So I went to the Syracuse dog show today and...........
Is this normal at a dog show? It's not like a car show at all. A quick comment to an owner of a car and you'll be chatting for an hour and have a new best friend. I didn't feel that camaraderie at this dog show. Do dog people tend to be more shy? Are they focused on showing the dog rather than talking? It seems like they only talked amongst themselves, almost clique-like. I was kinda disappointed with the responses I got. I then went to the dog park later with Brick and the people there were more than happy to talk about their dog for a long while. So is it me or are my perceptions correct? |
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| Sometimes you only see your dog show friends at the dog show so a new person coming up and asking questions or wanting to chat can be seen as an intrusion, so to say. Sometimes it helps to have an in. There are also mostly handlers on weekdays. It would be as if someone came to your office while you are trying to work and wanted to have a little chat. If you go on Saturday you will probably be much better off. |
In our breed you'll be lucky to if they can see you from behind all the hair  If you opt to go back, and I hope you do, what you need to do is look for Madeline Ericksson. Ask someone to point her out. Introduce yourself if and when she doesn't have a brush in her hand bending over a dog and politely say: I was told the OESCA National Specialty will be in the Rochester area this year. I so want to go..." (or words to that effect. Presuming you do want to go. She's one of the organizers. She's also head of NYS OES rescue) That will break the ice. Also look for Mary McIntosh (I forget her "forum name"). I just got an e-mail from her that mentioned that she just got home from the show (she has one of Madeline's dogs) so expect she will be there the rest of the weekend with her Apolo. Have Madeline point her out (you need a starting point, you see) and then mention that you're on the forum and see where that gets you. Probably talked into volunteering to help with the national or transporting rescue dogs   But both things something you might want to at least talk about. Gives you better common ground than "so what kind of hairspray do you recommend...?"  Kristine |
| You can also look for Loried (with Jazz) and I think Nancy and Dan will be there with their young girl Bermuda. Its usually best to say a quick hello before the ring time and then plan to try to talk to them after they leave the ring But, yes many dog show people are very very unfriendly. |
| That's sad. I know how focused you can become when stressed. But if a person comes up to you that is considering the breed or has recently purchased an OES at least explain that your prepping for show and try to get together with after. No need to be unfriendly. |
Chauncey wrote: That's sad. I know how focused you can become when stressed. But if a person comes up to you that is considering the breed or has recently purchased an OES at least explain that your prepping for show and try to get together with after. No need to be unfriendly. Exactly! |
| It's the same here. I think it's primarily stress and preparing the dog for the ring. You are right, there is no need to be rude and people could easily explain 'I'm rushed right now, because I'm in the ring in 20 minutes, but come see me after I've finished". Showing here is extremely cliquey, I have a friend who has been showing for years who can't seem to make friends on the circuit, yet she is a lovely, fun, genuine person. She says she gave up trying. It's a pity she lives so far away from me because I would enter shows just to keep her company. I think the 'unspoken' rule is not to chat too much before the dog is shown, maybe just introduce yourself and say you are interested in showing. Maybe they will point you to someone who can help. This is something that puts me off showing to be honest. When I eventually do show, I intend to be friendly to everyone  |
| CamVal1, I've had the same experience the several times I've gone. While there were some VERY helpful individuals ...they were the exception, and this was with several different breeds. |
You need to come to MI shows, we all like to talk  |
We talk a lot in MN too.....  |
| Wisconsin as well. Maybe it's an upper Midwest thing? KB |
| YOU WANT TO CHAT "OES" JOIN US AT THE SHEEP FARM IN EASTERN PA. A GREAT WEEKEND GET-A-WAY, 10 SHEEPDOGS, 10 SHEEPDOG OWNERS, AND I'M BETTING THEY'LL TALK ABOUT THERE DOGS........... ALL WEEKEND IF YOU LIKE SIGN UP TO JOIN US NOW.................... .....................A GREAT 'PLAYDATE" FORTH COMING   |
No call for anybody to be rude, but, I can empathize with some folk's disinterest in chatting at an event like that. In my case, I know I'm probably am a bit snippy with folks who want to talk while I'm setting up for an art fair  . Chatting amongst the artists is usually fine, because we all recognize the "rhythms" of the process, and can tell the difference between a moment when someone may want to chat, and one where they are focused too much on their tasks. I suspect dog show prep time may be similar. |
