10 Good Reasons for Showing in Jr. Showmanship

BY WILLIAM GIVEN

The American Kennel Club, National Parent Clubs, as well as local all-breed and specialty clubs know that you are the future of the sport, and we want you to know it, too. The more you learn and the greater your experiences, the more you will grow in the sport and as an individual. It is hoped that what you learn and experience while you participate in Junior Showmanship will serve you well as you mature into adulthood. Here are 10 good reasons for showing in Junior Showmanship.

You will build bonds with other juniors. You will discover that the other young people showing their dogs in Junior Showmanship are a lot like you. They love their dogs just like you do and they share your passion for the sport of purebred dogs. Some of the more experienced juniors will welcome you warmly, answer any questions you may have, act as a mentor and give you guidance along the way if you need or ask for it. Some of the friendship you build while participating in Junior Showmanship will last your entire life, both in and out of the sport.

You will improve your handling skills. As in all sports, competition can help young people to consistently perform at their best. A lack of quality competition can cause juniors to become shortsighted which may hinder you from fully developing your handling skills. That causes you to rely solely on your favorite moves instead of developing new techniques or even refining old ones. Competition will help your move to a higher level of performance. An improved performance in the juniors’ ring should also yield winning results in the breed ring.

You will learn to accept losing. We live in a world that has become increasingly competitive. Being competitive is natural and it is, in itself, not a bad thing. Some young people are more competitive than others and seem determined to win at all costs. Learning to win and lose graciously takes practice. The older you get and the more times you compete, the more you will experience winning and losing. Always remember, a winner’s confidence is not built on victory, it is established by consistently solid performances. Taking a loss like a champion is far more honorable, impressive and respectable than pouting or sulking. A loss in the juniors’ ring is not the end of the world. Your ability to bounce back from a loss will set you apart from your peers. And, if a competitor attempts to rub his or her victory in your face, then your dignified acceptance of the loss will make him or her look foolish

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Posted by Alex on Jul 14 2016. 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.