From Traditional to Trendy - Ten Inventions That Quietly Changed the Dog Show World
Feb 10, 2026
Hi {{ first_name }},
The dog show world is rooted in tradition, but don’t let that fool you. Innovations have quietly transformed how we train, groom, condition, and compete with our dogs. Over the last 150 years, these changes have made showing dogs easier, more precise, and far more accessible to owner-handlers.
Here are ten inventions that many dog show enthusiasts rely on every day, often without even thinking about them.
- The Dog Whistle (1876)
Originally developed to study hearing, the dog whistle became a powerful training tool. Its consistent, high-frequency sound allows for clear communication at a distance — especially helpful in training focus and response. Not as widely used now as they were in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, they’re still a great tool to help you shape behavior when the dog isn’t attached to you with a lead. - Electric Grooming Clippers
Electric clippers revolutionized coat care, especially for professional dog groomers. What once required hours of hand-stripping or scissoring could now be done with speed and consistency, raising the bar for grooming standards across breeds. Before taking a clipper to your show dog, be sure it’s “done” in your breed. - High-Velocity Dryers
Modern dryers don’t just dry coats — they create volume, enhance texture, and improve skin health. For coated breeds especially, this invention changed show prep forever. For double-coated breeds, a force dryer is THE tool for getting out loose undercoat. - Treat-Based & Marker Training Tools
From clickers to treat pouches, modern training tools support positive reinforcement and precise timing — critical for teaching free stacks, show gait, and confident ring behavior. - Specialty Grooming Tools
Breed-specific combs, brushes, rakes, and stripping knives allow exhibitors to fine-tune presentation in ways earlier generations could only dream of. There are literally hundreds of different kinds – if you’re not sure, talk to your breed mentor about what they use. - Portable Show Crates & X-Pens
In the early days of dog shows, “dog boxes” were wooden, heavy, and not very portable. They were intended to contain dogs in the freight cars of a train. Lightweight, collapsible crates made it possible for exhibitors to travel more easily and keep dogs safe, rested, and comfortable at shows. - Conditioning & Fitness Equipment
Simple tools like cavaletti rails, balance discs, and flirt poles help build strength, coordination, and endurance, all of which contribute to better movement around the show ring. - Microchip Identification
Sure, you can put a collar tag on your dog…and ruin the coat! Microchips dramatically improved dog safety and traceability, offering peace of mind for exhibitors traveling long distances with valuable dogs. The coat doesn’t get stained or broken, and microchips don’t fall off if the collar breaks. - Video Recording & Playback
The ability to record movement, stacking, and handling allows exhibitors to self-evaluate and improve — a game-changer for learning and progress. In the olden days, Rachel Page Elliott used a home movie camera. Now you have a recording device in your phone, with you all the time where you can easily record your practice sessions and show ring performances. - The Internet & Online Education
Perhaps the biggest shift of all. Online resources, webinars, videos, and global networking have democratized access to information that was once passed along only in small circles. Fanciers literally have a world of knowledge at their fingertips.
Together, these inventions didn’t replace tradition — they support it. They allow better care, clearer communication, and greater opportunity for exhibitors at every level.
Yes, you still have to train your dog, condition your dog, and feed your dog appropriately. You still have to do the work, and the tools help you show your dog at their very best.
