If the dog is dirty a bath will be the order of the day. This should be done 2 or 3 days before the show. There are several shampoos and conditioners available and is each individuals own preference as to which one is best for their dog.

1.  Rinse off thoroughly.

2.  After drying off excess water with the towel, comb or brush them through and finish off using a hairdryer brushing all the time in the direction the hair grows and how it would eventually lie.

3. The hocks are brushed and dried upwards first to give a more full appearance, then lightly downwards. Point to remember, not all dogs like the sound a hair drier makes so be careful not to frighten the dog. One hand on the hair drier and a gentle hand on the dog  initially till you feel the dog is ok.

4. Once dried secure a dry towel around the dog and keep them in a warm area until  completely dry. Ensure the coat is lying flat before you put on the towel or you may find when you remove the towel several sticky up bits These are particularly hard to get flat again without some form of soaking at the very least . So hopefully, when the towel is removed hi presto a flat coat.

5.  Give the coat a good brush the next day and tidy any bits that require trimming.

6.  Try and not to trim the dog too much at this stage as the coat length can shrink by a quarter of an inch. It may not seem much but it could be the difference between being neat and too short.

7.  Lastly don’t forget to trim long nails and check teeth for tartar.

It is worth getting someone to move the dog so as to see if there is any dares to stick out which could cause distraction or give a wrong impression of movement.