IMHO – Is Social Media a Positive or Negative Influence?

BY ELAINE LESSIG

We asked 3 experienced AKC judges 2 questions about current issues affecting our sport. Here’s what they had to say…

Elaine Lessig – AKC Judge

Q: Would you choose a breeder, a judge, or a handler to be a mentor for a breed other than your own?
A: Everyone has their own learning style. Mine has always been to build knowledge by layering experience upon experience. Let’s think about making a sub sandwich. The roll gives structure. Then different kinds of meats and cheeses are placed on top of the bottom half of the roll. Next the lettuce, tomato, onion, and dressing get added. Put the top of the roll on all those ingredients. Now it’s done.

Longtime breeders provide the structure necessary to learn about a breed based on their own experiences. Judges bring different points of view from their years in the ring with the breeds they judge. Handlers with extensive experience showing a breed add the tasty tidbits needed to enhance the education. What a delicious way to learn.

Q: Is social media a positive or negative influence on dog shows?
A: Some breeds get a bad reputation. The next thing you know insurance companies refuse to write homeowners insurance. Can’t they see that every dog is different? Can we see that there is good and bad in social media, too? Yes, we can!

Social media can be hurtful, but it has a good side. This past year, our kennel clubs decided to use social media as a vehicle to build interest and entries for our all breed shows. We worked with The Canine Chronicle to develop an eye-catching, informative blast. Different versions of the animated, colorful blast appeared on Facebook, a website, and as individual emails directed to potential exhibitors. Over the weeks, our blasts created a buzz. This year our show scene was as animated as those blasts!

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO READ WHAT THE OTHER JUDGES HAD TO SAY…

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=142260

Posted by Alex on Apr 5 2021. 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.