Ask A Judge  

Answers by 

Sid Marx

 

"When entering the ring, what is the one thing a handler can do to grab the judge’s attention and make him/her really want to keep watching that dog? And the flip side of that, too, is what is the one thing a handler can do when first getting in the ring that is cringeworthy and makes a judge not want to watch, essentially making them invisible?”

 

Interesting question. I would hope that every judge wants to watch every dog in the ring, but I understand the intent of the question. I think the most important thing is to remember that as soon as you enter the ring you are showing your dog! Make sure you have completed all your last-minute touch-up work so that you are not doing this when you enter the ring. Have your dog ready and alert as you enter the ring. Make sure the judge is seeing your dog at the correct angle to catch his attention. When I entered the ring, I always made sure my dog and I were standing just a little at an angle to the judge (with the dog’s front facing towards the center of the ring). I think this slight angle draws the judge’s eye – but it is only a good thing if your dog is alert and showing at his best.

 

Enter the ring with enthusiasm and confidence. We often say that a nervous handler sends bad vibes down the lead to the dog. I believe the opposite is also true. If you are excited and happy to be there, it will send the same message to your dog. Smile. Talk encouragingly to your dog. Make sure you have the proper spacing between you and the dogs in front and behind you. Leave a little open space. Make sure your dog is under control and her attention is on you – or the judge – not on other dogs (unless it is a Terrier).

 

The converse side of this question is easier to answer, because it happens so often. I see too many people entering the ring as if they were out for a stroll – completely ignoring what their dog is doing or how it looks. Even worse, is the exhibitor who enters the ring and obviously does not want to be there or is already convinced that she cannot win. This could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. A dog that has his head down, sniffing at all the interesting smells that other dogs have left is understandable but not desirable.

 

If your breed has a tendency to drool or have a wet mouth, make sure you have that cleaned up before entering the ring. A dog that is dripping drool all over the mat is not very enticing.

 

An exhibitor who continues his or her conversation with someone outside the ring, makes the judge think that whatever is outside the ring is more important to this person than what is happening inside the ring. Heck, believe it or not, I have had an exhibitor enter the ring while she was still talking on her phone. I don’t think she did very well.

 

Not caring if your dog is standing correctly or looking alert and happy, could make a judge think if you don’t care why should she? Make sure your dog is groomed properly and clean. Nothing turns a judge off faster than a dirty, smelly dog.

 

The key to your dog looking her best as she enters in the ring starts with how you practice with her. Both you and your dog should enjoy your practice, and every time entering the ring should be fun for your dog. Win or lose, if you do not enjoy your relationship with your dog, and aren’t proud to be showing her, why are you doing it?

 

Most dogs don’t know – or care – if they win or lose, so make every trip into and out of the ring something that is enjoyable for them.

 

I hope this helps. Enjoy your dog.