Page 79 - Chow LIfe - Summer 2022

“...when you think like a judge, you’ll grasp why these twenty-seven

steps facilitate a great day for you, the judge and for the sport.”

18. You’ll have a poop bag in your pocket 25. If you won Best of Breed, OH BOB or any
and you’ll use it if your dog eliminates or award that feeds to a special attraction
throws up in the ring. Bonus points - if Group competition, you’ll carefully place
you can get your dog off the mat before your armband with your show tack so
whatever is coming out comes out. you’ll have it for later in the day.
19. When lined up to get your ribbon, you’ll 26. If you want to ask the judge a question
turn the armband towards the judge so they about your dog and why it didn’t do better,
can mark their book easily. you’ll wait until the judge has a break and
20. You’ll smile and be gracious when you take you’ll have the dog with you.
the ribbon gently from the judge. Yes, even 27. You will thank the judge for their time, no
if it wasn’t the ribbon you were hoping for. matter what they say to you. Even if you

21. You’ll never–not ever–throw down your think they’re completely wrong, you’ll be
cordial. Vote with your checkbook, not
ribbon in disgust once outside the ring. your mouth.
Poor sportsmanship is not a good look,
plus it can get you fined and/or suspended It’s a lot to think about, yes, and when you
from AKC privileges. think like a judge, you’ll grasp why these
22. If you didn’t end up in the ribbons, twenty-seven steps facilitate a great day
for you, the judge and for the sport. When
you’ll exit the ring as quickly as possible, everyone who’s in the ring thinks like a judge,
congratulating the winners on the way out. the process moves like a well-oiled machine,
23. If you took second in any of the classes, or like the best-moving dog ever. And that’s a
you’ll be ready at ringside when Winners is winner in anyone’s book!
being judged, and will go into the ring right
away if the first-place winner in your class Sandy Weaver is an author, consultant
takes Winners. In the absence of direct and professional speaker who works with
instructions, you’ll stack your dog in the veterinarians to create happier hospital cultures
lineup where Winners had been standing. and more resilient teams. She also judges some
24. If you’d like a win photo, you’ll let the judge Working and Non-Sporting breeds. When she’s
and steward know before leaving the ring. not traveling to consult, speak or to judge, she’s
You’ll work with whatever timetable the spoiling her Siberian Husky and Standard
judge suggests – they’re on a tight schedule. Poodle https://bit.ly/2T6g9JO

Originally published August 8, 2021 in The Canine Chronicle - www.caninechronicle.com

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