Looking Around With Lee – So You Want To Be A Judge

By Lee Canalizo

Lately it’s been interesting reading the AKC Gazette secretary’s pages re:new judges. We will be “blessed” with more judges for just about any breed and/or group than any time in our sport’s history!

There are so many new judges, many of whom, in regard to my own breeds, I have never had the pleasure to meet or even hear of until now! To begin with, I find that somewhat curious. It has to be noted that some of these applicants are applying for MY BREED as their first breed! While I don’t “see” their application(s) I do wonder where did they garner their information? Being in the breed for over 50 years, and being known for my outgoing, welcoming demeanor, not many call or chat me up when at the shows anymore. (Our national events notwithstanding)

Now, all you new judges take note. You have gone to the Nationals, been mentored, filled in all the correct boxes, passed the tests, paid your $25 per breed, been published, and now it’s time to accept those most precious assignments. This is where the real judge’s test comes in!

From day one of your new venture, don’t forget who invites you to partake in theirshow. Just because you are now a JUDGE, doesn’t make you some kind of royalty. Hopefully you are well-prepared and talented enough to do the right thing when pointing in the ring but being a good and also a successful judge goes much farther than that.

I write this after over 40 years of doing the job to the best of my ability and experiencing just about every scenario you could imagine when it comes to judging a dog show.

The first step to being a good judge starts with your first contact with a club. Be clear in what you can and cannot do for a club, then sign your contract and get it back to the proper person in a timely fashion! You’d be surprised how many judges contracts get “lost” on the judge’s desk for weeks on end. This will make a good impression right off the bat with the club that hires you. Keep good, concise records of your assignments; this will avoid double-booking mistakes which are a big mess for all involved when they occur. Watch for the increasing request for moratoriums on time and distance that many clubs are asking for these days.

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Posted by Alex on Nov 9 2020. 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.