Does your dog back off judges? Lack pizzazz? Doesn't enjoy himself in the ring? Then I can probably help.

It doesn't matter how good your dog is, if he doesn't have that extra 'oomph' or sparkle, then he may never fulfil his potential. If he lacks confidence or is bothered by the attention of judges he won't be showing himself off to advantage nor, importantly, will he be enjoying the experience.

Some dogs don't cooperate in the ring, or they play up. Sometimes that's a sign of the dog not coping, sometimes it's the dog not understanding. Worse, some dogs are pushed so far they show aggression. That doesn't necessarily mean they are 'bad temperaments' it just means they are being pushed too far. Some dogs may simply not care enough to bother to show!

I have trained, handled and campaigned two champions, both of whom were winners at Crufts, competed in obedience and lived in the house as companion dogs, so I can offer advice which takes into account what you need for the showring, as well as the 'real world' and the home.