What does "dressing" the animal mean in show preparation?

The term "dressing" in the context of show preparation refers to the grooming and preparation of the animal to ensure it appears as polished and impressive as possible during the competition. This process encompasses a variety of tasks, including trimming the hair, cleaning the coat, and presenting the animal in a way that highlights its best physical attributes. By focusing on grooming, handlers can enhance the overall appearance of the animal, making it more appealing to judges and spectators alike.

While feeding the animal before the competition, training it to respond to commands, and bathing to remove dirt are all important aspects of animal care and show preparation, they do not specifically pertain to the concept of "dressing." Dressing focuses more on the visual and aesthetic aspects that contribute to the animal's overall presentation in a show setting.