Questions about Dog Shows - Page 1

So I am watching a dog show for the 1st time.    I a question.  (maybe more later)

Why do the handlers continually "bait" the dog?   Seems like you would want to teach the dog to stand for inspection and not to rely on baiting to keep the dog's attention.

pay no attention to the man behind the curtain..........   illusion, showmanship, expediency. culture

It's the AKC way, Fawn. It is intended to show expression to the judge and to keep the dogs' attention. 

SV handlers and AKC handlers both present their dogs in much different ways. Both try to show their dogs to the judge using whatever it takes to make the dog look good. Only a stupid handler would do otherwise. SV or AKC, it doesn't matter. It's the handler's job to do their best to hide the faults and to show off the best points of each dog. It is not smoke and mirrors, it's good handling. BTW not all breeds are baited and not all judges allow baiting in their rings.

What´s the meaning of "baiting" ??? 

Baiting is using food treats or sometimes toys in the ring so the dogs show expression and appear to be alert. 

Susie - For me:  The constant of having food right in front of their nose during the stand for inspection part of the judging.

For those who responded why:   How would holding food to keep the dog's attention show "the best of the dog?"  To me, that is just a bad habit and actually shows that the dog will not stand for inspection without a distraction from the holder.

Just an observation from me.    The Chinese Crested (hairless) is a neat looking dog.  I have never seen one before.

hey, who disliked my reference to the "wizard of OZ''?  it is a good fairy tale. now if conformation shows get any more than %10 credit for breed improvement i tell you another tale. 

Don't think dog shows are worthwhile, then simply don't show at them. 

GSD's are rarely baited in the AKC ring and never when they are standing for exam or during the temperament test.