We all enjoy this wonderful sport of ours. Whether we win or lose, we keep coming back for more. It currently takes 9 dogs or 12 bitches to create a major in our breed. In order to create a champion we need competition. This then causes us to encourage in any way we can other Siberian husky owners to get involved. In order to achieve this, we need to teach ourselves, and especially, potential members of our sport the do’s and don’ts of ringside etiquette. With the help of other fanciers, I have compiled a list of proper ringside etiquette. Be on time! Be sure you are at your designated ring at least 10 minutes before the start of the first group of dogs due to appear in that ring. This gives you plenty of time to pick up your armband(s). Pick up your arm band with courtesy toward the ring steward. Remember that the stewards first responsibility is towards the Judge. Always place your armband on your left arm. If you have more than one dog entered, I have always found it easier to write the name of the dog onto their corresponding armband. In this way you can change your armband quickly without holding up the ring or the judge. Be ready to go when to ring steward calls your number. If you take 2nd place in a class, watch the winners ring carefully. If the winning dog or bitch from your class wins, then your 2nd place dog needs to go back in for reserves. Do not insult the judge or show poor sportsmanship by leaving too soon. When you are standing outside the ring, TRY NOT TO CRITICIZE A DOG OR A PERSON THAT IS IN THE RING. The dogs owner or a friend could be standing near you and overhear what you are saying. Feelings could get hurt and statements can be misunderstood. The time to talk about the dog show is at home. Always be aware of your surroundings around the ring, an unforseen incident can happen in an instant. It is important to control your dog at all times; especially alfa males an alfa females. This is equally important if you have a bitch in heat. They should be kept back and away from the rest of the competitors, and you should inform anyone with a male that you have a bitch in heat, so that they can move to a neutral place and control their animal. When baiting your dog, try to teach your dog to bait without throwing it. Some judges feel very strongly about this habit, and do not allow it in their ring. It is in your best interest to learn to bait without throwing. But if you feel that you must throw it to get that ‘look’, be sure to always pick up the bait after throwing it. The judge will not penalize you for stopping to pick up the bait, and they may even thank you for it! When you are attending the show, and you see someone new to our sport, try to engage them in conversation. Ask them if they have any questions. Try to help them understand why this family oriented sport is so addicting. Show them where the superintendents table is, so that they can get show materials, entry forms, and AKC handouts. If you belong to a club, tell them about it and when the meetings are. Get them interested in Husky Tracks magazine so that they can learn more about our sport. Remember, courtesy is contagious! Courtesy also helps for a memorable experience that we can cherish and share with friends and any newcomers to the sport. The best to everyone! See you at ringside!! |
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