FOR OWNER HANDLERS (WITH APOLOGIES TO MOSES AND CHARLTON HESTON) THE 10 COMMANDMENTS
"THE AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP OUTLINES 15 FUNDAMENTAL VALUES THAT ARE TO BE PRACTICED BY JUDGES, STEWARDS, HANDLERS, AND EXHIBITORS ALIKE. DOG CLUBS HAVE BY-LAWS WHICH HELP TO REGULATE THE ACTIONS OF THEIR MEMBERS, AND MANY HAVE A CODE OF CONDUCT AS WELL. SUPERINTENDENTS AND SHOW-GIVING ORGANIZATIONS HAVE THEIR OWN RULES FOR MANAGING EVENTS SO AS TO ENSURE THE COMFORT AND SAFETY OF EVERYONE—AND EVERY DOG—IN ATTENDANCE."
BY DAN SAYERS
M ost everyone goes through life guided by a set of principles, a kind of moral code that helps with life’s decisions—great and small. In the sport of dogs, for example, participants are required to adhere to a wide variety of terms and conditions. The AKC Code of Sportsmanship outlines 15 fundamental values that are to be practiced by judges, stewards, handlers, and exhibitors alike. Dog clubs have by-laws which help to regulate the actions of their mem- bers, and many have a Code of Conduct as well. Superintendents and show-giving organizations have their own rules for managing events so as to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone—and every dog—in attendance. And, of course, the entire sport is gov- erned by a registry that provides detailed instruction on everything from acceptable coat colors in each breed to managing cancella- tions in the wake of COVID-19. Even the AKC National Owner- Handled Series has a set of Best Practices to regulate participation in this non-titling competition. But for the owner handler in need of a bit more inspiration, there’s always guidance that’s available through more “traditional” sources. So, with apologies to Moses and Charlton Heston, here are 10 Commandments for Owner Handlers as decreed from the highest of sources—your own dog!
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022 | 129
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