Hi all

This probably a common problem, but I'd welcome any suggestions.

I have had a brilliant first season in the show ring with my 2 Jack Russells, and at every show we all seemed to be improving. Helpful judges and supportive fellow competitiors have been very helpful, and my dogs and i have learnt lots along the way.

However, at a show yesterday my dog did something completely different in the the ring. Instead of standing and up and looking cocky like he normally does, (and how any terrier should) he just quivered and cowered at my feet. I threw his favourite treat, followed by his favourite flffy toy, at his feet just to get a reaction, and he wouldn't even sniff them...just quivered and cowered as if this was the nastiest thing to have done to him.
Standing outside the ring he was showing the world how handsome he was, and the moment he went into the ring he bacame a cowering wreck. His lead work was superb and he really 'strutted his stuff', but when put on the table or when supposedly 'stacked' at my feet, he did his very best to insist to everyone watching that I obviously beat him regularly with a sharp stick (not true obviously). The judge was brilliant on the table, and sensing my dogs bizarre nervousness spent ages stroking him and reassuring him on the table.

After the class finished and we stepped out of the ring, he immedaitely stood up properly, looking as confident and cocky as you like.

Is this a major case of 'ring nerves'? If so, how do I combat it.

Thanks in advance

Caroline

My Kindie was like that. It was just left, she never went back. At ring craft and at home she was fine, got her in the ring she was on the floor.
I don't see the point in trying to make them do it, if they can't enjoy it its not worth trying. She went on to produce some stunning pups, one from the last litter is entering the ring in spring and following her half brother!

Hi Miasmum

Thanks for your reply, but what is worrying me is whether i'm doing something wrong.

I appreciate it might just be that showing is not his cup of tea. My bitch has never been like this in the ring, but saying that neither has he, until yesterday. perhaps he was just having an off day?

But, to go back to what i was trying to say, if it is something that I'm doing that made him behave like this I don't want to repeat it with future dogs. Remember I'm learning too. However, I guess there's no miracle cure, as everyone and every dog is different and responds uniquely to a variety of stimuli.

Someone by the ringside suggested using Rescue Remedy to take the edge off his nerves, but I don't know where his nerves have come from. He's never been 'roughed' by a judge in the ring, to my knowledge he's never had a bad experience of any kind, in or out of the ring.... In fact his last show, last month at the same venue, he won his class, won Best Dog and took Best of Breed. The judge said that if he had been giving Green Stars he would have been his Green Star dog, and then yesterday he was a quivering mess...I just don't understand why?

Ah well. More practise at home, and we'll see how he reacts next time out... ;o(

Caroline

Hi
Sorry to hear of your problem but was the judge wearing a hat or glasses. I find that if you try to ignore them then you are not rewarding them for being nervous. he is at the age when they do silly things as he is a teenager. My dalmatian was fine until he was 2 then every time a judge went to go over him he would colapse on the floor he would be worse with men for some reason I would have to shove food in his mouth to take his mind of it but its when they go round the back to check he has 2. But at home I used to go over him and touch round the back and now we dont have a problem. Did something happen out side the ring did a dog have a go at him?.

Ha! Something in your reply has made me remember what just 'might' be the cause of his sudden attack of ring nerves.

The last show we were out at the judge made a big fuss about his bits and had a good dig about exclaiming that he only had one 'stone'. After a good deal of digging and groping it was decided that in fact he did have two, a fact I had been insisting on at the time. To look at him and feel him he definitely has two, but i suppose with all the digging about he had probably drawn one up. I guess it is obvious now that that is the most probable cause of Monday's behaviour.
It didn't occur to me that this would have upset him quite so much, as at the time of the groping he didn't appear too distressed. Obviously my bad, and it upset him more than he showed at the time.

I guess I'll have to spend some time conducting 'testicle touching' therapy sessions for him....any suggestions? Oh god, i just hope no neighbour spots me doing this on the kitchen table! How do I explain? The things we do for our dogs and their showring careers!

I can't believe I didn't think of that to begin with, it makes such sense now. Thanks for prompting my memory! ;o)

Caroline

I hope you do manage to pull him back!
Its a shame when they suddenly collapse on you with bad nerves!
Have you tried reading a dog psychology book? I learned a lot from them.
I'm sorry but that is the only suggestion i have, i'm just starting off showing myself really so not too clued up! ;-))

Poor little man, I can well imagine that he has been affected by all the "digging round". Personally I wouldn't let that judge anywhere near a dog of mine. Hope you can bring him round, Rescue remedy works very well and may help you to overcome his nerves. I would try to get him in a few ring classes and open shows to build his confidence, and at least there if a judge starts with the digging you can tell them to stop.