Dog showing equipment: the basics
Many dog owners, if not the vast majority of them, are extremely proud of how well-kept and trained their furry friends are. For this reason, many people enter their dogs into shows and pageants in order to demonstrate these traits to others from all around the country. Obviously, the correct accessories are needed for your pet in these situations, so many people opt for collars and leather dog leads from Pets at Home, among other things.
The first thing to get is a strong collar that fits your dog well, complementing the breed; some will naturally look better in a solid collar, which might look cumbersome on smaller breeds. Round or flat leather are the most popular styles, although for an Afghan a chain collar is rarely used, as it may damage their fine coat. If the show is benched, you will also require either a bench chain or cage. The latter is more often used these days, to avoid potential accidents and provide both stability and security when showing a dog. Such cages are also available from reputable retailers, like Pets at Home.
A show lead is the next port of call. These are much finer than the leads used for walking a dog. Before purchasing a show lead, find out what type is used by exhibitors in your breed so you don't undermine your dog in the face of stiff competition. Leather one-piece leads are favoured by some, while toy breeds often use nylon string. Terriers are nearly always shown on leather collars and leads.
On top of the all-important neckwear, show dogs need a sponge as well as a towel - an old one will do the trick. If your dog is susceptible to car sickness, or it walks through a puddle or dust or dirt on the way to the show, these are indispensible before taking it into the ring.
For some breeds, trimming tools may be an essential purchase. However, as per the Kennel Club’s guidelines an Afghan should never be trimmed. A comb and a brush will however be needed to groom the coat, so choose the ones you use wisely - so long as they are soft and gentle, you will stop any chance of pre-show problems with your dog. Shampoos and conditioners, should also be worked into your dog’s weekly routine, even if it is not being shown, to maintain a healthy coat.