Think Like a Judge

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178 – August, 2021

By Sandy Weaver

What does that mean, “think like a judge?” You’re a competitor, working hard to win with your dog. And why on earth should someone be telling you to think like a judge, anyway?

To help you win more, that’s why.

The judge may have 175 dogs, two groups and a dozen or more win photos to accomplish in their day. Hopefully they’ll have time for bio-breaks and lunch at some point. They may have a great steward, a so-so steward or a grumpy, inept steward. They may have the superintendent running in and out of the ring making changes in their judge’s book. They may have the AKC Executive Field Rep standing outside their ring observing them, so they have to take notes on each dog. They may be having a great day or they could be dealing with lost luggage, no breakfast and feet that hurt from yesterday’s judging assignment.

The judge has a lot on their mind, a finite amount of time to accomplish their assignment, and a lot that could make it harder to focus on the job at hand –judging your dog. If you’ve had the foresight to think like a judge, here’s what you’ll get right that many other handlers won’t:

1. You’ll be clean and neatly attired for the show ring.

2. Your dog will be clean and appropriately groomed for the show ring.

3. You’ll be outside the ring, bait in pocket, comb or brush neatly tucked into your outfit, paying attention to how the judge is running the ring and examining each dog.

Click here to read the complete article
178 – August, 2021

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