First time spectator at a dog show info

[Zoeys Mom]

RE: First time spectator at a dog show info

Anne, I have taken Diesel to shows that he hasn't been entered in. Plan on doing it next weekend in fact. I need to show him he won't die at a dog show. I just make sure to stay out of the way.

I'd never take Zoey tho.

[gmac]

RE: First time spectator at a dog show info

Don't they hold them by the base of their tail? I always loved watching the Standards anyway. They have so much pizazz.

[WDM]

RE: First time spectator at a dog show info


Wrong end. They hold them by the muzzle. It just looks so weird to see all these people calmly standing there with a firm grip on the long muzzle so they don't mess the fluffy fur.

Duane with
Ch. Geisha, Harley and Iris in
Saginaw Michigan
Great Lakes...Great Danes
http://duanemorgan99.tripod.com/DuanesDanes/

[Delladane]

RE: First time spectator at a dog show info



If the show is close enough by, My husband and I will take two seperate cars. I love to watch the other breeds and browse around, but he'd rather leave as soon as I am done showing. By taking seperate cars, he can leave when he wants and take our dogs with him so I then have the freedom to chat, browse and watch the others. Also if you are showing, and you are there by yourself, and you did not bring a crate, it will be almost entirely impossible to use the restroom. Dogs are not allowed in the restrooms, but where do you put a great dane? I giggle as I write this, I found this out the hard way, use the facilites before you leave home or the hotel.

Cindy

[silentskream]

Thanks for the info! As someone very new, and infact in the "pre-beginning" phase, it's very nice to have this kind of info!

[kahluadanes]

Bev, I loved your post.

Just my own addition....I do wish for the most part people who aren't showing would abide by the rules and leave their own dogs at home. I've had one of my show Danes attacked by a spectators dog while I was on the way to the ring and that really caused a problem not only that day but it had a lasting impression in regards to other dogs that to this day, 3 years later we have to deal with. The dog was a puppy at the time. I hate seeing spectators who bring theri dogs on a flexi and allow it to range out or allowing their dogs to go up to other dogs without permission (which I wouldn't grant anyway) or not picking up after theri dogs, etc....and not only dogs but kids..I absolutely hate it when spectators allow their kids to scream, run up to the dogs run amuck on the show grounds, try to feed things to dogs, etc... I have seen so much bad etiquette from spectators some of which is not only rude but can be down right disasterous.

As a person that is showing I do bring my own nonentered future show pup(s) with me so that I can get them use to the sights, sounds & smells of a show as do many show people. If someone not use to shows and not entered has a future show pup/dog then I see no problem with them bringing them for that same reason, however it should be with a mentor..someone who is showing or is experienced in showing so they can help them with the proper etiquette.

Spectators are wonderful and many can be the future of our sport..most are very respectful but there are always those few who leave a bad impression.

Dale

[Devil Dog]

Great points Dale.

But on the other side of the coin I would like to see the show people be a little bit more friendly with spectators, often the paying public. I don't mean let people maul your dog, or upset it before going in the ring. I mean if you have the time {and can be the least bit polite} answer those endless questions that many have. For most people it's their first time being exposed to the "show scene", and I for one want them going away with good things to say about show people. Especially in these days.. with all the negative press about show dogs.

Dee

[kahluadanes]

Great points Dale.

But on the other side of the coin I would like to see the show people be a little bit more friendly with spectators, often the paying public. I don't mean let people maul your dog, or upset it before going in the ring. I mean if you have the time {and can be the least bit polite} answer those endless questions that many have. For most people it's their first time being exposed to the "show scene", and I for one want them going away with good things to say about show people. Especially in these days.. with all the negative press about show dogs.

