Showing

These are bits of show handling advice, with contributions from many IW people to help along the “newbies” in the Show Ring.

(Thanks to D. Duniho, who collected and edited them and from which I copied quite some passages.)

Showing is a hobby. Judges vary in their tastes and knowledge of our Irish Wolfhounds, and whether you win or lose, next week is another show. Dog shows are a great place to socialize and to learn more about the breed. Try to relax and absorb it all; the actual time in the ring is only a small part of the day.

Familiarize your hound with show collar and lead and walking on your left side before showing for the first time. Practice stacking and going "round the ring" at home, at your local kennel club, or at a friend’s house; let someone check his bite, as a judge would do.

Most Irish Wolfhound people are friendly and helpful. If you're new and nervous, be there ahead of time; someone will make sure you are doing the right thing. We were all new once!

Dog shows follow the same general order; dogs go first, then bitches; puppies start each gender, working up to the Open class. Watch the class ahead of you; the judge will use the same routine for each class. If you aren't sure what to do, stay close to the ring so you can hear the steward, who will call out numbers. You can also watch the judges routine and so you will know the procedure when it is your turn. Be sure to know your number and pin it to your jacket/armband , so it’s visible to everybody.

Know your number! It's the number you got from the show organisation and which you either pin to your Jacket or put on your left arm so the judge can see it.

Line-up is at least here in Europe catalogue order Usually you go in and stack your dog, then the judge sends the entire class around the ring, then sets up for individual examination and gaiting, check bite and anatomy, then sends all around again. Going around the ring you will always be going counter-clockwise with the dog on your left. On the "down and back" DO keep your eye on the judge, returning to her/him in a straight line. When he’s through with you, he’ll give you a sign and you can stand back in line. If you win 1st or 2nd place in your class, be prepared to go in again for Winners and/or Reserve. It's considered polite to stay to watch Best of Breed, even if you don't win anything in your class.

Judges are almost always nice persons who want to see your dog at his or her best; they will be tolerant of your inexperience. Pay attention to what the s/he is saying. If you’re uncertain about instructions, ask the judge to clarify

Don’t crowd the judge, especially on the “up and back” (which is the same as the “down and back,” by the way); allow body space.

Look at the judge, without jeopardizing your balance or footing, as s/he is looking at your dog, it demonstrates your openness to instruction, among other things.

Don’t interrupt the judging process with explanations to a judge, just answer his questions, not more. You can tell him"This is our first show" or "I'm new at this (which for him is probably obvious)

Good judges know puppies, and usually enjoy their youthful capacity to entertain. Don't worry if your puppy doesn't behave perfectly, gait smoothly, or stack perfectly. Puppies are the perfect vehicle for totally embarrassing you; good judges and exhibitors usually expect some disorder from them, and are forgiving.

Your calm continued friendliness toward your pup will have a more beneficial effect than anxious corrective measures, although it is certainly your obligation to maintain what order you can. The most important things are: Have FUN and make it FUN for the puppy.

Smile profusely and really enjoy yourself; your puppy will never be so cute again!In all cases, but the temptation is greatest in the puppy classes, it seems best not to laugh until after you have left the ring.

	Be calm and polite both inside the ring and outside it.

	Appreciate that some exhibitors like to stand quietly a bit away from the ring and collect their thoughts before going in.

	Don't be hurt or offended if experienced people are not open to conversation during the show - they may be too focused on their own dogs to have time. Speak to them after they have finished showing.

	Don't let your hound bounce up to other hounds or persons to socialize unless they are dogs/handlers you know well and you know it is OK. Keep your pup close beside you and don't crowd others.

	Be ready when it's your turn to go into the ring

	Do not allow your dog to run up on top of your fellow exhibitor's dog. Keep a leash length between entrants.

	Do not allow let your dog butt-sniffing privileges with the other entrants.

	Don't leave until after Best-of-Breed judging. Even if you get second in your class you may still have to go back in (and the steward will call your number if you do). It's poor form to leave before the judging is done.

	When you do well, you appreciate the congratulations, and others deserve that also (even though your dog was better and the winner should have been in the golden retriever ring.) Always show good sportsmanship. When you lose, congratulate the winner (even if you have to bite your tongue), there's always another day.

	In or out of the show ring, refrain from sniping or gossiping about other hounds or owners or handlers. Unkind remarks spoil the day, will always get back to the person(s) insulted, and are unworthy of the hounds who are our companions. Follow the old adage “if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.”

Dress comfortably, but this does not mean appearing in an old T-Shirt and Jeans. This shows neither respect for the judge and even less so for your hound, of which you are proud. You made him look his best for today, do the same for yourself. Don’t dress to flashy, as not detract the judges eye from your hound. Avoid white or velvet clothes, (they will make you look like a walking dog hair roller by ring time.) Always wear something with at least one pocket (for the little baits) Wear comfortable shoes that won't come off when you run.

Make sure your hound is the main display; don't wear anything so short or revealing that you're afraid to bend over, and if you are substantial enough to jiggle, do what you can to control that with meaningful undergarments. Don’t wear anything with a neckline that reveals everything, when you bend over. when you wear a skirt, make sure the elastic band of your half-slip or your panty is firm, loose underwear of any kind are just asking for a disaster, and many exhibitors have been witnessed in just the embarrassments you may imagine.

If you have long hair, tie it back in an attractive and secure way (BEFORE coming into the ring).

Go to the bathroom shortly before your ring time, whether you think you need to or not.

And no matter what stupid thing you do, no matter the mistakes, no matter what embarrassing calamity you endure, don't worry about it, it's been suffered before. You'll survive, you’ll do better the next time, and you'll have great stories to tell!