• Body Movement of the Dog: Precise presentation from nose to tail; • Start and Stop Points: Strategically placed to best show the dog; • Flow: Checks in with team, steps in the ring and awaits the signal from the judge, performs, returns to the line—but stays “on.” Even once she is finished, she knows that she is still in the spotlight. When we look at these performances, what similarities do you notice in the two routines? What are these competi- tors doing before, during, and after their events? Warming up, prepping, visualiz- ing, drills, then a check-in with the coach. They step into the spotlight and make eye contact with their judges. They check in with their coaches, right? Now, you all have a coach (me) and you have the option of using my expertise as you’d like before your runs. But let’s return to our examina- tion of two ring arenas. FOCUS ON YOUR PERFORMANCE Focus on your dog and the rest will come. Know where you are going and focus for every second. The seconds tick away during your limited time in the ring. Use every moment to ACE your performance! In any competitive venue, there’s much to learn and much to overcome on the journey to the top. Develop a routine that sets you up to step in the ring and maximize your dog’s presentation under the spotlight. • Mindset! Change your nervous energy into an attitude of positive anticipation. • Is your dog excited? Help him switch into a positive state of anticipation, ready to perform. • Step in the ring. Turn ON! • Be ready to perform, as requested. • Your dog is focused on you and is on exhibition. • Even after your turn, as you stand in the line-up, you are still on. • Bottom line: In the Ring = In the Spotlight = You Are “On!”
after your individual exam are potential times to impress the judge, and to create a deceptively casual presentation—or not. Once you are ready for the individual, your dog has a mere 30-40 seconds to impress the judge on the exam, then the down and back, and possibly once around. A COMPARISON OF TWO RINGS: THE OLYMPIC RING AND THE DOG SHOW RING You know how I’m always talking about the 2.4 minutes allotted to each dog in the ring? Well, Team USA Olympian, Simone Biles’ floor routine is less than 90 seconds, and for her vault, she has a 25-meter run- way to run at full speed to generate force to launch herself into the air and land on a mat that is one meter wide. Talk about fast competition. She has seconds in which to propel herself into the air to flawlessly exe- cute twists and flips—the more combined, the better to impress the judges. Let’s draw a comparison of two perfor- mances: Competing on the Olympic stage for the gymnastics floor routine versus exhibiting in the dog show ring. The Olympian: • Equipment: Chalk, wraps, tape; • Mental preparation: Cues, visualiz- ing, and good luck rituals; • Appearance (women): Leotard, make-up, hair; • Body Movement: Precise, down to how she points her fingers and extends her toes; • Start and Stop Points: Strategically placed for each sequence; • Flow: Checks in with coach, steps onto the platform and signals to the judges, performs, and signals once again before stepping off the platform. Even once she has finished, she knows that she is still in the spot- light, and marches off the floor ready to prep for her next event. The Dog Show Handler: • Equipment: Lead, bait, grooming supplies; • Mental Preparation: Cues, visualiz- ing, and good luck rituals; • Appearance: Suit, make-up, hair; groomed dog;
“SHOULD I WAVE AT THE JUDGE IF THEY’RE NOT PAYING ATTEN- TION TO MY DOG?” I was recently asked, “If a judge is not paying attention to my dog, should I wave at them to get their attention?” In response, I encouraged the handler to take a more subtle approach. “In a 175 dog entry, there are moments in time when a judge may be gazing into the distance, waiting for an entry to start moving or make the turn or get the dog up to optimum speed for cor- rect foot timing. Peripheral vision is an amazingly accurate human ability. Don’t assume that because the judge’s head is turned, you’re not being seen. You’d be sur- prised what we judges see out of the back of our heads! Absolutely consider yourself to be in the spotlight!” I coached her: “When you are actually presenting your dog, it’s eye catching. As you step into the ring, and for the duration that you are in the ring, be ready so that when the judge’s gaze moves to your dog, he looks like a rock star.” Yes, most exhibitors have experienced at some point or another when the judge’s attention was elsewhere, or they had a delayed observation of your dog. Another exhibitor asked, “Should I stop and look at a judge if he isn’t watching?” I responded that there is no need to bring attention to the pause; the judge will turn to you when ready. This kind of intimidating tac- tic serves to detract from your beautiful dog, and it only brings attention to your own temperament. Attempting to embar- rass the judge for ostensibly not watch- ing your dog doesn’t win a judge’s atten- tion or respect. It is never appropriate to try to embarrass anyone, for that matter. Keep in mind that all of your actions in the ring are potentially being recorded by someone. What might that result be from both perspectives!? No matter how you see the situation, others may see your actions as unsportsmanlike. You and your dog are figuratively and literally on stage at all times. What advantages can you gain when your dog’s performance is on point, even if it is not your turn? If you can get your competition to look at your dog, that will give you an additional advantage. Keep in mind that your dog is on display for judges, spectators, judges as spectators, potential puppy buyers, potential breeding partners, and/or other collaborations. Other than your one-on-one time, think of all the time that you are actu- ally in the ring. What a lost opportunity for those who only turn on when they are being judged. The moments before and
IN THE RING = IN THE SPOTLIGHT = YOU ARE ‘ON!’
112 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2021
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