This past weekend, my husband and I headed out of town to meet up with a couple of friends for what was to be a two day show. Well, the two day turned into one day as that "act of God" clause that means entry fees won't be refunded if show is cancelled. I will say that they did at least tell everyone that Sunday's show was cancelled early on Saturday instead of waiting until we started to show up at the crack of dawn on Sunday.
Smooth collies had an 8 am ring call, Saint Bernards 11:35 and rough collies were after 2pm. Since we had dogs in the smooth and Saint rings, as well as a friend with an entry in the rough collie ring, David and I were there for the entire day. It also gave a great deal of time to watch judges in various rings to see how they dealt with the handlers, treated the dogs during the exams, and in general how they ran their rings. Also came across instances where the words or actions of those same judges could have really turned off those without thick skins or confidence in the quality of their dogs.
For instance, Judge #1, "You have a beautiful bitch but you need to get a handler so she can move the way she needs too."
Ok, so you are saying you really liked my bitch but I am the reason we lost. That there is no hope for me to handle her and win. Thank you. That is a real boost to someone's confidence that is already on shaky ground. That is the way to make someone want to get out and show again.
Judge #2 to a non-winning dog in the hearing of the winning handler, "You have the type of _____ I like to see. The type I raised but you need to move her out more."
Ok, so you disliked my dog but knew you couldn't justify passing her over? Talk about mixed signals!
Judge #3. To this judge I can only say that a working dog (be it herding or working breed) should be able to move. Don't watch the perky girl's boobs move around the ring and give a major (or any points) to a dog who should in all honesty have blisters and bald spots on the insides of the hocks from knocking together. Especially when that poor dog can't hold the position for stacking for any amount of time. Oh, by the way, the least you could do is at least glance at the other dogs in the winner's competition before giving it to said perky boobs.
Judge #4. If you are running within the allotted show times, what is the hurry on getting everyone through? Do you have a big date that you must get ready for? Is there a reason you must check your watch every time a dog is going on the down and back? Must you make everyone in the ring feel like they are wasting your time?
Why this post about judges?
It is because the future of dog shows depend on new people coming in. The only way the ones with no ring experience can become the leaders of tomorrow in their breed is by getting out there and doing it. By building a thick skin that will allow them to continue even when faced with repeated losses. True, some folks are oblivious to certain types of comments. Others have the, "I don't give a shit what you think"attitude. However there are many who don't.
There are ways of telling someone their entry would do better if handled differently. If you want to say something nice about the reserve winners or even another one in the class, wait until the winner has left the ring and lower your voice so nobody else can over hear you.
Why worry about it if the winner has already left? Simple. The dog show world is a very small, gossipy world. While it is full of wonderful, helpful folks, it also has those who look for a way of tearing down or making someone else feel like crap.
This weekend was a perfect example of why I enjoy showing my dogs. It was also a perfect example of why I dislike it so much at the same time. And why I wish all newbies could have a taste of the enjoyment that will make them want to try again. The part where competitors help each other out. The part where they cheer for you winning, even if it was against their dog. Where they can find breeders who turn into mentors, not just the one who sold them a dog.
It is where that newbie can walk into a ring and the judge treats them like he/she still enjoys the job. Win or lose, it is hard to find any enjoyment when the one running the ring just grunts or points. When they act like have no patience for puppies acting like puppies or handlers simply asking, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
I have been very fortunate over the years. Both years ago when I first started with dogs, and then more recently when I decided to get back into it. I wish every new exhibitor could be as lucky.
