Here's a little bit of dog training that I do to get Jamie's attention before we go into the ring.  Looking at it from his point of view, he's woken up from a peaceful doze in the back of the car and taken for a warm up in the exercise area.  Minutes later he's thrust into the midst of the show with dogs galloping off over jumps and dogs in the queue in front of him and behind him. So does he gaze adoringly at me?  Does he sit quietly waiting his turn?  I think not.  Like most dogs he's ready for the off and he wants to go now.  Waiting is agony and the only way I can get his attention is with a little start routine.  Here's what we do to practice the routine.

First of all I get Jamie to watch me. I taught him this with food of course.  A tasty titbit held up high towards my chest and the words "Watch me" soon gets his attention.   If his attention wanders I catch his eye with my hand and bring it back, pointing in towards me and repeating the words "Watch me."  Then he gets the titbit. 

I use this little bit of dog training, with food replaced by praise, when the dog in front of us in the queue has set off.  I've seen a lot of people at the front of the queue going through their own routine to get their dog's attention.  By the time the dog is in the ring it's really focused on the handler.  If a dog is inexperienced of course he might still get very distracted.  It takes time for them to get used to shows but a little warm up training never does any harm while your waiting for your turn.   Good luck.

Stop press:  Jamie's grandma bought me a fashion magazine.  Do you think she was trying to tell me something?