Am entering my first champ show on Sunday with my border terrier bitch (after having been persuaded she should still enter after having had a lump removed, hair has almost come back).  Just wanted some tips as will be very very nervous and don't want to affect dizzy (the dog) too much.  Does the judge know if you are new to champ shows and do they know who the dogs are in advance?  Any advice would be appreciated. thanks, shaz.

The judge isn't allowed to know who has entered under them in advance.

If it is a breed judge who usually exhibits, then they may know you are a new face.  But they should be looking at the dog, not at you.

Is your breeder there to give you some moral support?  Otherwise, just ask someone if they could help you, just make sure they are not about to go into the ring.

Are you at Richmond, only there might be someone on here showing Border Terriers who could help if they are going.

At least having a bitch, you will be able to watch the dogs first and see how the judge is moving them, nip out the back and have a quick practice. ;)

Good Luck and enjoy your day.
Sandra

The judges are not supposed to know who the dogs are in advance really that's why you have a number, but in reality it is easy to find out from the catalogue.  The judges will undoubtedly recognise some 'Faces' showing the dogs as they will have seen them before.  Just try to relax and enjoy the day.  Some judges, sensing that you are new and nervous will try to put you at your ease others will ignore you, the only way to overcome your nervousness is to do it over and over again until it isnt as scary.  I bet most of us still have nerves I know I do.

We both posted at the same time there

They are not allowed to see a catalogue either Echo.  Only the steward is allowed the catalogue.

Sandrah, there is no rule stopping a judge from looking at the catalogue! ;)  It's just more etiquete!

The KC rules don't actually state that the judge must not see the catalogue prior to judging, but this rule F(1)3.58(h)states that "Each Judge must be provided with a judging book..................."no mention of having to have a catalogue. So if the show management act correctly the judge has a judging book & no catalogue-the catalogue is for the ring steward to check that all dogs entered are called for if not present in the ring & normally the judge will be given a catalogue after judging ends, but there is no instruction in the rules for the Judge ever to have a catalogue ! Most shows will however supply a unmarked up catalogue or in the case of smaller shows & some Championship shows with on site computer access a marked up catalogue or list of class winners

The judge at Richmond is not a breed specialist, so will have little knowledge of the exhibitors by face.

As I have said in a previous post, we will be down there, if you need your hand holding come and find us when you get there.

We will be exhibiting two dogs before you show your bitch so you will be able to see what the procedure is by watching us.

Most people know us so if you just ask round the Border ring, someone will point you in our direction, ask for Jayne or Gemma from the Pipruda Kennel.

Regards

Jayne

That is nice of you Jayne, it makes such a difference when someone is there to hold your hand at your first big show.

You'll be fine.If your very nervous buy some rescue remedy!Once your in the ring everything will be OK..its always worse waiting then actually doing!! Look at it as a day out with your dog and just have fun.....Good luck
Archer

You will be fine and best of luck for sunday i look forward to reading about your day on monday.  It's nice that someone from this site will be there to help you out and keep you calm.

Good luck.  I can't be there but Ron will be there with the Beardies and I will be routing for you.

What is rescue remedy ?  I've seen it mentioned a few times now but I'm not sure as to what it is

Tara x

LOL.....I just tell myself its a companion show and it helps with the nerves.......

Rescue Remedy is a little herbal tonic.   Works on dogs and people.  You can get it at Boots Chemist

Ah...so it's not alcohol then :( :D

There is a tiny drop of alcohol in it, very tiny.

You'd have to drink gallons of the stuff to get drunk, Tara! It really does work though. My mum is a big fan of herbal remedies, most of which I am not sure about, but this stuff does the trick. And yes, it is available even on the Isle of Wight!

Oooh... I really need some now, just spent 10 minutes wrestling with a pork joint - suppose I can allow myself a glass of wine instead though, just this once :D