Ring Sparring

[Dogsfevr]

http://www.youtube.com/user/thedogworldtv?feature=watch

Here's another good link for dog shows overseas ,you can waste hrs on youtube watching dog shows

[Crazy Daisy]

Can I ask what is sparing supposed to look like exactly? In those clips that Showdog posted there was the dogs who approached each other, went up in their toes and wagged their tails and then there were the ones who jumped up on their back legs pulling on the lead and sometimes made a small bark. Does it matter if their feet come off the ground? Or are they just supposed to look at each other animatedly.

[angelsun]

Manchesters aren't to be sparred either...I was asked many years ago, refused and asked to leave the ring...yup, that judge got a complaint filed on them!

Anyway....

When done correctly, it's amazing...doesn't promote aggression, just alertness.

Sparring terriers at the big shows in the states gives one goosebumps....bringing out the big male airedales at Montgomery County show in October in Pennsylvania, is not for the wimpy hearts but is spectacular to watch and participate in....never are any at risk of injury. So much is misunderstood about sparring....it's a dying art for both handlers and dogs....many of the dogs now, are too soft and uninterested on any level to spar correctly...such a shame...but it's similar to the gundogs that bolt and run at the sound of a shotgun....