Spectator manners, need alittle help
I'll be going to the MN all breed show (as a spectator) this weekend. I've never been to a dog show before, and would like a little help with manners, and do/do nots, so I don't make an idiot of myself. I have been to cat shows, and other types of animal judging events before, but never a dog show. (Which I find a bit ironic, considering my folks did confirmation and agility before I was born!) There are confirmation, agility, and obedience rings. I plan on watchng a little of each, and would like to meet with a few exhibitors (if that's allowed?) to talk about the dogs and the sports. I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give me on proper show spectator behavior! Karen  |
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You mean, you don't want to look like Julia Roberts, barking at the players at the Polo Match in Pretty Woman?  |
| Yeah- I'm thinking that my initial idea of screaming "GO SHEEPIES" in the herding group judging might not be such a great idea...
Karen |
| If it is a "bench show" then you will be allowed to pass through the staging area and watch the dogs being groomed. Here you will be able to speak with the exhibitors/handlers/breeders and ask as many questions as you wish. Usually touch and go how friendly these people can be and how willing they are for you to handle their dogs. At bench shows, the dogs and handlers are required to be at the show for most of the day, so you won't see much show and dashing going on.
General rule of thumb is not to approach handler and dog while they wait to enter ring. For obvious reasons they want to keep their dog in show-shape (guess you could say they are putting their game face on). Some dog shows have that golf/tennis match feel to them, but I tend to like the occasional whoop (or bark as Ron said) to put a little spark into the environment. Sure others may have more comments. |
| hmm... thanks! How do I know whether it is benched or not? I do know that there are many rings, with lots of different breeds being shown at different times, and that the variety groups will be done in the afternoon for confirmation.
Karen |
| If you can find out what kennel club is sponsoring the event you could give them a call. Or going through the AKC site and finding the show information, you can sometimes follow the links to the actual kennel club site and they may have the judging program posted in pdf form. The program will also give you info on how many dogs are entered, how many OES will be there, judges name, etc..
I have only been to one bench show, and that was the Philadelphia Dog Show a few years back. |
| Thanks,
I did find the show sight with schedule and judges list. I'll look for the "benched" phrase. If it is not benched, then what? It was advertised in the local newspaper as open to spectators, so at least I know I can go! Karen |
| There aren't too many shows around these days that are still "benched". Usually the bigger ones like the Philadelphia dog show (which has a lot of history) and Westminster, etc. If it's not benched, people set up their grooming areas near the ring that their breed is being shown. I personally don't even try to touch a dog if they haven't been in the ring yet. I agree with El Gato that some of the show people will be friendly and some of them are VERY socially awkward so don't take it too personally if they aren't as outspoken as you would like them to be. It's best to talk to them when they are done being in the ring but a lot of them pack up and fly out the door as quickly as possible afterward. |
| The best rule of thumb is to politely ask before you proceed with anything. Most exhibitors are more than happy to talk with you. Even if you don't get to talk to anyone (if the setup doesn't allow) - it will be a wonderful experience!!! Just seeing the OES lying on the grooming tables - without a care in the world and strutting into the ring is amazing!
Have a great time!!!! Kristen |
| I forgot to mention - take a camera (you should be able to take pictures at most shows).
Here's some pictures I took at a show in MA (hopefully they don't mind their pictures being posted - I have no idea who they are owned by) 
Aren't they beautiful! If you're lucky - you'll be able to get up close and maybe they'll even have some puppies you can get a "puppy fix" from. 
Kristen |
| Thanks Kristen, that's a great idea. I'll keep my eyes on the obedience and agility rings too for "action" shots!
Karen |
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