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Did You Everyone Started

Know Somewhere

By Michael Canalizo
Did you know…virtually everyone in the dog sport, Most latch on to the basics rather quickly. It will take
even those famous ones in the history books for one much more time and experience to master one’s skills as
reason or another, started exactly where you started. a handler BUT, if at the end of your lead is something
Somewhere, somehow, they wanted a purebred dog special, a judge with a full understanding of your breed
and sought to find one. Most didn’t have a show dog in will recognize those special details and, guess what?
mind at first, and most likely their first purebred dog They will literally share the thrill you will have when
didn’t cut it as a show dog. Those of us that dipped a toe they reward your entry, in spite of your emerging
in the pond were quick to find that out. There were big handling abilities. That day will be a defining moment
fish in ‘Dem Der Waters’…and some of them looked for you. Many great breeders will share in some bio or
like sharks with really, really sharp teeth to those of us interview that it was that first “blue ribbon” that pushed
in the uncharted waters we waded into. that damn button and hooked them into the dog sport.
How a newcomer is handled in the beginning can make So, in closing, it’s true that your early segue in the
or break the situation. I have heard so many terrible ring will probably create points for other entries that
stories from a newbie. Some judges or breeders being are more likely “ready to win,” and its best for you
so shortsighted that the new kid left in tears and was to understand that’s okay. What I do hope you will
never to be seen again. Thankfully, there are those who do is take the time to watch the entire competition. I
look at you and that adoring pup with nearly every don’t mean just sit and watch. You need to scrutinize
fault in the standard and have a moment of nostalgia of every dog, exhibitor and judge as best you can. File
exactly where and when they had that same reckoning. away the things you will ask another about later. In
this sport, and most any walk of life, imitation is the
I can’t tell you how many times I would find a moment best form of flattery–it’s cliché but it’s true. Copy the
to introduce myself to that kind of person and have a hell out of all of them that impress you. Be mindful of
wee chat with them. It usually starts with if they bought those who seem aggressive or unsportsmanlike. One
this pup as a ‘show dog’. Most hadn’t, but heard about should never purposely run down on another exhibit; it
shows and want to check things out. If it’s a case of a could accidentally happen to a newcomer if they aren’t
very poor dog, I start with a logical scenario. It goes watching where they are going or not going the speed
something like this, “I bet you if you added up how the breed should be shown. Any of these faux pas are
much you spent in gas, hotel, food and entries going usually a “one-and-done” thing that is not likely to be
to ten shows, you might have spent the equivalent of repeated again. I taught handling classes for 30 years.
the price of a show puppy.” That line often hits home Here is rule Number One–I call it the three-foot rule”.
and opens the door for me to suggest a breeder that Always stand three feet from the dog in front of you;
might be able to place a better prospect in their home. always trot with three feet between you and the dog in
If I’m rather sure this pup has zero potential to ever be front and come back to the judge and land three feet
competitive in a breed ring and/or for breeding, I share away from them. Follow that simple rule and you’re apt
the many other competitions they could participate in to avoid any in-ring situations.
like Obedience, Agility, Rally, Dock Diving, Hunt test,
lure coursing…that list is long and growing every time No matter what happens in the ring, even if you take
I turn around. Some warm up to the ideas of an option, a fall–which when done gracefully and without injury
while others don’t and just keep on loving that first one is always okay–“Keep calm and carry on”. Just as a
forever just as they are. I know our family did! judge knows you’re a new kid on the block, so will
your competitors and they should be supportive and
If I see some merit in the pup but the handling is understanding if you do something you shouldn’t.
obviously not very skillful, I take a different approach. Short of profanity or physical altercation, you should
I find the one thing they did well and use that as a be fine. And that leads me to the importance of
starting point. Say they have a nice easy way they trot reading everything in the AKC Rules and Regulations
with the dog…I tell them how important that is and pertaining to Dog Shows ASAP! It’s boring and
then talk to them about what might be missing. I will complex at times, but some day, I know not when…
have a conversation about “expectations”. First, I am up it’s going to save your a**–one way or another. It will
front and I let them know it’s kind of like a Catch-22; enlighten you on registration rules, entry eligibility and
because you need the exposure to gain a sense of timing so much more.
for showing in the ring, and usually the dog/pup needs
the socialization that comes with ring time and being So will you remember reading this when you’re one of
at an event. I have a saying (actually, I have a million the famous ones in your breed?
sayings, and you will be subjected to many of them Originally published June 2023 in The Canine Chronicle -
with each article). This one is “WHEN THEY ARE www.caninechronicle.com
READY…THEY WILL WIN”! In the meantime, you’re
going to bite the bullet and learn from each and every
experience–good, bad or indifferent!
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