I've just come back from a KC licensed companion show. I'm still very stressed out by it and its totally put me off going back to another :-(

My annoyance started when the puppy class which was limited to 6-12 months, a 17 week old Boxer entered, judge allowed and placed it
Even more so when a Husky was entered into the Sporting class and won it

Then I decided to put my dog into a novelty class, as we were walking out this dog lunged at mine and got teeth to my boy(lots of noise), I screamed and pulled my boy back and fell over backwards in the ring - Yes everyone was now watching. Woman's excuse was that I was too close to her boy?? :-( . I lost it, never shouted at anyone before at a show, but did this time. I stormed out the ring.. She never apologised either or even asked if my boy was ok.. Thankfully he is, no damage done, but I know that this could always have an effect on a dogs behaviour.

Apparently this dog had gone for another dog earlier in the ring and the judge then placed it, her excuse then was her boy doesn't like fluffy dogs.. Then why the heck is he at a dog show if he has a temperament like this??!!!

Its put me off these fun shows and I won't be going back to them...

Oh dear!! Yes you do sometimes get judges that don't know what they're doing, and the unfriendly dog was very unfortunate, but don't let it put you off totally - most companion shows are fun!

Umm yes had a Labradoodle in the sporting class the other week.  I actually thought it was an overweight Hungarian Visla!!!  There was also a snappy Jack Russell and other dogs that I'm sure were mixes in the pedigree classes.

It was also a KC show but when I said that I'd forgotten to bring my letter to prove that my dog was a natural bobtail they said it didn't matter as this was a fun show.

If they are KC shows surely they should be following rules and regulations, yes they are fun, but its the principle of them being run correctly.
I think i'll be contacting the KC on monday about this, it was a shambles of a show from start to finish..

Oh no Sue, that's all you need.  Hopefully it won't have any lasting effects on your boy. 

I agree, may it be a fun show but the rules should be adeared(sp?) to.

Sometimes under-aged pups go in just for the experience but either the steward or the exhibitor, make the judge aware that the pup is not to be placed...not that I have done this as I'm not entirely happy that its quite right.

> I think i'll be contacting the KC on monday about this, it was a shambles of a show from start to finish

I know they are KC licensed, but IMO companion shows should be fun days out. Personally I've shown baby pups at them, it's great experience for the pups :-)  I've seen lots of breeds wrongly entered and dogs placed that clearly shouldn't be, but so what - it's a fun day out :-)

What there is no excuse for is that dog going for your boy :-(  especially as it had went for something before! I do hope your boy is ok and won't connect it with being in the ring.

Oh my what an experience for you.

If there was a catologue maybe report the snappy dog and what was said.  Wouldn't like her at a show near me.

Don't think it idiots are exclusive to companion shows though, lol,  have met a few at opens.  Then there is those who leave the dog barking constantly and nowhere to be seen.

Hope your boys ok.

> but IMO companion shows should be fun days out

I don't disagree, to have a 17 week old pup in the ring, that doesn't bother me if for it to be socialised/training etc but when it gets placed then I do get a bit miffed - We are talking pedigree classes here, not the novelty ones.
I myself have been turned away from companion shows when mine were too young to enter, have also been allowed to practice standing in the ring and the judge informed of what i was doing.

The judge knows what he is doing and as for the Husky all he needed to say to them was to say wait until the correct class. We are talking about someone who offers CC's in many breeds.
Those taking entry monies should be more in the know too.

It was a badly run show compared to the many i've been to.
Yes it did end badly and that has left a nasty taste in my mouth when no one running the show bothered saying anything to me or the lady with the dog in question. The novelty judge is also a dog behaviourist/trainer too :-(..

Today I had the opposite experince at a local fun show, it was a lovely day out lots of different breeds a fun show run alongside a lurcher show, about a mile from home lots of goodies for sale and things too take part in, and a judge who gave lots of constructive comments and time to every entrant young and old, I caught up with friends and fellow dog walkers, lovley and relaxed even my  dad came and saw what my boy could do, and we ended up winning reserve best in show... maybe it was the location, judge or just the atmosphere but I enjoyed it very much, and it  made me want to enter more local events for the fun of it.

Sue - sorry you have been put off - I think the underage puppy thing is always going to be there - I think must judges do know (yesterday there was a cocker that pretty sure she wasn't 6 months) - and I know she didn't get placed in the pedigree classes either.

My main worry yesterday at the show I judged was iffy temperaments as most of the dogs entered probably never been to a dog show before - but I couldn't have been wrong - lovely all round and some very lovely dogs.  Most people were in good spirits and accepted if not placed in good spirits.  I think it was all helped by the lovely compere on the microphone keeping everyone entertained and reminding them they take the best dog home.

It really seemed to be a fun dog show.

They did have a sign telling people Labradoodles and cockerpoos were NOT eligible to enter the pedigree classes - apparently  a man once argued this and told them that the Kennel Club were due to recognise as a breed any day now!  There were three labradoodles in the novelty and such variance in size - one at 8 months was bigger than a great dane and so much fur!  I wonder if he will moult or not!

Sad to say it was breed show people that didn't seem to like not winning or thinking they deserved a higher placing.  Although also seemed to be some 'hardcore' companion dog showers too!

I really enjoyed my day and hope those that entered did too and did have a fun day out.

Do think that with a puppy of a breed that is not yours providing it has it's adult teeth it is difficult to say with any certainty that it is not 6 months, so I would guess pups of under 6 months will be present at most Companion shows and I do feel it is a shame that there are not classes for pups 3 to 6 months, a sort of puppy walk with rosettes to all.

In the novelty I didn't look in mouths but he pedigree class judge did and no adult teeth - so yes a good indication.  Plus asking to be sure and the rehearsed date of birth!

> My main worry yesterday at the show I judged was iffy temperaments as most of the dogs entered probably never been to a dog show before

I think in future i'll leave the novelty classes alone or if I pay my money see how many people go into the ring. Didn't have any issues within the pedigree classes.
Have to say I was tempted to go to a companion show this afternoon, but alas work prevented me from going. I had a good day out at an open show today and I wanted my boy to see that he could be around other dogs and they weren't going to jump him, just in case that was likely to become an issue..WHich your boy showed him Rachel... Big hugs to him xx

That's good Sue x x glad Connor was of help :) :) he is a softee x as you saw :)  He's now having a rest after having a bit of roast lamb (well deserved) with his dinner :)  Good to see you and love the darker hair on you!  Hopefully catch  up this week for wabbits!

> he is a softee

Indeed he is, sensitive boy your Connor :-)

Forgot to mention that he called out a long coated Chi as a Pap!!! Having a giggle to myself now.. So glad this judge doesn't have anything to do with my group at all, or yours!! :-D

> love the darker hair on you!

God i hate it, just had it cut and waiting for it to grow so i can highlight it back like yours!! But thanks xx