Going to the Dog Show: Etiquetteby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 06 Feb 2008 06:57 AM 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.
best in show, dog show, dog show etiquette, etiquette
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