We all know what we, ourselves, expect from a judge. Professionalism,
honesty, courtesy are on all our lists. Let us consider the other side of the
coin. What should judges expect from exhibitors?
Here are the things I find necessary for one to be considered a GREAT
exhibitor:
Present a good specimen of the breed, properly trained, socialized. Bring
your dog into the ring clean and groomed appropriately for the breed it
represents. It is most displeasing to be presented matted, foul smelling dogs
with urine stains, or dirty teeth. Socialize your dog! It is understandable that
puppies might be jumpy and nervous and I always find the time to work with young
dogs to make the show a positive experience for them. It is the adult dogs that
shy or run from a judge that makes the day difficult, and can be downright risky
for a judge. Rarely will a puppy bite you, but scared adults are another story.
POTTY your dog BEFORE you are to go into the ring.
The handler should be appropriately dressed to show the dog to it's best. Be
clean, neat and presentable in the ring. Help your dog to not "blend
in" to what you are wearing. A male judge can be compromised by the
exhibitor’s mode of dress. If a female wears clothes that are revealing, short
or immodest and then by chance has the best dog, the judge may be compromised by
awarding that dog with a win. Dress nicely but not as if it were a fashion show,
wear comfortable, nice looking shoes appropriate for running. Dress modestly,
the dog should be the focal point, not you.
Every exhibitor should try to spend some time ringside prior to their breed's
judging to become familiar with the judging pattern, it can make the judge's day
move so much more smoothly. Find out before entering the ring if the judge
allows bait, toys or squeekers. And, my pet peeve, NO CELL PHONES OR PAGERS in
the ring!
Just as you want judges to treat you politely, they deserve the same
consideration. You should be attentive to your dog and to the Judge. If you do
not hear a judge’s directions, politely ask that they be repeated. Do not just
glare at the judge. Say "thank you" when you leave the ring - even if
you did not make the cut or were excused. This can make a judge’s day so much
more pleasant.
No matter what your private thoughts may be, accept the placements with a
sincere "thank you", after all, by making an entry you are asking for
the judge's opinion. If you ask questions, be ready to accept the judge’s
opinion. Do not argue, become contentious or angry when the judge points out
things you missed or did not know about your dog. Understand that the standard,
though objective, is subjective in interpretation. If the Judge points out
something you may or may not agree with about your dog, right now is probably
NOT the correct time to discuss it further. What one judge likes, another may
not. And if you feel there was a grievous error, or that the judge really did
not know the breed at all, then take it up in a professional manner, as opposed
to being a jerk and yelling and badmouthing. Have fun and understand that there
is always another dog show!
Be courteous to the stewards. An Exhibitor should be ringside, WITH THEIR
DOG, ready to walk in the ring when the steward calls them, so that they are not
wasting time waiting for you to run and get your dog, thus holding up the
judging schedule. If you are late, accept that you may not be allowed to show.
If you have a ring conflict, do not expect to be accommodated as if it were your
right. You should know that it is up to the judge's discretion whether or not to
hold up the class for you. Abide by what he/she says. Wait to receive your
ribbon in the ring, line up according to your placement, help yourself and your
Judge by making sure you have the proper armband and dog, and that they have
written your proper win on the Judges sheet.
The judge does not need to know and is not interested in what the exhibit
before him/her has won recently-save your breath-he/she will not be impressed.
Do not sit outside the ring and make distracting noises or loud comments to try
and sway the judge. When in the ring, you should not be carrying on a
conversation with other exhibitors in or out of the ring.
Be a sportsman, congratulate others when they win. If you win, do not be
haughty or prideful, accept congratulations humbly. Do not crowd other
exhibitors when gaiting as a group. Do not play with your dog when the judge is
going over another dog! Keep other dogs, food, and screaming kids away from
ringside.
Know the rules. It is an unpleasant task to disqualify an exhibitor who
claims "no one told me that". A copy of the rules can be obtained from
UKC at any time.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, have fun, meet new people, make new friends, and enjoy the
day.
Hope to see you at the shows!
