I'm a member of multiple dog show Facebook groups. Most of them regurgitate the same stuff over and over and/or complain about judges. Seriously, I don't know why I follow these groups! Invariably, something good pops up just as I'm contemplating leaving the group. Last week there was this →I read through all the responses -- there were about 150 when I finished. Many of the tips were the same, but there were a few that made me say wow. I tried to condense and categorize all the information (because that's how my brain processes information). And then I thought "Hey, other people might like this stuff too." So here you go: things to do before going in the ring, while in the ring and after exiting the ring. There's also a group of miscellaneous tips …. just because I didn't know how to categorize them.
Before
- Set one realistic goal (i.e. get dog around the ring without tripping over him)
- Double-check your tack box
- Pack a lunch
- Bring extra water for you and your dog
- Bring a crate and crate cover for your dog
- Bring your own chairs
- Bring cash for parking
- Get there early
- Take time decompress (both you and dog) before going in the ring
- Double-check ring time
- Walk your dog beforehand to work out any jitters
- Find your ring
- Potty before going in the ring (both you and your dog)
- Watch the judge’s ring procedures
- Don’t block the ring entrance while waiting to go in
During
- Breathe
- Remember to smile
- Have fun
- Make sure your dog has fun
- Look at the judge (not your feet)
- Don’t be afraid to tell the judge that you are new
- Peppermint Altoids will mask the adrenaline in your breath and hide your nerves from your dog
- Use gentle hands on the lead and on your dog to counter nerves (he can feel the tension)
- Wear a ring on a different finger. It will bug you, but will keep your mind off being nervous
- Keep a good distance between dogs
- Don't run up on other dogs
- ALWAYS congratulate the winner
After
- Don’t be too hard on yourself; whatever mistakes you make have been made by a thousand people before you
- If your dog is awarded points, check the results in the judge’s book to make sure they are correct
- Stay to watch the winners
Miscellaneous
- Remember, no matter what the judge says, you’re going home with the best dog
- Watch in crowds to keep dogs’ faces away from each other so aggravated dogs don’t nip (it happens)
- Poop bags -- bring them, use them, have extras for those who don't
- Befriend a fancier of another breed
- Watch professional handlers
Other helpful posts from the past:
- Several years ago I asked for Advice from Veteran Fanciers and received some great tips!
- E – Equipment from my A to Z of Dog Shows series details the various stuff I haul to shows and why.
- Make Your Own Dog Show Survival Kit was written by Jenna at Corgi Pants and it is absolutely brilliant!
See you around the ring! -- K
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