Stay focused
While in the ring there are lots of things you will need to think about and concentrate on. Pay attention to what is going on in your ring. Remember the first and last dog so you know when the class is about to come to an end and be ready for when it is your turn.
Try not to engage into chit chat with others inside or outside the ring too much. Keep it to a minimum and make sure you are paying attention to what else is going on in your class, the judge and of course your dog.
It is advisable to also watch what the judge asks the other handlers/exhibits to do so you can prepare for what you are asked. This is especially important in Handling classes where the judge may ask for patterns different to the norm of a breed class.
Watching and ‘reading’ the judge will allow you to see what type of judge they are. In breed classes, how will your dog react to this type of judge? This is especially important in dogs which may be naughty in the ring or skittish. In Handling classes, can you ‘read’ the judge to see what type of handling style they may prefer? What are they asking from other handlers and what are they watching for?
Keep an eye on everything in the ring at all times. Also watch the judge when they are making their choice of placing’s to be ready if they do pick you.