Things to know before heading to the show:
Read
the judging schedule to see what time each breed is being shown,
if you have specific breeds to watch. This is available about one week prior
to the show date, try online at Infodog.com.
Leave
your own dog at home. Non-entered dogs should not be on the show
grounds.
Wear
comfy shoes! You'll probably do a lot of walking and standing.
Bring
sunglasses, a hat and/or sunscreen if the show is outside.
Leave
the stroller at home. Most show sites prohibit strollers for the
safety of kids and the dogs.
Breeder
shopping? Bring a pen and a little notebook to jot down contact information
or other notes.
Bring
spending money for the vendors and the concession stand. Some shows
have several vendors, carrying all sorts of wonderful dog related items.
Want
to know what is going on inside the ring? Check out
Things to know while at a show:
Ask
before petting any dog and accept “no” for an answer
(this is a smart thing to teach kids, for their own safety). There is grooming
work involved and some exhibitors and dogs need mental focus time. Each exhibitor
and dog is different. Do not attempt to pet a dog in a crate.
If
you bring children, keep them under close supervision. Do not let
them hang on the ring dividers.
The
catalog has times and ring numbers of all breeds being shown. Catalogs
have the dogs’ owners listed, which is helpful if you want to contact
breeders.
Try
your best not to block aisles. Dog shows are usually crowded and
many people over look the fact that exhibitors may have limited time to move
from one ring to another. Please be courteous and try to make way for exhibitors.
If
you are hoping to find a breeder, realize that showing does not make
a breeder ethical. Any dog without a
disqualifying fault can be shown, so being at a show does not mean the dog
is of quality.
Exhibitors
may be busy before their ring time. When approaching an exhibitor
to chat, ask if it’s a good time. If it isn’t, you can ask to
meet with them later in the day or request contact information to call on
them at a later date.
Understand
that some exhibitors may be dog-tired after having driven long hours,
hauled supplies and groomed dogs. They have lots of time and money invested
for those few minutes in the ring. Like everything else in life, there are
good and bad sports among exhibitors.
Don’t
bad mouth a dog. You never know if the breeder, owner, etc. is standing
near-by!
For
those interested in adding a new breed to their household, find out
about temperament, exercise needs, coat care, health issues, life span and
other particulars about the breed.
Check
near the superintendent’s table for interesting pamphlets and information.
Have
fun and don’t be afraid to ask questions! You will find that
most exhibitors love the opportunity to talk about their passion – their
dogs! Use this to your advantage, to either learn more about a breed you already
love or to gather information about breeds in which you are interested.