ravenmoonart wrote: No call for anybody to be rude, but, I can empathize with some folk's disinterest in chatting at an event like that. In my case, I know I'm probably am a bit snippy with folks who want to talk while I'm setting up for an art fair . Chatting amongst the artists is usually fine, because we all recognize the "rhythms" of the process, and can tell the difference between a moment when someone may want to chat, and one where they are focused too much on their tasks. I suspect dog show prep time may be similar.Very much the same. Of course there is no reason to be rude. But there is a lot of work & concentration going into the ring prep at the show. I try to nicely tell people what is going on at that moment, when ring time is & when we should be back to the set-up. Feel free to stop by after that time. |
| So I went back today and I got to meet Mary, Lori, and Madeline (and someone else, can't remember her name; sorry). Very nice people. I hung out with them for a little bit, helped them a bit. Nice to put faces to the names. Thanks guys, for letting me hang with you today. And thanks to Kristine for making the connection. I realized one thing, though. I would never want to show a dog. I have no patience for it. My hat is off to those that show. It's a LOT of work!! Like someone said earlier, you need an "in" to talk to the folks. That helped a lot. I also got to meet an 8 week old sheepie puppy on the way out (about 3:15 PM). So adorable. I had forgotten how much puppies nipped & mouthed & how sharp their needle teeth are. She was a Lambsluv (I think) puppy. The owner comes to this board but hasn't registered. |
I remember now another reason why i miss Norm more than ever!   Norm used to do all the PR talking while i brushed and groomed and readied for the ring. The comment about "please come back after i show" is one i have had to learn to mantra over and over. I think maybe a placcard that says: " I'm sorry if I don't answer you, but i am busy grooming right now for the ring. Please feel free to come and watch us 'strut our stuff' in the ring, then come on over to speak to us AFTER we have shown!! We don't mean to be rude, but this is a lot of work and we get to concentrating very hard into our task!" ???? |
got sheep wrote: We talk a lot in MN too..... Yes, but you guys talk weird |
I'm glad you went back again & gave the OES people another chance. Most can be very friendly. At least we try to be. The only time I tend to get a bit uptight is when I just finished my dog's head & somebody comes up & starts to pet his head without asking.  Most spectators, I find, are pretty polite & ask. It's the ones with the small child waving around a sippycup with koolaid or juice that puts me on edge |
| Mark was so great! I don't remember even seeing him on Thursday and it was great meeting him yesterday. He was a great help as you know, we never have enough hands at a show. I was actually looking for him all weekend and wanted to hook up. We all need our sheepie fix! Now he will know he has to help every time we are in Syracuse! Thanks Kristine for the intro. |
bestdogs wrote: got sheep wrote: We talk a lot in MN too..... Yes, but you guys talk weird do NOT! |
got sheep wrote: bestdogs wrote: got sheep wrote: We talk a lot in MN too..... Yes, but you guys talk weird do NOT! Want to go with?  |
Of course, and you can come with!!  |
ChSheepdogs wrote: The only time I tend to get a bit uptight is when I just finished my dog's head & somebody comes up & starts to pet his head without asking. That's the reason I made my list and took it with me |
| Rick said someone came up and took Jazzy's picture, I must not of been paying attention and did not even see the person take the picture, I must have been grooming. So if it was you I hope I did not seem rude, I am not that great a groomer and usually have to pay close attention to what I am doing. I also met someone while I was visiting with Mary and Apollo, perhaps you? |
loried wrote: Rick said someone came up and took Jazzy's picture, I must not of been paying attention and did not even see the person take the picture, I must have been grooming. So if it was you I hope I did not seem rude, I am not that great a groomer and usually have to pay close attention to what I am doing. I also met someone while I was visiting with Mary and Apollo, perhaps you? I was taking pictures of the dogs on Thursday. And I was hanging out with Mary, Madeline, Apolo, and Aggie on Saturday afternoon. |
| I'll have to upload the pics I took at the show, just in case I snapped a pic of anyone's sheepie. |
| Mark, I thinlk I met you on Sat. when we were hanging out with Madeline & Mary and the dogs. |
loried wrote: Mark, I thinlk I met you on Sat. when we were hanging out with Madeline & Mary and the dogs. That is correct. |
| I've uploaded my pictures. As soon as I get approved, I'll post the pics in a new thread in the Pictures section. Then, all of you that I captured can identify yourselves. |
| Thanks Mark !!! |
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