CREATING ORDER IN THE SHOW RING A JUDGE’S PERSPECTIVE ON CONFIDENCE & CONTROL
Research & Planning: Here are a few things that will make you look like a rock star once you get to the show. Study past events to learn about your judges and their preferences. You must under- stand what is expected in terms of performance and presentation. Plan your travel, accommodations, and schedule to avoid last-min- ute chaos. Have a packing list. Double-check your reservations. Make sure your car is clean, inside and out. Clean your windshield so you can see the road ahead clearly. Training & Right Practice: Regular, focused training sessions with your dog are essential. Rehearse not just the patterns but also entering and exiting the ring, and even what you will do while waiting for your turn. Mental rehearsals can also be incredibly beneficial. At Dog Show Mentor, we practice the mental game of dog shows, identifying not only practice but the right practice to improve muscle memory for an exceptional outcome. Health & Grooming: What do judges want? A clean, happy, well-trained, typey dog in good condition! Here are some ways to make sure you bring that dog. Ensure your dog is in top health and well-groomed before every show. A healthy dog performs better, and a well-groomed dog stands out. Keep your dog in top condition: nails, coat, teeth, and muscle tone. It may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at the number of dogs that have a dirty butt or incorrect nail length. Many are just dirty. Have your ring bag ready as your second tack box with items such as Band-Aids, safety pins, poop bags, moist wipes, and of course, brushes, combs, grooming spray, and the like, depending on your breed and whether you are using a trolley or ringside crating. You should also be prepared with a mini first aid kit. CULTIVATING YOUR “A” GAME Bringing your “A” Game means you are mentally and physically ready to compete; “get your grit on” and develop a killer instinct when you’re in the ring. You must have the confidence that comes thorough preparation and the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. You have to know where the judge is looking at all times and what your competition is doing every minute. This is no time for chatting up your buddies; do that later. It’s about being present, in the moment and connected with your dog, radiating confidence and composure. Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive attitude. Visualize suc- cess and believe in yourself and your dog’s abilities. Confidence is contagious, and your dog will pick up on your positive energy.
Physical Readiness: Take care of your health and well-being. Being physically fit helps you handle the physical demands of showing and the long days at events. Ensure you’re well-rested and energized. Adaptability: Be ready to adapt to any situation. Things may not always go as planned, but your ability to stay calm and think on your feet can turn potential problems into winning moments. It is the ability to pivot at a moment’s notice and keep your head held high with your “game face” on. Never let them see you unnerved or unhappy. You are there to win—and win you will. This is not a cheerleading squad; this is a Seal Team squad. As a cheerleader, you are standing on the sidelines, cheering for someone else. As a Seal Team member you are working toward a goal with the team of you and your dog, sights set on the winner’s circle. Although these are both important aspects of participating in the dog show world, they differ in their intentions for specific but different outcomes. Adapt your mindset to the role you really want to play for the out- come that will serve you and your dog best. EMBRACING THE FRICTIONLESS ROUTE In the context of showing your dog, adopting a budget and preparing meticulously may seem like adding more friction to an already challenging endeavor. However, this route is, in fact, fric- tionless. It is an easy Continuing Education Unit (CEU) of life. By understanding and managing your finances, preparation, and mental game, you are removing barriers to success, making each step toward your goal smoother and more attainable. Remember the saying in higher education: “You can’t fix a problem you’re unwilling to look at.” The same applies here. When you know what you’re spending, you find out if you can afford your choices. It is all about facing the realities of a competitive show environment and making smart, strategic decisions. CONCLUSION As a judge, I have seen many handlers and their dogs come and go. Those who stand out and consistently find success are the ones who understand and control what they can. They create order in their approach to showing. In turn, this increases their confidence and performance in the ring. It’s not just about how well your dog performs; it’s about how well you manage every aspect of the jour- ney to that performance. So, take control of your budget, your preparation, and your mindset. Bring your “A” game every time, and watch as you and your dog rise to the top.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lee Whittier has over three decades of experience in the world of purebred dogs as an experienced breeder, exhibitor, and internationally recognized judge. A former AKC Executive Field Representative, Lee now judges multiple Groups at prestigious shows worldwide. As the founder of the Dog Show Mentor program, she empowers owner handlers globally with strategic approaches to showing dogs. Lee currently resides in Vancouver, Washington, where she enjoys her Tibetan Terriers, gardening, and hiking. If you want more information about how to expand your dog show horizons, contact Lee@DogShowMentor.com At Dog Show Mentor, we make winners.
142 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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