Rings for dogs: what are they and how to choose them?

The show for dogs has long since migrated from the category of special exhibition accessories to an urgent need for every dog ​​breeder. The elegant accessory has a rather frivolous appearance, does not give the impression of a reliable leash capable of holding a large animal. But if the recommendations are followed correctly and precisely, it is the ring that can provide optimal conditions for the effective presentation of the dog in the ring. What you should consider when choosing this useful accessory - we will consider in our article.

Choosing a leash for an exhibition, the owner of a purebred dog is bound by a number of conventions. FCI and RKF rules prescribe the use of accessories only that do not spoil the appearance of the animal participating in the show. Prohibited are "tape measures" and canvas, leather leashes, halters, electronic collars, wide or strict collars-ribbons, muzzles.

Show leash is a leash for an exhibition, which is a light and thin cord of a certain length, with a metal ring and a special loop for passing the owner's hand. It is put on the dog before entering the ring. In order to prevent the sliding loop from catching the throat, a special stopper is used. However, the simplicity of execution is not always welcomed. Many owners and handlers choose richly decorated or enhanced ring models, but it all depends not only on personal preference, but also on the scale of the show.

All existing variants of these useful accessories can be divided into categories according to the following parameters.

• Model. Separate and solid rings are produced. The first ones consist of a collar and a leash, connected by a carabiner with a ring. The latter have a single design without disconnecting elements.

• Construction type. There are regular and snatch chains, classic noose, sliding loops made of silk cord, ring options with an expander.

• Material. Rings can be natural - leather, silk, cotton. In addition, a special wax coating can be used. Artificial materials - nylon, nylon, paracord - are used to create inexpensive and durable products. Metal chain ledges are also a very popular option when displaying articles for large dogs.

• Appointment. For a single or group, pair show, you need accessories of different types. Models for large and small dogs are produced separately. Long-haired breeds need completely different ringlets than short-haired ones.

All kinds of rings you need be sure to choose taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular dog.

The first and most important thing to rely on when choosing a ring is the convenience of the handler. The simplest models for beginners are sliding loops made of durable silk or nylon. They can be purchased in the color of the dog's coat or, conversely, made in contrast. Bright models are used in shows as part of the show of decorative rocks. In this case, the handler's clothes are selected to match the lace, against the background of which the dog should be clearly visible.

When choosing a leash for a show for a large breed dog, of course, it makes no sense to use colored laces. You need to choose accessories made of leather or metal, strong and durable enough. It is worth considering that the ring should not be visible on the body, distort the proportions and length of the neck... The loop should be narrow enough, strong enough not to impede the movement of the dog.

If the dog has a gray, blue, graphite, anthracite color, a black ring, the least noticeable on the background of the body, will suit him. A white show leash is bought for dogs with a solid light coat or with pronounced spotting.

There are also pedigree traditions - Yorkshire Terriers are exhibited mainly in red strangleholds.

The strength characteristics of the ring are very far from ideal. Even a leather cord can easily break under the onslaught of the animal's body. Experienced handlers acquire several options at once "in reserve" in order to replace a burst accessory if necessary.

It is worth assessing the strength characteristics at the time of purchase.

The length of the ring is also important. The demonstration leash should be taut when showing the dog's articles. Accordingly, an option that is too long is unlikely to be the best solution. An overly short product will cause discomfort to the pet, and the loop will cut into the hand of the handler. It is advisable at the training stage to purchase several options for leashes of different lengths and determine the "golden mean".

For a ring used outside the exhibition, the characteristic feature is adjustable length and size of the loop. The optimal parameters are calculated in such a way so as not to suffocate the pet. The sagging of the leash-lace under the chest is also excluded. You should learn to hold a slippery loop in advance in your hands. If it falls in the ring, it can seriously spoil the impression of the display of the animal, cause a hitch in the show.

It is believed that the choice of ring can influence the judges' experience. In fact, everything is even more serious - the wrong combination of collar and leash can lead to disqualification of the dog. In addition, a tape that stands out too brightly disturbs the proportions of the animal's body, leads to the fact that it loses in external attractiveness.

So that the ring is fully consistent with the type of constitution and breed of the dog, when selecting it, a number of recommendations should be used.

1. Choke straps are chosen to showcase smooth-haired dog breeds. These include hairless and crested dogs, Chihuahuas. Hunting dogs are also shown in the ring in this type of leash and collar bundle. Strangles are also acceptable for showing native breeds - they include Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bassendzhi.
2. For a large, massive dog, strong leather rings are needed, most often with a "pigtail" weaving. The kit should include a loop retainer - the leash with the collar forms a single bundle.
3. For medium-sized dogs, it is necessary to choose lightweight loops made of silk, cotton, nylon. For the convenience of the dog, you can purchase a model with a loop lock.
4. Animals with increased skin sensitivity, as well as small size hairless and decorative breed puppies are shown in special accessories. They have an additional backing to reduce pressure on the skin.
5. A correctly selected ring loop does not guarantee that the movement in the ring will be successful. But it will definitely save the animal from losing points for exterior flaws, emphasized by the noose.

If the owner does not have sufficient experience, you can consult the breeder or the owner of the kennel on the selection of convenient ammunition for the breed.

There are certain rules for how exactly the ring should be applied. The first thing that begins with training is putting on an accessory around the neck. For this:

• the dog sits on the left near the owner's leg;
• a loop is formed on the lace, into which the head of the animal is threaded;
• the stranglehold rises under the pharynx, its upper edge should be under the occipital protuberance.

With the correct position of the ring, it does not tighten the neck, the dog breathes freely, easily turns its head, while the owner fully controls the pet's actions. If the stranglehold is above or below a predetermined level, the dog will show signs of hypoxia, try to crouch on the ground or rise on its feet. All this will affect the quality of the gait when walking.

The correct "ring" position of the cord is vertically upward, forming a perpendicular to the skull. The handler holds his end in an outstretched, but not tense hand. The dog should gradually get used to the position of the leash and show no signs of fright.

When preparing a dog for an exhibition, it is imperative to rehearse showing the animal in a static position and in motion. If the dog and handler have extensive experience in the show, it is possible to demonstrate the stance and movement with a free ring position.

The loop remains without tension, the leash rises slightly when walking. When stopped, it is placed on the back and between the shoulder blades of the dog, but is not released from the handler's hands.

It is worth distinguishing clearly between training and exhibition rings. The dog also perfectly understands the purpose of the accessory, its special mission. Even if the use of a stranglehold seems convenient in other conditions, you need to create a rule: immediately after leaving the ring, change the special exhibition leash to an everyday one. This will help to form the correct attitude of the dog.

The appearance of the exhibition ammunition also matters. It should not be wrung or worn out. It is better to store it in a case, away from sunlight, burnt-out material is not the best addition to the dog's show image. It is not recommended to fold the accessory, as well as to tie it with a knot. A soiled leash or strap made of cloth can be washed with safe powders or soap.

For information on what dog showrooms are and how to work with them, see below.