IMHO – Judges Talk About Changes in the Sport

BY ELAINE LESSIG

We asked 3 experienced AKC judges 2 questions about current issues affecting our sport. Here’s what they had to say…

Elaine Lessig AKC Judge

Q: What changes have you seen in exhibitors since you started judging?

A: In the twenty years that I have been judging, the relation- ship between exhibitors and judges has evolved. The pedestals on which judges were once placed have become obsolete. Today’s exhibitors have an expectation that when they come into the ring there “should” be a knowledgeable, well-prepared judge who will thoroughly examine and fairly place their dogs. During the “age of pedestals”, there “would” have been an esteemed judge in that ring whose decisions were revered.

What has changed? The lines have blurred. If we as judges fall short of the expectations of our exhibitors, then we lose their confidence. When we succeed as judges, we establish a growing constituency. Today’s exhibitors have a far greater impact than ever before on that outcome. Their opinions count.

Q: In what ways do you attempt to establish a connection with exhibitors in your ring?

A: My philosophy has always been that exhibitors are guests in my ring. When exhibitors enter the ring, they are welcomed with a smile and a greeting like “good morning”. I am genuinely pleased and honored by their entries. When I am working individually with a dog examining it, moving it, or comparing it with another, I make every effort to work pleasantly and efficiently, being certain to give clear instructions and be attentive to the exhibitor and the dog. New exhibitors are encouraged and praised for their efforts. Suggestions are offered, too. I congratulate everyone who gets a ribbon. Finally, I find being polite while maintaining a level of professionalism is the best connection of all.

To read even more IMHO with Jackie Stacy AKC Judge and Ann Yuhasz AKC Judge, click the link below:

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=148915

Posted by Alex on Aug 27 2018. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.