I was wondering. When I showed my puppy at an open show and beat 10 other puppies to win best AV puppy, I stood in front of him as he stood and looked at the judge. The judge chose him first.

But my mum has said that I should be facing my dog.

I wonder if it depends on the judge or if it doesn't matter?

By in front of I mean standing in front of their face, not in front of their bodies, as opposed to behind the dog which is where people normally stand.

Thanks :)

Different breeds are shown in different ways, so it depends what breed you have. You certainly need to be concentrating 95% on your dog but keeping 5% aware on the judge!

I'm confused, I don't know of any breed in the UK where the handler stands behind the dog, they do this in some breeds on the continent where they are shown straining on a lead.

In most free standing breeds the handler stands in front of the dogs head, or slightly side on so the judge can see the front. or at the side of it's body if stacked (held in place holding head and tail).

I'm confused, I don't know of any breed in the UK where the handler stands behind the dog, they do this in some breeds on the continent where they are shown straining on a lead.

Very commonly done in Belgians here Brainless, but you need to double handle then for it to work! Seen it in GSDs as well.

It used to be common in Lhasas showing their 'aloof' stance but hardly anyone does it now, most choosing to kneel.

Sorry, by behind I meant behind the dog's body, not its bum :D

What breed have you got?

ETA: Forget that - he's a papillon, isn't he?

Yes, he is :)

Just wondered if its ok to have your body facing the judge if you are sure your dog is stacking fine when the judge is making her final decision or if it might be seen as intimidating the judge?

Have a look at other papillon exhibitors and do what they do. Everyone I know is concentrating hard on their dog when they're in the ring, keeping its attention on the job in hand, so they're facing the dog.

You can't ever be SURE your dog is stood fine unless you are watching it -and with Paps you may well lose the class if for instance the tail suddenly drops. So watch the dog. :)

Bane of my life is his tail! Luckily it's been doing well so far.

It was the only time I was certain he was stood well. It was just about ten seconds during her final decision.

Tomorrow night is the last time he's in Puppy! At our Match Night. I want that Best Puppy In Match!!!!

From what you are describing the way you stood sounds fine to me.I sometimes stand like this with my chins but usually opt to stand in front at the head end.
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