Dee

I guess I've had better experiences then a lot of people when it comes to being a spectator at shows. When I started getting interested in showing 15 years ago or so I went to watch several times. While I did find some "show" people to be rude & general PIA I found most to be very nice, very respectful and very willing to answer questions. I found (sorry if I step on any toes here) Poodle people & Toy breed people to be the worst offenders of rudeness.(only reason I was even looking at Poodles was becasue a very dear friend who has since passed was looking to purchase a show Poodle and I have a good friend that breeds & shows Toy's). Most of the German Shorthair people & Dane people I have come in contact with have been wonderful. Because of them it made me even more interested in showing..I'm still a blundering idiot novice in conformation but people have been wonderful..offering advice & pointers, talking Danes (and GSP). I've really only had 1 Dane show person that was less then cordial and who I steer clear of even to this day.
My husband who is an even worse beginner then I am showed for his very first time this year with his GSP pup and the support was fantastic even from the people he beat..

Of course now I know a lot more people, know how to "behave" as a spectator & as a show person, am involved with several clubs (though not a member), belong to a club, am past chair of teh Federation of Maine Dog Clubs, etc I am more then willing to talk to people about the GSP's or the Danes as long as I'm not getting ready for the ring or obedience competition.

I do think that "show" people often are a bit abrupt with spectators but can understand why ..far too many of us have had "bad" spectator experiences which makes some people defensive. JMO

Dale

[AwesomeDanes]

I guess I've had better experiences then a lot of people when it comes to being a spectator at shows. When I started getting interested in showing 15 years ago or so I went to watch several times. While I did find some "show" people to be rude & general PIA I found most to be very nice, very respectful and very willing to answer questions. I found (sorry if I step on any toes here) Poodle people & Toy breed people to be the worst offenders of rudeness.(only reason I was even looking at Poodles was becasue a very dear friend who has since passed was looking to purchase a show Poodle and I have a good friend that breeds & shows Toy's). Most of the German Shorthair people & Dane people I have come in contact with have been wonderful. Because of them it made me even more interested in showing..I'm still a blundering idiot novice in conformation but people have been wonderful..offering advice & pointers, talking Danes (and GSP). I've really only had 1 Dane show person that was less then cordial and who I steer clear of even to this day.
My husband who is an even worse beginner then I am showed for his very first time this year with his GSP pup and the support was fantastic even from the people he beat..

Of course now I know a lot more people, know how to "behave" as a spectator & as a show person, am involved with several clubs (though not a member), belong to a club, am past chair of teh Federation of Maine Dog Clubs, etc I am more then willing to talk to people about the GSP's or the Danes as long as I'm not getting ready for the ring or obedience competition.

I do think that "show" people often are a bit abrupt with spectators but can understand why ..far too many of us have had "bad" spectator experiences which makes some people defensive. JMO

Dale

Hi Guys I find ALL this very interesting, I Just left a Show Today to be Honest I have My Ups and Downs Why is there Such a Negative Attitude with Some Show People ?

Too Bold and Abrupt! I was Asked to Bring
My Boy, I did not want to Enter because I know he"s not Ready, so he was Combed Over from head to toe By this Person, which I understand BUT, this Person Said they were giving me there Honest Opinion But! they were Just too Brassy

I did not like how they tried to handle him either Jerking! Come on they Just Met him ! Of course any Dog would Back up if you Came on them like they did it was just Rude and DisRespectful.

On the other hand the Show Person that Won( Best of Breed) Encourage Me! Said He was Beautiful, Needed a Few more things to work on which I

Appeciated the Truth.They Were Not Rude or Brassy to Me They also said He is a good Weight, Which I think he needs to Gain.

By the Way, I did Met Some Other Really Nice People. BUT,I walked away feeing Stressed! 1st Timers, 2nd or even 3rd Timers,Could Easily Be Offended.

Is this Norm at All Showings ? One thing I did Notice a lot of Dogs had Bad Manners ! Some people were letting there dogs come up on others My boy is a big one, I will tell any one he needs some more Work.

But, I will Not Allow him to do that. you know there is a lot of Competition But do you have to be Rude to Win? I know he"s not the Best in Some Eyes Of Course, He is in Mine and Many Others.