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SZIZLIN VIZSLAS

I. MOVEMENT

Show Lead Set-Ups: Type. Position and Pressure

There are all different types and styles of show lead set-ups, and you may have to experiment to find the set-up that your dog works best on. Leather, nylon, parachute and metal collars and leads of various thickness and length are all available. Different materials work for different dogs. There are also one piece, loop leads, metal bolt clasp and martingale leads of varying lengths. For a beginner, try a parachute collar with a 3' loop lead ; however, if your dog is out of control, try a fine metal show choke and soft wide lead. Shorter leads allow less finesse, but they are easier for novices to maneuver.

- Figure out which lead position works best for your dog. The two most common lead placements are over the head behind the ears, or on the side of the head below the ear. Generally, a novice dog gaits straighter on a lead up over the head.

- You will also have to practice to figure out how much tension on the lead works best for your dog. Some dogs fight any pressure on their necks; other dogs need firm pressure to maintain control.

Patterns of Movement: When exhibiting your vizsla, there are only a few basic patterns that are used 99% of the time (in the rare case that you are asked to move a pattern you are unfamiliar with, ask the judge to explain how to do it). Your dog is always on your left side for the basic patterns:

- Go Round: Take your dog counterclockwise around the ring and stop where indicated by the judge and free stack (or hard stack if you are first in line).

- Diagonal Down and back: Take your dog straight to the opposite diagonal corner from where you start. When you get to the corner, bring the dog all the way around your body and line up again with the judge. Come straight back and free stack.

- Straight down and back: Take your dog straight to the opposite side of the ring where directed by the judge. Bring the dog all the way around your body and line up again with the judge. Come straight back and free stack.

- Triangle: Take your dog straight down the side of the ring where the judge is standing. Turn at the first corner and take the dog to the next corner. When you get to the corner, bring the dog all the way around your body and line up again with the judge. Come straight back and free stack.

Run in a straight line.

- Pick an object to run toward so you run straight going away from the judge.

- Pause and look at the judge before you start moving back and make sure your dog is lined up correctly.

- Make sure that your dog (not you) is lined up directly in front of the judge going and coming.

- Do not watch the dog the entire time you are moving because it may cause you to run crooked. Take quick glances back.

Keep both arms under control.

- Keep your leash hand (left hand and arm) steady (jerking movements will negatively affect your dog's movement). Keep your left elbow close to your body and hold the lead naturally.

- Keep your right hand and arm from swinging wildly (swinging right arms are distracting to the judge).

Move your dog at a gait at the best pace for your dog.

- Make sure you dog is gaiting (opposite front and rear foot coming together underneath the dog). Your dog should not be pacing (the front and rear foot on each side moving together in the same direction) or galloping (both front feet moving together and both rear feet moving together). The goal is a dog that reaches its front, drives its rear, converges to a single track under its body and is light footed (floats).

- Figure out your dog's best pace. Do not drag your dog or allow your dog to drag you around the ring.

- If your dog moves quickly, count to 3 before taking off after the person ahead of you goes.

- If your dog moves very slowly, warn the person behind you that you intend to move slowly.

- Do not make sudden stops. Pay attention to the person ahead of you so that you do not overrun them.

- Do not be intimidated into moving more quickly or slowly; you are presenting your dog and other exhibitors are responsible for adjusting their take-offs accordingly.

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