Table Talk · August 16, 2023
Prior to July 2022, AKC required that Juniors own the dog they show in Junior Showmanship. One can assume the rule was in place to ensure Juniors were taking full responsibility for the dog they showed since Junior Showmanship is meant to give youngsters the opportunity to learn all facets of preparing and presenting show dogs. In July 2022 the American Kennel Club launched a pilot program to allow Juniors to participate in Junior Showmanship with dogs they do not own. AKC has given the policy that enabled the pilot program to happen permanency by making it a rule. As we all know, many rules, laws, etc. have unintended consequences.
If you have not yet read the article written by Jessica Braatz in this month’s issue of The Canine Chronicle, I urge you to do so. Jessica’s article reflects the perspective of a long-time Junior Showmanship participant about this rule, and it is thought provoking. Here is the link: https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/are-we-creating-generic-juniors/
I’m sure it won’t surprise you that I have thoughts on this topic too! Jessica provides her opinions about this rule. At the top of the list of positives, which I agree with, is the ability for a junior to compete if their dog is in season or becomes ill, while her view about the negatives include the ability to “pick up” a dog to show without doing the necessary work to condition or groom that dog for competition. I agree with her concerns. Jessica uses the term “jockey” as opposed to “junior”. I have spoken about this very concept in the past as it relates to handlers, and this is of great concern to me. I watch handlers–day-in and day-out–take their charges in the ring and act like robots. There is no connection between them and the dog. In too many cases, handlers pay no attention to their dog. They worry about what is happening in other rings, visit with their colleagues, etc. They do everything but pay attention to the dog they are showing. This is not something we should teach our juniors.
Frankly, I do not think this new rule for Junior Showmanship exacerbates this problem of Juniors not putting in the hard work required to show a dog properly. The prior requirement for the junior to own the dog they show didn’t mean the dog lived with the youngster. My concern is not who owns the dog. In my opinion, the parents of some Juniors are the big problem. I am referring to the “stage moms”. These are the parents who groom the dog and do just about everything BUT take the dog in the ring. These are the parents who stand outside the ring and visibly criticize their own child and demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct toward others, including the judge. There are several judges who will stop judging if they notice such behavior. They ask the parent to stop or leave the area ringside. There are some judges who do not allow parents to pick up armbands. Kudos to those judges! Kids need to pick up their armbands. That’s part of the process of showing a dog. If parents come to the Purina booth to pick up their child’s junior showmanship prize, I encourage them to have their child come get the prize!
I had a wonderful experience in Houston a few weeks ago while filming a Table Talk Live segment with a young Junior. As we were prepping for the interview, her mom stated that she was going to step away from the set-up and let her daughter “do her thing”. She said her daughter would do better without the pressure of Mom watching. I asked her if she could tell all the other Juniors parents to adopt her attitude!
I don’t have an issue with the AKC providing for an easier path for our Juniors to compete. I only wish we could regulate how their parents behave at the show! Please be a good sport, encourage juniors to train, condition, and BOND with their dogs, and don’t be a ringside “stage parent.”
We are mourning the loss of two more wonderful members of the Sport of Purebred Dogs. Lani McKennon passed away last week. She was always very kind to me. Lani was one of the first people I met when I started attending shows on the West Coast. She was eccentric, and that’s what I loved about her. She was kind to everyone, and always welcoming and encouraging to new exhibitors. She had a great sense of humor and a kind spirit. She will be sorely missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest well my friend.
Jen Reed passed away last week, just days before she was scheduled to receive a liver transplant. Jen was a genuine person who loved the sport. She was an extremely talented groomer and handler. Jen had an engaging personality and was loved by all the dogs she cared for as well as friends and colleagues in the sport. Our condolences to Jen’s family, friends and her good friend and mentor, Pat Craige-Trotter. See you on the other side, my friend.
Healing thoughts to Curtiss Smith who had a mild heart attack this past week. Fortunately, he caught it in time and, after having a stent put in, he is on the mend! Don’t rush it, Curtiss!!! We will all be here when you are well and look forward to having you back at shows soon.
Congratulations to Devon and Adam Levy who are expecting their 2nd baby!
Fanciers celebrating anniversaries this week include: Tony Vacha and Courtney Kniola, Luke and Tammy Seidlitz, Kelly and Edwin Shupp, and Jenn and Randy Hoffman. Here’s to many more happy years ahead!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: David Salcido, Jamie Donahue, Kim Lourier, Andrea McIlwaine, Alicia Morrison Jones, Nicole Munneke, Janice Hayes, Antonio Vidmar, Sam Mammano, Danielle Frykman and Megan Cloudman. I hope each of you have the BEST day!!!
Be safe out there, my friends! Stop by and see me in Chicago! Until next time…
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