The preparation of dogs for shows is a matter upon which we are often asked for advice, and in view of the season which will soon be here for fall and winter shows a few lines will perhaps be appreciated. The most notable feature of the inquiries made about this subject lies in the obvious fact that the aspirants to exhibition fame do not realize the necessity for preparation until the time has gone by for doing any real good; then at the eleventh hour there is wild excitement about matters that ought to have been foreseen and arranged weeks, perhaps months - earlier. A dog needs to be put through some sort of training course just as an athlete does; and unless he is initiated into the proper methods of deportment he is not likely to find favor in the eyes of the judges, reporters or public. To some extent a dog intended for exhibition is public property, and the public who pay to come and see him ought to have him exhibited to them in the best condition and with the best manners possible, says Our Dogs.

How can a dog be taught to look his best? Well, chiefly by being kept in good conditions by careful dieting, and particularly by regular exercise. Keep his blood flowing freely through his veins - keep him alert - ready for his meals, well-groomed and well amused - for dogs like amusement as much as their masters do. Do not let him get into "slack" ways - keep him "up to the mark." These methods, and some occasional exercise in the manoeuvres of the show ring, will have an excellent effect. Rehearse, rehearse! There is nothing like plenty of rehearsal to make a show run smoothly. Now, what about being "proof against distemper?" Is not that a large order to execute all at once? Who is going to make a dog proof against the great Fiend that waylays the race of dogs. Several things may be done. It can be ascertained probably whether he has had distemper. There is no surety that he will not have it again, but it is a safeguard - experience showing that it is the exception for a dog to contract the disease a second time - though many dogs do.

Then, bearing in mind that contagious diseases always need a receptive condition on the part of their victim, we should always take care that a dog is never sent to a show if he seems at all "below par" or run down. Give him beforehand some cooling medicine and plenty of exercise. One of the greatest destroyers of disease germs is oxygen - aerate his blood therefore with plenty of ozone - he will be less likely to contract disease. Disinfectants are not of much value applied to the coat; we should trust more to the general condition of health and to a thorough disinfection on returning from the show. No dog with a cold or discharge from the nostrils or running at the eyes ought to be sent to a show; at a good show no doubt such a condition would be noticed at the veterinary examination and the dog would at once be refused admission. Stringent rules are very necessary at big shows, and it is not always possible to enforce stringent rules without injuring some susceptibilities.

The first three points surely do not need much explanation - but they do need emphasis. Dogs intended for show must be so fed and groomed that they are in full condition of health, but not gross; and their skins are free from - we will not say mange, which is a product of filth, but from eczema, a blood irritation affecting the skin; that they are constantly well-groomed fo keep their coats in proper order, there is not anything as good for a dog's coat as regular grooming; that have no trace of worms. Worms must be sought after from a month to six weeks before the show comes on; the more or less drastic treatment necessary to dispossess them will naturally reduce the animal to a condition not up to show standard; and as one dose is never enough (really) to free a dog from worms it is well to begin in time. Let him have one or two or three good dosings, well in advance of the showtime, and then all that should be needed afterward is an occasional mild aperient pill or capsule just to keep the pests from getting a lodgement again.

Age Of Maturity

The larger breeds of dogs, like St. Bernards, Mastiffs, Great Danes, or Newfoundlands, do not mature until two years of age; setters and pointers at twelve to fifteen months, while fox terriers and dogs of this size, and including smaller breeds, will, as a rule, mature at a year old.