Show TIPS from the VARSITY CONFORMATION novice
Well, I call myself a novice since I've only been at this for 10 years. There are folks who have been showing in conformation rings since they were five whom have many more years of experience than I. I watch them closely and try to learn from them. I learn everyday and just when I think I have the answere to best show off my dog it does not work when the judge is looking.
You have practiced and practiced and you have been able to repeat the behaviour/stance/look for the last 10 out of 10 times. You have made sure that there were plenty of different types of distractions and still 10 out of 10 everthing went as planned. So what happened in the ring when the judge was taking that last long look to make their selection? Did your dog lost interest in showing? Did your nerves telegraph down the lead to your team mate?
I do not have an answer. My advice is to gather yourself up and try again. One of the things that we try to do is watch each other in the ring and then give help to each other only if the other solicits it. Besides the buddy system another great tool for improvement is using a video camera (you still need that buddy to do the recording) to record your time in the ring. We are only in the ring for a short time and that allows you to really see for yourself how you and your dog performed.
The highest compliment a handler can recieve is that their dog showed well and you did not even notice that the handler was there. Personally, I think more in terms of the Best of Breed Ribbon but, I do not see that very often. What I would like to accomplish with this section is to allow those who are new to conformation rings to ask questions as well as share experiences. In addition, if we do not have an answer to a handling question or technique, we are asking anyone with ideas or suggestions to share them. We will always try to get you an answer to your question.
You are THE HANDLER
Question:
Because of the configuration of the white boots on my Boston's hind legs it presents the optical illusion of being close in the rear when it walks away from the Judge. How can I show off my Boston's gaiting away to its best.
Answer:
Speed causes this illusion. The faster the dog moves away, the closer the feet appear to be. So slow your dog down when the judge is evaluating its gait from the rear.
Please send any questions to us at our E-mail address: cheeks@earthlink. net
Anthony & Jeannette Cheeks SweetCheeks Kennels cheeks@earthlink.net