One Man’s Opinion – Politics & Copouts
Don’t bitch when a good one beats you. Try harder next time, or get a better dog. Do not show under judges you feel are incompetent.
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Judging Can Be A Risky Business Sometimes
All dog judging poses risks. Especially judging field events, as I learned on numerous occasions during the 15 or so years that I judged all three types of hunt tests although even in such sedate and highly controlled worlds as the show ring or at performance events there are perils. Judges are always at the mercy of the elements at field events or outdoor shows and it is almost always too hot, too cold, too rainy, too windy or too snowy for comfort. It is frequently necessary to deal with irate handlers or owners in the field or at performance events who are incensed because you failed to give their dog a qualifying score even though the dog’s performance was light years away from the minimally accepted standards for that event or in the show ring, because their dog wasn’t the winner. It is always necessary, particularly at field events, to make the test run smoothly and fairly for all dogs which means being something of a diplomat because of the need to try to keep everyone, including your staff, happy and as comfortable as possible. If your staff is unhappy, they can sabotage the most beautifully designed test or test site and the success or failure of a test design is always ultimately the judge’s responsibility.
IMHO – What Three Words Best Describe Good Judges?
Last month we demonstrated the power of three little words judges use to describe themselves, how exhibitors perceive them, and the impact they have on their judging. Now the tables get turned. We asked two newer breeder-judges and a judges’ education chair to share their specific descriptions of good judges and the judging community in general. These questions were asked and answered prior to the April edition of The Canine Chronicle being published.
Did those responses coincide or collide? This look into the minds of members of the judges’ community and those who breed, teach, judge and exhibit, presents a unique and remarkable insight to our dog show world in 2021.
Judging the Judges
Recently, the UK Kennel Club announced that it was expanding its ‘Breed Watch System’. This system is supposed to act as a kind of ‘early warning’ for judges, allowing them to identify points of concern in individual breeds.
Competition vs. Sportsmanship – Are They Opposites?
When was the last time you saw a wonderful example of good sportsmanship? When was the last time you saw a glaring example of poor sportsmanship? Which do you see more often? And which are you a part of most often? If I told you that being a good sport could be very beneficial to you, would that get your attention?
Never Far from Its Origin – The Modern Bergamasco
In the beginning, man’s relationship with dogs was limited to hunting. With the evolution of the human species, raising crops and livestock became some of man’s most important livelihoods. Dogs became well integrated into human communities and immediately found a place in what can be seen as man’s first steps towards civilization. Together with man, the dog became a shepherd.
Real #Winning – Sportsmanship and Social Media
When I first created my Facebook profile as a young teenager, “social media” was still a new concept at that time and I was excited to finally explore all its potential. Naturally, my dogs soon dominated my Facebook as well as Instagram, Twitter, Snap Chat, etc. I am not alone in this phenomenon. As soon as the internet spits out a new social media platform, dog people have a knack for turning it to their benefit. In fact, many kennel clubs, breeders and handlers are more likely to use social media to promote themselves versus traditional websites or printed materials. Why? Social media panders to a wider audience along with a more specific audience depending upon the filters in place. Also, once a post is made, it is immediately viewable by anyone with access.
A New Low in Sportsmanship
What is the definition of sportsmanship? According to the dictionary, a sportsman can be defined as “a person who exhibits qualities highly regarded in sports, such as fairness, generosity, observance of the rules and GOOD HUMOR WHEN LOSING.”
Could it be Pythium?
Minka was one of those young dogs breeders dream about. She won the group, breeder/owner/handled, her first time out as a special, and shot up in the rankings within weeks. One night, after a huge breed win, she kept me up having to go out. By the next day it was obvious we needed to skip the rest of the weekend and head home. It would be her last show
