Going to the Dog Show: Etiquette

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

Have you ever been to a dog show? Would you like to? Here are some tips for how you should behave in order to be asked to sit and stay.

• Don't just pet the dogs -- ask first! This is a good idea anywhere, really. But remember that the owners and handlers have spent a lot of time getting their dogs ready for performance. Don't just walk up and mess up their hair. Ask first.
• Don't let your children run up to strange dogs, either -- again, this is good advice outside the dog show, too. Always ask before your child pets a dog.
• Keep hands and fingers out of crates and exercise pens.
• If you want to talk to an owner or handler, it's best to wait until AFTER they are done showing their dog. Before showing, the exhibitors will be busy and/or nervous and won't have the time or energy to take questions.
• Don't crowd the ring entrance. Dogs and handlers have to go in and out at various times.
• Don't lean into the ring.
• Don't try to talk to handlers while they are in the ring showing.
• Strollers are generally discouraged at dog shows. Partly because they put a child's face and a dog's face at the same level; partly because they can run over tails!
• Don't bring food close to the show ring. It can be distracting to the dogs -- especially dogs who are in obedience trials. Yes, these dogs are well trained, but the scent of your lunch can still be a distraction to the performers (and to the handlers).

One last thing -- unless you are showing a dog, pets are not allowed. Anyone who brings a dog that is not being shown will be asked to leave. Sorry, Fido! You'll have to catch the dog show on Animal Planet.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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