My Summary on the Preshow discussion – Jill E Cowper

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Presentation/Handling/Etiquette

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This was very poorly attended regardless of the publicity it was given prior to the show.

On watching the judging during the day, I thought presentation and handling of some of the exhibits was not good, and a large percentage of the exhibitors would benefit from a few of the tips below.

These are just a few points we went through on preparation for the show ring;

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PRESENTATION

It is important to check the following before exhibiting any dog at a show,

• Make sure your dog is in a fit and healthy condition, eyes and ears must be clean, teeth should be clean and full dentition present.

• Make sure your dog is bodily clean and well groomed.  Nails short.

• Practice your show ring training before you enter your class.

• Your personal presentation should also be clean and tidy and well groomed.

• You should always portray a pleasant and happy disposition along with your dog.

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HANDLING

• Always practice your movement at home or try to attend a Training Club/Ring Craft classes.

• Choose and use the correct show collar and lead which suits both your dog and yourself, keep this only for showing.

• It does not look professional to use your knee or leg to move the position of your dog.

• Always use your body weight and balance to move him/her around, or even your hand.

• Always keep your eye on the judge, they are still looking and comparing.

• Don’t have your lead tight or your dog too close.  You are showing your dog off to the judge, not doing obedience.  Let him see the dog, not your legs.

• If moving in a circle, triangle or asked to do a return run, always change hands so that the judge sees the dog and not your legs.

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ETIQUETTE

• Always be polite to the Judge and the Stewards.

• Good Morning or Good Afternoon are acceptable, do not try and have a conversation unless you are spoken to.

• Never scold your dog in the ring, or pull him/her around, this is not acceptable in public view.

• Always give yourself plenty of room to show your dog, if you feel squashed up, then you may move to an open space.

• Never run up the back of the dog in front of you, if the class is running together.  Give yourself plenty of room before setting off.

• Always thank the Stewards and the Judge if you’re placed or not.  You may not always agree with their decision, accept it, be a good sport, there’s always another show.