I HAVE A SIX MONTH OLD LABRADOR DOG PUPPY, AT RINGCRAFT HIS SHOW TRAINING IS GOING WELL. HOWEVER HE WENT TO A SHOW THE OTHER DAY AND AS THE JUDGE APPROACHED US, HE WAS FINE, THEN THE JUDGE BENT DOWN TO LOOK AT HIS TEETH AND HE BACKED OFF. SHE TRIED TO GO OVER HIM AND HE SHYED AWAY FROM HER, HE HAS NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE? AFTER THE CLASS I LET A COUPLE OF PEOPLE GO OVER HIM AND HE WAS FINE.
I AM LOOKING FOR ANY HELP AS TO AVOID THIS HAPPENING AGAIN. SHOULD I GIVE HIM "BACKS RESCUE REMEDY" TO RELAX HIM?
ANY HELP WOULD BE GRATEFUL AS HE IS A PROMISING LOOKING PUPPY.

Hi Meredith,

It may have been your puppy was over awed by the atmosphere, crowd and acoustics at the show when only used to a familiar ringcraft, same hall, same people, same dogs  :)  Possibly the approach of the judge was not as appropriate as it should have been - you'd be amazed at how many confident, mature dogs can be disturbed in that situation.

There's no need to panic - just give your puppy time to get used to the environment at a show and if your scheduled judge is doing other breeds before yours then have a look at how they approach and go over the dogs.  If they "eyeball" them, wander round behind them, are too persistent with going over certain body parts (teeth and nuts usually) despite a youngster's protestations then don't put your lad in - open shows are great training grounds for dogs but also the main training ground for novice judges ;)  If it makes you feel more confident to give him something then RR certainly won't do any harm at all but if this was his first show then I'd not be overly concerned about a repeat performance.

HTH, regards, Teri  

Sound advice from Teri. Most people know how they should approach a dog but you find in the ring you get the judges coming at every angle, towering over the dog, making too much of a fuss etc.
At your ringcraft ask people to approach your dog from various positions to get him used to it.
You also say this was your first show. Did you take him along before hand to other shows to get him used to it. A show especially an open one where they're generally indoors and very claustophobic.
At your next show get there early, hopefully your not first breed in. Let your pup have a good hour before their class walking round getting used to their environment.
In time he will settle down.
I still have the problem with mine at 15 months if the judge makes a fuss in anyway. My best moment was in the BIS ring a couple of weeks ago. Judge made fuss. Dog sat down and gave high five to him. Little monkey

A lot of judges are quite rough looking in their mouths too. Any decent judge I would have thought you could say 'my dog's only been to one show, he's a little shy' and they would be extra-gentle.

Equally there's nothing to prevent us as exhibitors asking the judge if we can show the teeth ourselves :)  Far better to always put our dogs' interest first - no good judge would have any objection to that.

Regards, Teri

Hi I have the same problem.  Out of the ring my 6 month is great get him in it and what a nightmare.  I know hes young and I probably pass on my nerves.  But it is a bit off puting when you know that most people watching are also critising. 

At the moment I am just trying to keep positive and put him into everthing I can.  I just suppose that experience will help.  All you can do is the same as me and keep putting yourself out there.  He will mature with any luck. 

Which area do you show? I am in the North West area.  Will keep an eye for you if you are near.  At least we have something in common

It is quite possible that you were the nervous one, and this went to the dog who reacted accordingly. Next time take a couple of deep breaths, and gently hold your dog under his head as the judge approached - maintaining contact can help confidence.