HANDLING THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND by William H. Monohon
W hen I was asked to possibly write an article on handling the Italian Greyhound, my first thought was, ‘Sure, why not?’ It is not unlike handling any oth- er breed, that is if you know the breed. Understanding that our breed is a small Sighthound gives you insight into what to expect as they approach a stranger or a stranger approaches them. Make sure they have the tem- perament to be in the ring! So, now we have the temperament to be in the ring, let’s consider if our IG is a dog that should be presented in the ring as “breeding stock.” That is why we show our animals, correct? They represent the next generation of our breeding animals. So, have you evalu- ated your dog and have you possibly had your mentor evaluate your dog? If not, that should be your first step. Be honest, have that grooming table in front of your mirror, stack up your dog and look in themirror—thenbe honest with yourself. Walk through the stan- dard as you evaluate your dog. Great, you’ve determined it is ring worthy, so the venture begins. I always recom- mend giving your new show prospect ten shows to see how things go and then do another evaluation. So, are you ready for the show ring? Make sure your dog is groomed, clean, and you have the lead that works for you! Be sure that you have attended handling classes and socialized your dog well prior to entering the show
“UNDERSTANDING THAT OUR BREED IS A SMALL SIGHTHOUND GIVES YOU INSIGHT INTO WHAT TO EXPECT AS THEY APPROACH A STRANGER OR A STRANGER APPROACHES THEM.
Make sure they have the temperament to be in the ring!”
ring. You want to give your dog the best possible chance to enjoy the ex- perience, and for you as well to have a good time. We are there to show our breeding stock and to have fun. Exhibit your dog with confidence and use good sportsmanship. That
“good sportsmanship” is another ar- ticle that could be written and read by many! Go to the ring prior to your ring time and pick up your armband and observe the ring procedure your judge is using before you enter. This way, you are prepared and ready when
60 • T op N otch T oys , J une 2021
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