The aim is to optimally present our retriever to the judge in order to receive the best possible evaluation. Unfortunately, as is well known, there is no such thing as an absolutely “faultless” dog. But it is also correct that an experienced handler can hide the dog's small weaknesses thanks to a skilful presentation. Just go there, somehow put the retriever down and wait for what happens, may not be enough! For this reason, starting in America and Great Britain, a “booth” has been set up that shows dogs more or less professionally. This comes from the English term “acting” or the executing “handler”. Many believe that the best handler of their own dog can be in every owner. You have to want it on the one hand and on the other hand work on yourself and your companion, that is, train in the same way as for another test.

The task here is to present our retriever in such a favorable way that its advantages are particularly evident or its small weaknesses are as little noticeable as possible. The dog should be attentive and happy in the ring, just typical of the retriever breed. By his appearance in the ring he should give a positive image and reveal a sure being. It is ideal if the judge's gaze is drawn to the dog. With that I want to say that the best handler acts invisibly, ie only intervenes corrective when necessary in order to provide his retriever with the necessary support depending on the situation. Economical, efficient movements, appearing as little as possible, in order to concentrate the judge's attention on the dog, who can thereby optimally show or develop his charisma, personality and self-confidence.

The handler must act inconspicuously but correctly in order to get the best possible result in the short time available (approx. 3-5 minutes). Because the judge can only judge what he sees! Do not forget that a dog that does not do well in the ring, not least because of a lack of ring training, has rarely won. Not infrequently because it was either set up incorrectly or presented at the unsuitable speed. A retriever who, due to correct presentation, conveys an overall picture typical of the breed will also find the appropriate assessment. The influence of skillful handling should not be underestimated here. Incidentally, I also believe that our judges have a right to have our retrievers brought before them. Watch other traders in the ring, ask experienced exhibitors. Take advantage of the opportunities our club offers. They will be happy to provide you with advice and assistance. Realize the breed standard. There you can best find the description of the individual body parts, but also the essential characteristics. You should know your dog's qualities best. That's exactly what the judge is trying to do. He compares the qualities of the exhibited dogs with the standard and assesses them accordingly in relation to one another. Inwardly balanced, radiating calm and security, make this joint task easier for you and your main character. Have confidence in your retriever and believe in its qualities! However, only one person can win at a time! At the next exhibition everything may look very different again.

It is of course particularly promising to practice with the young retriever. Experienced exhibitors will be able to do this on their own. Newcomers will find their first point of contact in the breeders. The training should be more of a game, better short but practice more often! Once you and your dog are real show professionals, you will find that an occasional refresher is more than enough. Don't skimp on praise and rewards. Do not let there be a lack of encouragement. Practice WITHOUT pressure. Ring training (not ring training) is NOT a subordination exercise. Show the dog lovingly, calmly and consistently, what to do and what not to do.

The requirements arise automatically from the process in the ring:
- Your retriever should stand quietly and attentively for a long time, as you have "built" him up.
- Your retriever should happily trot next to you in the ring on a loose leash. This at the speed you have specified. Please do not confuse this with being on the leash from subordination.
- Your retriever should allow itself to be attacked by strangers (judges) all over its body (e.g. to check teeth, anatomy and testicles).
- Your retriever should behave in a breed-typical friendly manner towards competitors and must not be aggressive or undisciplined.

This is certainly the most difficult exercise if you do not start training in adolescence. The dog is "built up", ie brought into position, as required in the ring. The quality of the dog required in the standard can thus be seen particularly well. In puppyhood, this can also be done on a table. One hand is initially held under the head, the other "straightens" the forelegs parallel. Once this is done, place the hind legs in the desired position. To do this, first grasp from behind between the hind legs. With these handles on the head or between the hind legs you support the stance. If necessary, you can now proceed to correct the stance of each individual run. Proceed particularly calmly, there is no place for hectic here. Even if you now believe that you need several hands, you will soon find that two hands are completely sufficient. Once your retriever has gotten used to it and immediately stops as you correct it, it is no longer witchcraft. If your retriever is now in the desired position, you can hold the head and tail in the position desired by the standard (possibly Golden & Flat), or let go (Labrador, etc.). First practice with guidance (breeder, ring training, etc.) and support your retriever verbally with a constant command. A large mirror that reaches to the floor can be helpful for self-diagnosis. Here you can see from a distance how to show your retriever.

The next step is the free standing, ie the dog remains free standing in the position it has learned. Your retriever can be face to face with you. Hold the leash with one hand. With the other hand, try to get the dog's attention. Small, easy-to-chew treats (cheese, liver, etc.) are ideal for this. After a very short time, your retriever will stop attentively in front of you, even if you just grab the bag with the delicacies. They have won! Make sure not to hold the delicacy too high or too low, so as not to distort the correct position of the head. Now try to get along without any delicacies and finally extend the duration of the standing exercise gradually to one or two minutes.
Whichever way you want to present your retriever is up to you. It should only be beneficial!

Get your retriever used to a ring or demonstration leash for retriever right from the start. This is a cord available from specialist retailers that doubles as a collar and leash. If you always practice with the demonstration leash, this is how your dog connects: Demonstration leash = ring training. Gradually get your dog to walk happily to your left with its head held high. Make sure that the leash is ideally placed directly behind the ears on the neck. This is the quickest way to correct yourself carefully. Support your dog verbally too! The retriever is not supposed to show how easily he is leashed (= good foot walks), but he should present his expansive gait in motion. Choose the right speed, you will have to run to do it. A light trot, no passing walk is required here. The dog should not be impetuous and show training. A free, fluid gait should be shown!