Before you dive head first into this exciting hobby I hope you will take some of my advice here and find out what you might not already know. Showing your own dog can be very rewarding and a lot of fun...and who knows? Your hobby might turn into a part time career or if nothing else, a life long passion as it has me!
My first suggestion would be to read as much information as you can on how a dog show works...the different classes of dogs and order of judging...how points are calculated. The AKC puts out an outstanding book with every dog breed standard and important information on how a dog becomes a champion. The internet is full of information also and most breed clubs have a website that will give you ready access to this material along with lists of dog shows that will be held close to your home.
Go to a show to watch and learn how a dog show works by actually watching the judging process. If you have any questions there are always a few old timers sitting around the ring who would be more than happy to explain what is going on and they will be impressed if you have a basic understanding of how dogs are judged. You might actually be surprised by who you might meet! My wife actually got to meet Betty White one year at a dog show which was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for her.
Pay special attention to not only what goes on inside the ring but also what goes on outside of the ring. Owners and handlers make sure that they show up early so they are ready to walk in the ring when called. They pick up their numbered armbands from the ring steward, who is the person who is responsible for calling the dogs into the ring when it is time for them to be judged, marking how dogs are placed in the different classes and calling for "clean up" when a dog has an accident in the ring...among many other chores...so be kind to the steward. They have a lot to do and are often future judges.
Watch how different judges evaluate dogs and try to notice the basic things that different judges like and dislike. This may be difficult at first but after some time you will notice that some judges like dogs that are shown on a loose lead and some that prefer a dog shown on a tight lead....some prefer a fast gaited dog and others a slow gaited dog...how some are funny about certain things such as what kind of lead you use to show your dog. One judge that I knew hated to see a dog on a chain slip lead and asked a friend of mine if her dog was a tiger...."is this a tiger that you have here that you need to put it on a chain?"
Watch the dogs as much as possible. One of the biggest things that you will ever learn is how a sound dog moves. It may be very elusive at first but after you spend some serious time looking at lots of dogs walking you will get a full appreciation of what makes one dog better than another. Learn breed type, which is even more elusive! You will hear things such as "She's very typey" or "she's very common..." All of this will make sense someday and a ring full of dogs will no longer all look the same. You will, in time, be able to pick out an outstanding dog from a common one from across the ring....you will be able to see a sound dog from an unsound or "not as sound" dog after it takes only a few steps.
Walk around the grounds and see how other exhibitors take care of their dogs, making sure that they are properly exercised throughout the day, have fresh water and are comfortable as possible. Notice how folks get their dogs ready before going into the ring. Feel free to ask questions and try to be understanding if someone seems aloof....these folks take this business very seriously and it is a business for many of them just the same as you might not have time before a big meeting to answer questions, these folks might be under some stress to make sure everything is right for their upcoming meeting....and don't touch a dog unless you ask first and try not to be offended if someone asks that you don't. They may have spent many hours getting every hair right where it's supposed to go...it's nothing personal. The end of the day is often a good time to visit folks and if you haven't bought a nice dog to show or chosen a breed these are the people to talk to. Take your time and gather as much information as you can.
Do stay all day and enjoy the group showing....Sporting, Toy, Hounds, Terriers....this and the judging of Best in Show are the best part of the day. Root for your favorite dog...the exhibitors appreciate it and I like to think that the dogs love it too!
When the day is done I think you will be hooked. I know that was how it was for me. After my first dog show I was beat tired but had found my passion that hasn't left me to this day.
| Bret Peterson was formerly a professional dog handler and can be contacted at bret@godoggomobilepetspa.com and through his website at http://www.godoggomobilepetspa.com |
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