Tag: judge

Categories
Judging

What makes a good judge?

What makes a good judge?
I recently asked on the Winning Paws Facebook page what makes a good judge. After reading some comments about different judges at Crufts (mixture of good and bad), I thought it would make an interesting discussion to see what peoples thoughts are. I also know as an exhibitor myself I will not go under “poor” judges more than once, even if they have done my dogs well.

It seems to  be common that what makes a good judge is one that can (and does) smile in the ring. Something so simple yet noticed by exhibitors. One comment from Elaine Bradley summed it up for me “To have a sense of humour, be pleasant and be able to smile.”

Another is to be kind and gentle and put at ease the dog AND the handler. Especially new or young people in showing like a judge who gives time to explain what they want in a simple way.

I have seen it myself before, judges wander into the ring and think they are the centre of attention. They don’t smile and they think they are above everyone else, even the exhibitors (who without they would have no appointment!)

So to anyone wanting to judge – smile
To anyone who currently judges – smile
And to all those judges who do smile – THANK YOU!

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Uncategorized

Dog Show Terms Defined

Dog Show Terms Defined
By Bonnie, Nickolai Borzoi – Ohio

1. Great stud dog…..Mounts anything that can fog a mirror.

2. Excels in movement.….If he gets loose, runs like Hell.

3. Personality Plus…..Wakes up if you put liver up his nose.

4. Good bite…..Missed the judge, got the steward.

5. Large boned…..Looks like a Clydesdale.

6. Good Obedience prospect…..Smart enough to come in from the rain but ugly.

7. Quiet and good natured …..In his kennel.

8. Excels in type and style…..However, moves like a spider on speed.

9. Won in stiff competition…..Beat 4 puppies and a 9 year old novice dog.

10. Multiple group winner…..At 2 puppy matches.

11. Pointed…..His head is shaped like a carrot.

12. Noted Judge…..He put up our dog.

13. Respected Judge…..He put up our dog twice.

14. Esteemed Judge…..He puts up anything that crawls.

15. Specialty Judge…..Puts up anything that looks like his own breeding.

16. Won in heavy competition…..The others were revoltingly overweight.

17. Shown Sparingly…..Only when we had it in the bag.

18. Show Prospect…..He has 4 legs, 2 eyes, 2 ears, and 1 tail.

19. Finished in 5 shows…..And 89 where he failed to win a ribbon.

20. Well Balanced…..Straight as a stick, front and rear

21. Handled brilliantly by…..Nobody else can get near him.

22. At stud to “approved” bitches…..Those bitches whose owners check is “approved” by our bank.

23. Linebred from famous champions…..Ch Whoozitz appears twice 6th generation.

24. Terrific brood bitch…..Her conformation is the pits, but she throws big litters.

25. Wins another Best In Show…..His second, under the same judge, our uncle.

Categories
Getting started Show dog training

Getting your dog used to being “gone over”

Getting your dog used to being “gone over”
If you want to start showing your dog, no matter what their age, you must get them used to having their body touched.

You can do this by regularly doing a “hands on” body feel of your dog. Take both hands and go over your dog from top to toe. Start from the head and feel your way down the body. Down the front legs onto the feet. Up to the shoulders and back and around the ribs. Continue down the body towards the tail. Stroke down the hind legs (back legs). Touch the tail and gently lift it or put it down depending on the breed. If you have a male it must get used to having its testicles felt.

Also get your dog used to being touched at any time, often judges will re-check shoulder placement or muscles before making a final decision.

Each time you put your hands on your dog, do it slightly differently, as no two judges will be exactly the same!

And don’t forget lots of treat and praise to make it a positive experience!