Pet hates - in the show ring

Some show-related issues that I hate:

1. Judges not meeting your eye, and acknowledging you, when you enter the ring or approach the table.

2. Judges that only are in it to find fault, and who never seem to find any virtue at all in the dog you´re presenting.

3. Judges who suddenly change their minds about which way the head should point, on the table, just when it´s your turn, and just after you´ve stacked your dog. (Even though up to 50 dogs have been stacked ”your way” throughout the day). 

4. Being given critique while stacked on the table, and not on the ground/floor.

5. Being expected to shut up when (so-called) expert judges stare you in the eye (simultaneously as they are relaying their critique to the writer, dog on table) and tell you about all your dog´s faults and failings – especially when said failings are some of your dog´s greatest assets!

6. Being judged by judges who, with every fibre of their being (except their mouths), are telling you that they´d rather be anywhere else than in a show ring. 

7. Judges treating you as if you had entered a race - not a dog show.

8. Being told by (several) trustworthy steward-friends about how many judges these days frequently brag amongst themselves about how quickly they judged their allotted breeds/classes – post show.

9. Judges literally winking at their exhibitor-friends, the exact same friends showing the dog they just put up - right in front of the competition´s eyes.

These are all issues I, quite frequently, have experienced in the past few years of showing Scotties in Scandinavia.

My message, obviously, is quite clear: 

• If you don´t like judging – please stay at home

• If you´re unfamiliar with, or not up to scratch on, the breed you´ve been asked to judge –  please do not accept appointments to judge said breed 


PS: A huge thank-you to all judges who behave in the exact opposite manner!