Good Clean Fun at the 4th of July Shows

By Peri Norman and Sandi Weldon

Fourth of July weekend is a celebration across the country of all the things that we love.  Of course, for those of us in dogs, we pack up the truck and head for our favorite big dog show weekend.  People gather at these shows from near and far.  Specialties enhance the draw, along with the promise of lots of majors, ringside BBQs and evenings spent with friends.  These larger shows on a holiday weekend, often bring John Q Public and family to the festivities in droves.  In the midst of all the celebrations, it is important to remember that our behavior, our care and presentation of our dogs and our reputations, both individually and as dog show participants, are more visible to a wider audience.

A lot of what people see could be covered under the umbrella of good sportsmanship, but I think it goes a little further than that.  It starts with how we care for and present our dogs, which should be the main focus of the event.  Our dogs are beautiful and talented, and consequently, people will want to watch our dogs and us.  It only takes a moment to ruin someone’s good opinion of you.  Always remember, our dogs are there because we want them to be, not because they choose to be.  They work hard for us and they always do their best according to how we have trained and prepared them.  For that they deserve praise and respect from us.  They never deserve that we blame them for something that went wrong, in or out of the ring.  Sometimes things happen that we and/or our dogs aren’t prepared for.  A puppy is nervous or shies at its’ first show.  A dog steps on a rock and is excused for lameness.  We step in a hole and fall on our butts.  Praise your dog and smile, and move on.  You will look like a class act!

Be careful of what you say and how you say it.  This can be a hard lesson!  Sometimes losing really stings, especially when you feel you were beaten unfairly or by a much poorer quality dog.  You think the judge was a blind idiot.  You, of course, praise your dog and smile in the ring.  But when you get out, you can’t wait to vent to somebody about how you were robbed.  Stop for a moment and take a deep breath.  You must not express those feelings and thoughts at ringside, no matter how upset you feel.  Even if you are careful who you are speaking to, people may very well hear you.  In that moment, lots of negative things can happen.  Feelings can be hurt, your good reputation can suffer and you can even be benched for what you say.  If you need to, just walk away talking to your dog.  Take him/her back to the setup, have a cold drink, calm down and either return to the ring or just relax.  All of this can be a very hard thing to do, as we all love our dogs and think they are the best and can’t stand to think of someone dissing them.  But in the end, this is the way that you and your dog will represent yourselves and our sport in the best possible light.

Another way to think about what your conversations, concerns what you might say about your dog or other dogs.  We need to only say positive things about our dogs in public.  Sadly, there are some in dog sports that deliberately “play mind games”.  They want to make you doubt your dog and keep you busy thinking about his faults.  While we know that no dog is perfect, we also know that every single dog at the show is awesome!  They are excellent representatives of their breed, and trained and conditioned to compete well.  We need to stay focused on how wonderful our dogs truly are and share all the good stuff.  More importantly than winning or losing, don’t let anyone steal the joy that you and your dog share.

It may very well be hot at these shows.  We will all need to work to help our dogs stay cool so that they can perform at their best.  Keep them off of the black asphalt whenever possible.  Use your water spray bottle liberally.  It helps keep dogs cool if you spray their groin area, the bottoms of their feet and their heads and faces.  Don’t ever keep your dog standing in the sun.  It’s all common sense. Let’s just remember that their comfort is paramount.

Take good care of yourself as well.  Drink, drink, drink!  Eat regular meals, including eating something in the morning before you show.  Wear sunscreen and a hat, and stay out of the direct sun as much as you can.  Be sure to take medications on your regular schedule.  Force yourself to take a break when you need to. Anything that will help you stay perky and full of energy.  Okay, anything that will leave you vertical at the end of the weekend!

I’ll leave you with one last thought.  During these shows, we will have people around who don’t see us very often or may even be brand new to dog shows.  So even in the setup, be a little thoughtful with your words and actions.  Talk to new people and visit with their dogs.  Make them feel welcome, and like they are part of the group.  Remember that our interactions with the public will be their take away about dog shows and dog show people.  Even if you are rushing to the ring or waiting patiently for a late judge, be kind in your words and invite people to visit when you are done showing or refer them to someone who can answer their questions.  Let’s try to be our best selves, and enjoy a great weekend with our dogs, friends and family.

The AKC has a Code of Sportsmanship for those involved in the sport of showing dogs.  It’s always a good read before a long show weekend.  Here it is.

PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Shared values of those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors of our sport: conformation, performance and companion. Many believe that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why our sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the belief that it is useful to periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.

• Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.

• Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.

• Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.

• The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.

• The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.

• The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.

• The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.

• The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.

• Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.

• Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.

• Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.

• Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.

• Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.

• Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.

• Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Jun 29 2015. 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.