Before I went in the ring for the group on saturday I had to spend 5 mins cleaning it out because of all the bait on the floor. There was big chunks of liver and jerky all over the place. Being the owner of scent hounds all this bait it very tempting and throws the dog off the job in hand.

Why dont the exhibitors clean up after themselves why do they have to chuck great chunks of bait all around the show. I thought that the rule was that you had to clean up everything after your dog.

This behaviour is just a lack of respect for the people and breeds in the ring after you.

Even the stewards should make sure that the ring is kept clean and they do not bother most of the time either. When ever I steward I am always Checking the ring and removing any stray bits that might put the dogs off.

Hi Beagler, Yes ive seen this time and time again, exhibitors baiting there dogs by throwing it and never picking up after them It makes me especially mad when there are dogs with certain intolerences and eating these titbits, would make them ill!!!!

Just out of interest, which breed/s had been in the ring previously and left it so bad?

Yes it annoys me aswell. And the titbits that come flying out of the ring! :(

It was mainly the working group that had been in the ring on that day, but other groups are just as bad.

Did you report it to the show secretary? After all, you'll have had all the evidence needed.

i was at a show recently and while it was empty i went in with my pup to get him used to it
there were tacks all over the carpet
hate to think what damage they could have caused if i had not picked them up along with another exhibitor .

georgina

I did not have time to report anything as the rings were switched at the last minute. I just had time to clear the ring get my dog, then it was straight into the ring for judging.

The ring was situated right in front of the secretary's table though. This still should not make a difference as the poor secretary cannot check the rings they are far to busy with other things on a show day.

It was not just this show virtually every show you go to if you are late in judging order then the rings are generally in poor condition. It is not just food there is nearly always balls of dog hair/fluff floating around this will easily distract a puppy when it floats by in the ring.

I have nothing against baiting or grooming just leave the place clean and clear for the next exhibitor.

I was rather startled when stewarding a pastoral breed recently to find people throwing sausages all over the ring - we Cav people wave the food around, but almost never throw it!

I have been in rings full of dog coat trimmings, of various colours (this was at a championship show) and of course bits of bait too.  With a freestanding food orientated hunting breed both are a nightmare.

This weekend we were at Ryton, Rugby & Dist CA we had rings in good condition but next ring, Rotties, there was the usual mess we stood at the ring side as a seen dog and the puppy had a feast from the jerky on the floor. She waited for the Rottie to move then nipped under the tape and ate what was dropped at least that corner was kept clean.