They are about $7.00 and are the best and most common for pugs. You can buy them on www.petedge.com and get the 1/4" for a trained pug or a 3/8" for more control. If you have a wild and out pug, go for a snake slip chain.

We are here if you have more questions!!

Good Luck!

[emperorwudi]

Hi Jamie -
I, too, trim whiskers, but it is NOT mandatory. Dex got his first points (two, at 6 mo. under Judge Luc Boileau) with the full-on catfish-face before I started trimming, so it was simply my preference for the cleaner look. I would say most of those who do not trim are in the puppy classes or have feminine bitches. JMHO, of course.
As far as leads, as you have been advised, a thin black (clip) slip Rescoe is far and away the most common. I started out with one, and continue to use a loop Rescoe with a "gold" chain. I have a boy who does not know that the standard calls for Pugs to be shown at a "collected trot" and has watched his buddies in the Doberman ring once too often. I switched to hold him back a little.
On to your question about products. I use a mild herbal lavender shampoo that I get at Trader Joes for cheeeep. You can spend big bucks on Chris Christensen or Plush Puppy or whatever, but I believe a fine coat comes from within - from feeding a premium diet. I live in a semi-arid climate, so following a bath, I have always rinsed my Pugs (both Couch and Show Champions! ) with a very dilute Downy Free (no perfumes or dyes) final rinse. Makes them extra soft, tames fly-aways, and adds to flea-prevention methods. On show day, I do trim back of legs, tail, and take a spritz of Citri-shine on my hands and run it over Dex's coat before I do his final brushing. I do not spray him, just that smidgen from my hands gives him a nice finish, but not anything 'slick'.
HTH
Lisa

[Co-Pilot in Flight]

On to your question about products. I use a mild herbal lavender shampoo that I get at Trader Joes for cheeeep. You can spend big bucks on Chris Christensen or Plush Puppy or whatever, but I believe a fine coat comes from within - from feeding a premium diet. I live in a semi-arid climate, so following a bath, I have always rinsed my Pugs (both Couch and Show Champions! ) with a very dilute Downy Free (no perfumes or dyes) final rinse. Makes them extra soft, tames fly-aways, and adds to flea-prevention methods. On show day, I do trim back of legs, tail, and take a spritz of Citri-shine on my hands and run it over Dex's coat before I do his final brushing. I do not spray him, just that smidgen from my hands gives him a nice finish, but not anything 'slick'.
HTH
Lisa

Hi Lisa, we are still showing on dex's original Rescoe, thanks! And I learned something from you...yet again. I have missed you! When are you showing next? Did you decide on Hollister? I haven't yet, want to go...but just don't want to go to Hollister :(

[emperorwudi]

When are you showing next? Did you decide on Hollister? I haven't yet, want to go...but just don't want to go to Hollister :(

We'll be at Del Sur KC, here in Del Mar 3/25-26. Since I'll be in Chicago next week, the first time away from my boy (he's always traveled with me before), it should be interesting getting him ready for that one. After that will be Angeles Canyon, up your way. WRT Hollister, as much as I'd love to show to Dr. Smith, I've decided I just cannot justify the trip up there.

How did things go at FRESNO? Snow in the Cajon Pass kept us from showing in Victorville this weekend.

Lisa