says WHAT’S ONE WAY DOG SHOWS CAN ATTRACT NEW PARTICIPANTS?
a respected author in the community? Or a retired military? Perhaps a theatre group could support the effort with a quick performance?. Take a few moments and show what our per- formance dogs can do before BIS? —DiAnn Flory If current participants were kind and welcoming. If breed- ers were more willing to sell show prospects and mentor people who want to show. Most don’t return calls or emails. I think adding the Pee Wee classes is a start. —Anonymous Spectators seem to really like opportunities to “Meet the Breeds” at shows. Social media could be used more to pro- mote participation in these events. Also, educate the public regarding how to find out when their favorite breeds will be showing, and what to do/not do at the shows. For example, ask first before trying to pet a dog. Ask if they might be able to talk to someone about their dogs after they show versus when they are about to walk into the ring. Understand that some handlers are juggling multiple breeds in various rings and might not have time to chat with everyone. —Mary Kay Morel
points by entering an extra dog. It goes on and on. Best of luck in the effort. Just come through for us. —Anonymous
Include dog sports. —Anonymous
This is a tough question. Most of the time when we are at shows we are focused on our dogs and their needs as well as our friends. We need to be aware that new people are just looking to belong. I know it’s hard for us old timers to take the time to mentor a new person but you would be surprised at how many people just don’t know how to read a catalog or count points. A few minutes to say hello and be pleasant is not to much to ask for our clubs. This weekend at our tenth Anni- versary of shows, Arapahoe Kennel Club is offering donuts in the morning as well as cake and iced tea during groups. We always do the cake but are adding the donuts as a thank you to those who have supported us for the last ten years. We also offer Pee Wee’s with custom made grooming aprons emblazoned with “Pee Wee Handler” in gold glitter as well as a toy for the dog and a rosette for the participant. These are small things, well actually they are big things that take someone a fair amount of time to make the aprons but the kids love them! We need to do all we can so that the kids have a good experience as they are the future of our sport. —Anonymous We also offer larger rosettes for for the Best Veteran, Best Puppy and Best Bred By Exhibitor when we offer those class- es and a perpetual trophy. I honestly think that the most important thing is to be kind when possible. —Cindy Knox Education! A very large portion of the dog owners are not aware of dog shows or how they operate, or their purpose. Dedicated, responsible dog breeders have a big responsibility already with care, breeding, genetic and medical knowledge, pedigree research, showing, etc. and to expect them to do “education” about dog shows is an additional time restrictive activity. AKC could encourage “mentoring” about purebred dog shows. Perhaps a “meet the breeders workshop” where several breeders could have open discussion about “How I got involved”. And then guests could answer general ques- tions. An informational casual meeting. Many local kennel clubs offer a ‘get acquainted’ tour at dog shows but that’s in addition to all of the functions of being the host kennel club. It’s usually during ring times and poorly promoted, and therefore poorly attended. How about a TV ad on dog related shows? “Do you want to know more about the world of purebred dog shows?” Visit our web site, etc. etc. Even ads on Facebook and other social media? Perhaps, even on teen channels—after all, kids love their pets, right? Let’s educate. Plant the idea! —Anita Kitch- ens Have handling help for new people.It can be very diffi- cult to find handling classes in everyone area.Real help. From people that know how to show dogs. —Anonymous
Give original group placements to professional breeder handlers as well! —Anonymous
Lose pro handlers or have judges educated on dogs they judge not handlers. —Anonymous
Shows can attract new participants and keep the old ones, by cutting out the professional handler politics. Judg- es need to judge the dogs, not the other end of the lead. —Anonymous Time the classes and groups do judges have time for win pictures. It’s part of the experience the exhibitors and own- ers want. —Anonymous
Hire honest judges! —Anonymous
Anyone who has an interest will seek out how to do it. But I think there are some people who have an interest in getting a dog, but don’t know anything about the show world, or have a negative impression of showing and breeding (thanks to animal rights activists). Educating people on the plus- ses of purchasing from breeders, and then letting breeders encourage them and mentor them to become involved in the sport of dogs would be best. Unless one is born into it, a men- tor is crucial. Getting young people involved is important. Everyone wants to adopt a pet because it’s the right thing (according to the media), but few really know about the good that breeders and parent clubs do with developing DNA tests that help not just dogs (and often more than one breed) but also peoples health with their research. Good breeders also take back dogs so they don’t end up in a shelter should something happen in the future with the dogs they breed. I’m sure you can think of other things to add to the list. —Chereen Nawrocki
Be kind and helpful rather than belittling them. —Anonymous
Embrace the community. Invite a community representa- tive to be part of ribbon presentation. Do your homework is
138 • S how S ight M agazine , O ctober 2018
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