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HOW CAN EXHIBITORS IMPROVE AFGHAN HOUND JUDGING? Mrs. J.H. Daniell-Jenkins Of course exhibitors cannot improve the quality of a judge's assessment since that must rest on the knowledge and attitude of the judge, but there are certainly ways in which exhibitors can help to make a judge's job easier, more pleasant and less frustrating.
I covered something of this in the lecture I wrote in 1981 on Judging which forms part of Casey Gardiner's School of Canine Science Course. In the section on Judging as a Profession I included "What the exhibitor expects from the judge" and "What the judge should expect from the exhibitor," and quote them here in the hope that they may be of interest to your readers
"What the exhibitor expects from a judge:
A proper knowledge of the breed(s) to be judged,
An honest evaluation and decision,
A thorough examination of the dog, even if it is a poor one,
A pleasant experience (even if beaten!), Courtesy and complete attention,
Patience with a nervous novice or a "new" dog,
Clear, audible instructions
Consistency in ring procedure,
Considerateness, especially in a crowded ring or hot weather or rain,
Polite explanation in case of disqualification, excusal or with holding of ribbons,
Adequate explanation of a decision if asked "why,"
Suitable clothing."The judge should expect the exhibitor to:
Be ready at ringside when called,
Have his dog properly groomed and without resort to any of the artificial or other methods which are punishable,
Have his dog leash-trained and ring'trained
Pay attention to the judge's directions, especially in a large class, and to follow them out
Try to watch the judges's set ring procedure in an earlier class and so be prepared for it
Place his armband so the whole number is completely visible for the judge and steward when checking and marking placements,
Watch the judge as well as the dog, when moving around the ring, especially in the final roundup,
Not harrass other exhibitors or their dogs,
Not "show the judge" good points on the dog by hand movements while posing it
*Not feed the dog just as the judge comes up to examine it
Not use excessive baiting or throw bait about
**Train the dog to run straight especially in going and coming, to avoid its turning its head to look for bait and thus spoiling action,
Not indulge in "double handling" by someone outside the ring- if a judge notices this happening he is allowed to excuse the dog from the ring,
Accept the judge's decision in good part
Wear suitable clothing."I would place particular comment on the items marked with an asterisk It is most annoying to have a dog's mouth stuffed with liver just as one is about to examine its head and bite. It is frustrating to tryto assess a dog's gait coming towards one when the dog is so intent on the handler for bait that it completely ruins its true running gait by turning its head and shoulders to the handler instead of keeping its head to the front
Neglect or commitrnent of any of the above can irritate a judge intensely and they can be summarized as thoughtlessness and/or selfishness on the part of the exhibitor, particularly in large classes of the bigger breeds, where the judge wants each dog to have equal chance to move freely, and must utilize the allotted time to best advantage.
While writing to you I would like to take the opportunity of complimenting you on the quality and content of the Sighthound Of the many breed magazines I receive as a judge it is one of my favorites. I often find that articles on breed characteristics and/or problems can be of help in gaining a better understanding of the breeds as one judges them. Best wishes for your continued success
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