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Go to a Dog Show
Have you ever been to a dog show?  It's the very best way to learn about different kinds of dogs.  Plus, they're fun!
Go to a Dog Show
 		To find a dog show in your area, first check your local newspaper.  If a dog show isn't listed there, look in the telephone book to see if there's a local kennel club and call them.  If you still can't find one, try calling a local veterinarian (animal doctor).

If all that fails, the American Kennel Club has a nifty search engine to help you find a dog show in your area of the United States.  Click here to find a dog show.  (There is a ton of useful information at the AKC site, including tips for buying a puppy, dog care and training, and much more.)
The first thing to understand about organized dog shows is that the purpose is to show off purebred dogs.  As lovable as they are, you won't find any mutts in the crowd.

The main event, the BIGGIE, of all the purebred dog shows in the United States is held by The Westminster Kennel Club.  Westminster was founded in 1876 by a group of men interested in sporting dogs, primarily Pointers and Setters.  The group's name comes from the Westminster Hotel in New York City because that's where the men who started the club frequently held meetings.  The purpose of the Westminster Kennel Club was to increase interest in dogs, and to improve dog breeds.  And to hold an Annual Dog Show in New York City.  The Westminster Dog Show is so cool that BlackDog went to the Westminster Dog Show in 2003!  The Kerry Blue Terrier won:  Champion Torums Scarf Michael.

The Westminster Dog Show is the oldest continuous sporting event in America, with the exception of the Kentucky Derby.  The show has been held annually since 1877, no matter what.  Power shortages, hazardous snow storms, national depressions, and World Wars have not stopped the Westminster Dog Show.

So, how do you get your purebred dog to Westminster?  You win all kinds of shows all over the country, of course!  And there are several organizations (called Superintendents) putting on those shows.  Following is a list of Superintendents and more places you can find dog shows in your area: My Dog's Name is Scruffy  Do you want to show off your dog in a show, but your best friend isn't one of those expensive purebred dogs?  Don't despair.  Call your friends who have dogs ask them over and put on your own dog show.  Beware, though.  Even if you are best friends with someone, your dogs might not know each other.  Putting dogs who are strangers to each other together can be dangerous.  Make sure you talk to a responsible adult before you start and get help. 

Whatever you do, dog shows can be great!

Not really interested in trying to find a dog show or hosting a neighborhood dog show of your own?  There are other fun things to do with dogs.

Dog Parks are Fun  Can't get to a dog show?  Have some fun at a dog park.  Here are some rules from Cesar Milan that should be followed when taking your dog around other dogs in a dog park:
  1. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!
  2. Do not use the dog park as a substitute for the walk! If you drive to the park, leave your car a block away and take your dog on a vigorous walk of at least thirty-five minutes to drain some of her energy. Never take an over-excited dog to the park.
  3. While at the park, don't "punch out" on your calm-assertive leadership. Be aware of your dog at all times, and take responsibility for her behavior.
  4. A calm-submissive dog will not attract another dog's aggression--but an excited dog, a weak, timid dog, or an aggressive dog can become a fight-magnet.
  5. Know your dog! If your dog has poor social skills, is overly fearful or is dog aggressive, or if you have not yet established your calm-assertive leadership with your dog, find a more controlled way to introduce her to the company of other dogs, such as "play dates" with one or two other dog owners.
Dog Training is Cool  Having a few problems with your beloved pet or want to have the best behaved dog in the neighborhood?  Or maybe you're just interested in learning about different dog training techniques.  Buy a book on dog training or check out a book from your local lending library and give it a try.  Here are a few suggestions:
  1. It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet - Victoria Stilwell is BlackDog's favorite dog trainer.  Her techniques are the ones used to successfully train BlackDog's favorite new friend, "Reggie."  She is one of the world's most recognized and respected dog trainers. As the host of the hit television series It's Me or the Dog and the founder of training schools on both sides of the Atlantic, she is known as much for her spunky attitude as for her caring, effective methods. In this book, her first, Victoria shows how to tame even the most problematic dog. Simple, intuitive instructions and color photographs help dog owners not merely train their pets, but understand them -- so when a new issue arises, they'll be able to adjust their approach and nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. Throughout, she reminds owners that training isn't about imposing the owner's will on a dog; it's about giving your dog the tools he needs to live in the human world.
  2. Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems - Cesar Milan is the star of the National Geographic Channel's The Dog Whisperer.  If you haven't seen this show, try to catch a couple of episodes--you will be motivated to create a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with your dog.  In this book, Cesar Milan explains that dogs are not complicated, and despite what various owners think--not human.  Dogs rely on three key elements: exercise, discipline, and affection (in that order).
  3. The Other End of the Leash and/or For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend - by Patricia McConnell.  Patricia McConnell is an animal behaviorist and adjunct professor of zoology at the University of Wisconsin Madison.  Animal behaviorist, dog trainer, syndicated radio talk show host and prolific author on all things canine, she presents a compelling combination of stories, science and practical advice to show how understanding emotions in both people and dogs can improve owners' relationships with their pets.
  4. The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Training - by Paul Owens and Norma Eckroate.  Paul Owens has been called "the original dog whisperer."  He is nationally recognized as a leading proponent of nonviolent training, promoting kindness, respect, and compassion. He has taught thousands of families and individuals to improve the dog-human relationship using nonviolent means. His companion DVD, The Dog Whisperer: Beginning and Intermediate Dog Training by Paul Owens, has been rated the best family dog training DVD on the market.
You will be amazed at how smart your best friend can be when you know the right way to train your dog.

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