7 Responses for "What can I give my Australian Shepherd to energize him before going in the show ring?"

1. RipplinRunJackRussells January 23rd, 2009 at 12:10 am 1

   Some nutri-cal or cholo-gel. Cholo gel REALLY pumps them up and help joints.
   References :
   http://www.chologel.com/

2. puppyfred January 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 am 2

   NOTHING - just play with your dog and act excited to be there. They will follow your lead. Come on, it's CONFIMRATION - you don't need to drug your dog. Be a good owner and make sure your dog is hydrated. A massage with a cool damp towel will help keep it cool, and the vigorous massage will get him fired up. If you want your dog to be nothing but a performer, then maybe you should re-evaluate why you want a dog.
   References :
   Used to compete in disc dog and fly ball with my English Shepard, but gave it up when he got car sick on the way to competitions, and his joints started hurting him. Now, he still plays frisbee, but he's my buddy now - no more competition for him. How fun can it be to be car sick right before you play your favorite sport?

3. Basset on the 'Net January 23rd, 2009 at 12:53 am 3

   You need to keep him cool and rested before going in the ring.
   References :

4. S C January 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 am 4

   What do you do with him up to that point? If possible, keep him in as quiet an area as possible, plenty of water available. I've even rigged up ice packs to keep in my dog's crates to keep as cool as possible, plus a fan on crate can help How long do you make him stand on the grooming table–remember that's ALOT on a young dog's senses. Try to minimize the activity. If you're stressed, your dog will be stressed. He's still just a baby, so keep it as fun as possible–does he have a favorite toy? Is his breeder able to give you any help? Check into joining a dog show groups and/or Australian Shepherd group on Yahoo—one can get alot of information from people who have been there, done that. Good luck!
   References :

5. Lissa January 23rd, 2009 at 2:12 am 5

   Ha ha, I used to have this issue with my male Sheltie. Wanna know what worked really good?

   I had a female in heat. I wiped a piece of tissue on her vulva and kept it safe in a baggy far from my male until the show ring. Just before we stepped in, I let him sniff the tissue.

   What boy wouldn't perk up to that scent?

   Works great, isn't bad for his system and there are no rules against it.
   References :

6. mandie r January 23rd, 2009 at 2:36 am 6

   a friend of mine makes these high protein meat balls to give her dog during show days to keep him pumped with energy.
   and gets him real exited with toys and such for about 15min before she enters the show ring
   References :

7. bcdawgma44 January 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 am 7

   Cooling coats & crate fans help.
   References :