Dog Show Follies

Dog Show Follies

Yes, I agree what I know about dog shows would fit in a thimble, but..

when I had a dog to show I enjoyed the adventure. Studies say that most dog show people stay in the show life for 5 to 7 years. They get a Show Dog, buy the stuff, learn to show, get a Championship on their pooch and go back home. A few ribbons, a piece of gilded paper and a photograph to commemorate the accomplishment. Owner, handler, Proud Dog moment. What makes folks stay showing, basically is getting another dog or breeding a litter and keeping a pup to try once again to repeat the experience. But AKC is wondering what is keeping folks away - in droves - first the economy - that is a given, but then again if folks really want to spend money on something they enjoy, they will find a way. I just have another thought and it has nothing to do with money in fact it costs nothing to bring folks into the dog show world and to keep them showing. I think, it is just being nice. Being nice to the newbies, being nice to your competitors, being nice to your apprentices, being nice to spectators. Let us look at the newbies first: treat them like babies first learning to walk.. encourage them, tell them what they are doing right, teach them what to look for in other handlers that will strengthen their skills... don't stand on the side lines just outside the ring fence and tell your friend next to you, OUT LOUD on purpose, just how awful the newbie is doing and how the dog is so not show worthy, of course you talk just loud enough for newbie hear. Thereby, crushing perhaps newbies confidence and in fact bullying the newbie with your words. The hurtful words that come from your mouth - may affect more harm than you'll ever know. Take your knowledge, and share with newbie... one day you may need newbie to bring in same said dog into the ring so you can get your final major point! Unless you have a kennel full of dogs that you can load the ring with and get your majors that way. Next your competitors, you want them!! You really do. They keep you on your toes, they may be breeding some very fine animals that you want a pup from. Be a friendly competion competitor ,  this is not a sport where if one dies, you win. Actually this is a sport where folks show the best they got and show how they and their breeding program is actually (hopefully) improving the overall qualities of the dog. Might as well be nice, you see each other every weekend anyway. Now onto the Pros and the apprentices, don't treat them like sweat shop workers, and belittle and berate them. They are under you to learn, teach!, and yes you can be nice about it. You want to raise up and train these young folks under YOUR care to learn the skills nessacary to be competitive in the Pro Show Circuit ... how they behave and conduct themselves is a reflection of YOU. Some day you will be showing against them, win or lose in a sportsmanship like manner. The youngsters you mentor today, become the driving force of the sport of dog showing tomorrow. ALL showers of dogs, invest in the newbies of today. Some will continue on into dog show greatness, and some will take home their final ribbon and enjoy the time they had. If treated with respect, mentored with kindness, encouraged with excitement and found friendships along the way, they will pass on the love they experienced to others and the thrill of the show ring they speak of, will attract others. Lastly, if you think your behavior is not being watched, you are wrong, some spectators are there to watch whom they may want to buy a pup from, they may be looking for someone to handle a dog, some folks may just be there,  just to observe human behavior, show them you best!  People look for a refuge in the storms of life, I believe the dog show world can be one place it can be found.  I was one of the lucky one, as I did find this bit of reprieve from a taxing world. Some day, I shall return, with a new dog, buy new dog show stuff, take conformation show classes, win a big ribbon, receive a gilded piece of parchment paper, add another Champion Show Dog photo to the album and have another fine pup to curl up on the couch next to me.    <3