Let’s face it, your pup is probably not ready to win a blue ribbon for best in show; but we know she’s still a show dog in your eyes.

 It’s fun to watch dog shows, isn’t it? It always send the mind spiraling, “I wonder how hard it is to be a show dog?” Or “What can I do to help my pup look like that?” It takes a lot of work and a lot of time, but you can help your furbaby look her best by following the tips from national competitors.

5 Tips to Have Your Pup Turn Heads

Exercise

Dogs feel happiest when they receive positive attention while having fun, and in a dog’s world, fun means exercise. A fit dog is a healthy dog. You may not be ready to strap a weighted vest on your dog for swimming laps or running sprints like a number of competition pups do, but you can surely add an extra 30-45 minutes of exercise in each day.

If you can help burn your dog’s energy and keep her at a healthy and lean weight, you will also notice that she listens better and handles herself in a calmer manner.

Diet

Diet plays a large role in keeping your dog at a healthy weight, but there is so much more that happens when your dog eats. Gut bacteria and overall health are both linked directly to the foods you choose for your pup. Every breed and every dog may need a diet catered specifically to them. Skin issues, rashes, allergies, and dull coat can all (most likely) be ratified with a high-quality diet.

Grooming

Training your dog to be groomed leads to a dog who enjoys being groomed. It takes time, but you can teach your dog to jump right up on a bench and gently guide them through a grooming experience. You start with gentle strokes of the paws and legs, and you work your strokes across the body. You will eventually introduce the brush and keep everything positive.

You must know and understand your dog’s coat, too. Is it meant to be long and flowing? Should it be kept short? Is the color one that would benefit from a whitening shampoo, or will any chemicals in a soap tint the coat? Does your dog’s coat require a conditioner to keep the skin from drying out?

Teeth

Dogs need their teeth brushed. You can offer high-quality chews that will help fight plaque build up, but you still need to brush. Don’t forget the gum line, as it can be the host of bacteria that leads to health issues.

Nails

Don’t wait to be scratched, keep an eye on your dog’s nails. Each breed has different needs, some having longer hair on their paws that cover the nails. Overgrown nails effect a pup’s ability to walk and move well. If you are uncomfortable trimming the nails, schedule regular appointments with your groomer.

If you implement these 5 tips, your dog will be a show stopper every day of the week!