First show
When I remember my first dog shows twenty years ago, I’m very happy about positive alterations in organization of shows, and participation is growing up, an especially I can see that collective Lithuanian cynological level is growing up.
Long time ago dog shows were very often in small closed spaces –schools, kids garden. The shows, which was organizing outside very often has been canceled because of bad weather…. We never new beforehand how much participants is going to be, what kind of breeds will be shown up or if it will be a possibility to referee. Because of this chaos nobody got surprised that expertise is late. Sometimes I have oddly nostalgia when I remember how participants of show were walking very dignified in the path of stadium together with wind-instruments orchestra. Many quadrupeds had on their necks medals from previously dog shows!
The time was passing; the Lithuanian cynology was growing up. In the same time we grew up also, participants and experts. The youth, mixed with experience, perseverance and doggedness, knowledge got the results. Now days we really have something to be happy about, our experts are very welcome to other countries and cynological societies of other countries are inviting our experts. The dogs of Lithuanian breeders are glorifying Lithuanian name. We already have international and world champions, it is really joyful especially then you know, that our Lithuania is so small country.
Expertise by cynological eyes: It is always fun, then you can see in the ring many breeds representative; it is ok if they didn’t reach the same level. Then are really many participants each of you having a great chance to compare you pals with other, to find out you dog level. Even if you buying dog for your self or for your “house”, you have to get into dog shows first of all, each of you want to know everything about your pet. If you are not satisfied of the place which you took in the show don’t get upset and don’t blame the judge, you just have to find the time to go the show one more time. And never get nervous about it, next time you will get more luck. Just tell for your self, that isn’t the last show and that isn’t the end of the world, I certainly know that another day will be better, another air, another ring and another judge…
You just want to add, the judges are the same people as you are, sometimes they can make mistakes, but you have to understand, they really know much more than you know in the beginning of you pet career.
Expertise by breeder eyes: Each serious breeder is happy then he can see dogs of his own breeding. It always so curious to know, who have been grown up from that small, fuzzy puppy, which took from you many sleep in the nighttime. The each day of invisible work, which the breeder do not always have a good results, so don’t be surprised when “mommy” or “daddy” are so happy like the kids, sometime they even have a happiness tears!
Advice for “hedgehog in the mist”: be always happy if you won, but never get upset if you didn’t win. Even the lions of the shows not always win. Expertise will never change your dog; he will be the same before show and after. You know that he is the best…best…best…. well you know that by your self…
A little bit about ethics in the ring. Always obey all orders of expert or his assistant, respect their hard work. Also respect all participants in the ring. Remember, that judge has a right to eliminate you and your dog from the ring of very rough, tactless behavior. It is not allowed to talk in the ring, the judge usually never change his own decisions. You will detain not only the judge but also other participants and you will destroy good atmosphere. So better listen to the judge decision quite, even if it isn’t so nice to you.
Getting ready to your first dog show.
Well you pet got a little bit bigger, and you of course want to know who grew up from the puppy, didn’t your pet fall short of expectations. The best way to find out –go to the dog shows. You could tell, I bought a dog to be a friend, it has serious lacks… But it is always a mind to get more information about your dog, compare to others. Lacks, which you think could have your dog, could be gone after time will pass. Idol dog is written on FCI standard, our dog should match this idol, but even the champions have some lacks. Everything could happen; from “ugly duckling” can grow up to the beautiful swan. That is why serious breeders trying to “strain” to the shows own puppies. For Profs in cynology –for breeders the show – that is an event, which helps to improve the level of your breed. After each dog show we analyzing results, checking breeding program, finding new and interesting sires. It means a new chance for your dog; don’t loose it. Of course sometimes it can happen conversely – from the breeding some dogs are eliminating, which progenies didn’t reach expecting results. Well definitely very careful and thoroughly ring expertise is going on specialized breed clubs shows, giving the attention to each participant. This is the why to find a “young talents”. And who know, maybe your dog will be a new star!
In the club of the breed professional will inform you about shows in Lithuania and other countries. If you are member of club, they will help you to prepare to show, explain how better is to show your pal, inform you about rules of the show. You will know your rights and duties.
If you are a new in this situation, so suggestion for you visit dog shows without your dog first of all. That helps you better to feel the atmosphere of the show. Keep your attention to the Profs, how they preparing dog to the ring, how they prepare the pelt, how dogs making an exercises before the appearance. Look then they are already in the ring, usually you won’t see how they making this, but they can show up the best dog characteristics. I don’t think so that professionals will tell you their own secrets, but something useful you can find out only watching them. Well in other hand, it is really great opportunity to communicate with other breed enthusiasts, serious breeders, and of course you will find new friends.
Well and that day is born, you are ready to your first dog show. You can come earlier to have time to occupied comfortable place for you and your dog. Don’t forget take an umbrella in that case the show will be outside. You have to find out in which ring is going to be expertise and be on time. You also, have to make exercises with your dog and brush him, of course if it is longhair. Don’t forget to take few moment of rest before the ring. Have a dog lead for shows, better not new one, have a cup and a drinking water. The snacks or delicatessen for your dog also have to be in your pocket, first dog show for your dog have to bigger party than for you! Don’t forget to take the certificate of vaccination. Don’t feed your dog before the show. Young dogs can vomit in the car, or somewhere else.
In the ring try to don’t get very nervous, count on your self. Keep your dog in that position that it couldn’t reach concurrent; don’t let your dog to bark. All your attention give only to your dog, your good mud will go to your pal, so all dogs’ behavior depend only from you. Don’t get upset even if you and your best friend are the last in the show, you have to fight till the end. The same dog in different do shows can be rated differently; sometimes it depends on different expert. The most important, don’t take it to deep in our heart if you won’t succeed that will be your hobby. In any case your dog is the best in the world!
P.S. 20 years ago I went to the first dog show with my first dog the breed of Collie, with name KARA. My beautiful “girl” took the last place in the show and that happen few times…. KARA passed away, but she left me a huge love for dogs and the path without a rose to the big cynology, the same path where I’m still now. This path doesn’t have the end…
JB