Dog rings: what is it and how to choose them?

A ringovka for dogs has long migrated from the category of special exhibition accessories to an urgent need item for every dog ​​breeder. An elegant accessory has a rather frivolous appearance, does not make the impression of a reliable leash that can hold a large animal. But with the correct and accurate follow-up of the recommendations, it is the ringing that is able to provide optimal conditions for the effective representation of the dog in the ring. What should be considered when choosing this useful accessory - we will consider in our article.

Choosing a leash for an exhibition, the owner of a thoroughbred dog is bound by a number of conventions. FCI and RKF rules prescribe the use of exclusively accessories that do not spoil the appearance of the animal participating in the show. “Roulettes” and tarpaulins, leather leashes, halters, electronic collars, wide or strict collars-tapes, muzzles are prohibited.

Ringovka for dogs is a leash for the exhibition, which is a light and thin cord of a certain length, with a metal ring and a special loop for threading the owner’s hand. He is put on a dog before entering the ring. In order for the sliding loop to not catch the throat, use a special stopper. However, the simplicity of execution is not always welcomed. Many owners and handlers choose richly decorated or improved ring models, but it all depends not only on personal preferences, 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. They produce separate and integral rings. The first consists of a collar and a leash, connected by a carbine using a ring. The second have a single design without disconnecting elements.

• Type of construction. There are regular and jerk chains, classic noises, sliding loops made of silk cord, ring options with an expander.

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

• Destination. For single or group, doubles, accessories of different types are needed. Separately produced models for large and small dogs. Longhair breeds need completely different rings than shorthair ones.

All kinds of rings needed Be sure to choose according to 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, on the contrary, made contrasting. Vibrant models are used at shows as part of the show of decorative breeds. In this case, the handler’s clothes are chosen to match the lace, against which the dog should be clearly visible.

When choosing a leash for an exhibition for a large breed dog, of course, it makes no sense to use colored shoelaces. You need to choose accessories made of leather or metal, strong enough and durable. It is worth considering that ringing should not be visible on the body, distort the proportions and length of the neck. The loop should be narrow enough, strong, not restrict the dog’s movements.

If the dog has a gray, blue, graphite, anthracite color, then a black ring is suitable for him, the least noticeable against the background of the body. White show leash is bought for dogs with a solid light shade of wool or with pronounced spotting.

There are also pedigree traditions - Yorkshire terriers are displayed mainly in red strangles.

The strength characteristics of the ring are very far from ideal. Even leather lace can easily break under the onslaught of the body of the animal. Experienced handlers acquire several options “in reserve” at once, in order to replace a broken accessory if necessary.

Evaluate the strength characteristics is even at the time of purchase.

Ring length is also important. The demonstration leash must be pulled during the demonstration of the dog's articles. Accordingly, a too long option is unlikely to be the best solution. An excessively short product will cause discomfort to the pet, and the handler will crash into the hand. It is advisable to purchase several versions of leashes of different lengths at the training stage and determine the “golden mean”.

For a ring used outside the exhibition, a characteristic feature is adjustable length and size of the loop. The optimal parameters are calculated in such a way so as not to strangle the pet. Sagging of the lace under the breast is also excluded. A slippery loop is worth learning to hold tight in your hands in advance. When falling in the ring, it can seriously spoil the impression of showing the animal, causing a hitch in the show.

It is believed that the choice of ringing can affect the judges. In fact, still more serious - The wrong combination of collar and leash can disqualify the dog. In addition, the ribbon that stands out too brightly violates the proportions of the animal’s body and leads to the fact that it loses in external appeal.

To make the ring fully consistent with the type of constitution and breed of the dog, in its selection should use a number of recommendations.

1. The noises are chosen to demonstrate smooth-haired dog breeds. These include hairless and crested dogs, chihuahua. Hunting dogs are also shown in the ring precisely in this type of ligament of the leash and collar. The noose is acceptable for displaying native breeds - they include Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bassenji.
2. For a large, massive dog you need durable leather rings, most often with braiding. The kit should have a loop lock - a leash with a collar forms a single bundle.
3. For medium-sized dogs, it is necessary to choose light 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 puppies of bare and decorative breeds of small size, are shown in special accessories. They have an additional substrate that reduces 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 the exterior flaws, underlined by a noose.

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

There are certain rules on how to apply the ring. The first thing that training starts with is putting on an accessory around the neck. For this:

• the dog sits on the left near the owner’s foot;
• a loop is formed on the lace into which the animal’s head is threaded;
• the noose rises under the throat, its upper edge should be under the occipital protuberance.

With the correct position of the ring, she does not tighten her neck, the dog breathes freely, easily turns her head, while the owner completely controls the actions of the pet. If the noose is above or below a predetermined level, the dog will show signs of hypoxia, try to fall to the ground or rise on its paws. All this will affect the quality of the gait when moving.

The correct “ring” position of the cord is vertically upward, with the formation of a perpendicular to the skull. Handler holds his end in an outstretched, but not tense hand. The dog should gradually get used to the position of the leash and not show signs of fright.

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

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

It is necessary to clearly distinguish between training and exhibition rings. The dog also perfectly understands the purpose of the accessory, its special mission. Even if the use of the noose seems convenient in other conditions, you need to make a rule: immediately after leaving the ring to change a special exhibition leash for everyday. This will contribute to the formation of the correct mood of the dog.

The appearance of exhibition ammunition also matters. It should not be frayed, subject to strong wear. It is better to store it in a case, away from sunlight, burnt out material is not the best addition to the exhibition image of a dog. Folding the accessory is not recommended, as well as tying it with a knot. A stained leash or noose made of cloth can be washed with safe powders or soap.

About what ringings for dogs are and how to work with them, see further.