We offer services that are necessary to condition “YOUR” dog mentally and physically, including coat care and training for the show ring. We specialize in conditioning and showing Poodles! Below is an outline of what we do to get your dog ring ready at the Vidrine home:

Conditioning

Conditioning your dog includes proper feeding and quality food. Dogs in our care are fed on a schedule of two times daily. We feel this gives each dog a good nutritional foundation and provides them with the necessary nutrients needed to be in top notch physical condition. In addition, because most of our client dogs are poodles, we believe a twice daily feeding schedule helps to avoid any chance of bloat or digestive issues. We are always happy to feed our client dogs as per instructions from the client, even down to the brand of food and/or raw if that is the protocol we are asked to follow.

In addition to proper feeding, each dog is on a schedule for a weekly bath, and coat care. Needless to say, the dogs are living in our home and we observe them daily. We take great pride in presentation of “your dog” in big, gorgeous coat that is trimmed specifically to enhance your dog’s conformation. Dogs that come to us to be shown are always hand dried, and scissored lightly to keep the trim and also the coat in top condition.

Another part of conditoning is exercise. We have a schedule where dogs are exercised twice daily. Keep in mind that the time outside can and does vary depending on the weather.

Training

We take time to train each individual dog to show, and to show well. This involves taking that dog out by his or herself and working with it to learn proper gaiting, and to become a team with the handler. It is my goal to feel like “we”, the dog and me, are one, and when we move, it is fluid and smooth. I want that dog to move like it is just second nature. In that way, I can become invisible, so that the judge can focus entirely on the dog, and judging how the dog moves. Another part of show training is learning to stack, and to stand for examination. We work on this at home, always……BUT we also take future show dogs with us to the shows so they can get some practice in the real show environment, and there are people there that we can ask to go over the dog, much as a judge would do, so in this way, the dog can become mentally ready prior to his or her debut in the ring.

Show Grooming

There is a lot more to show grooming than most people actually envision. Depending on the particular dog, their coat type, the skin color and how they respond to being clipped, makes a difference in how clipping is timed prior to the show we are about to attend. Clipping the dog into the proper show pattern is an essential part of show grooming, and great care and attentiveness goes into: when to clip the face, the feet, the hindquarters and so forth. The number of days prior to showing, will determine when these areas are clipped. It will be customized in order for your dog to look his or her very best.

Show Presentation

We present your dog in the ring to the judge, and our entire being is focused on a perfect presentation, and also, commanding the attention of the judge to our dog. Many years of experience have led me to become a very focused handler. I am attentive to every detail, and strive to present a smooth and professional picture of your dog to the judge.