86 THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



attempt, though subsequent experience alone can deter- 

 mine your qualifications to rank as a successful judge. 

 In the course of that experience your eye will become 

 trained to note the little tricks of veteran exhibitors. 

 They are usually so obvious as to defeat their own object. 



For instance, when you notice that a dog is per- 

 sistently held up by the collar so that his forefeet barely 

 touch the ground, you may reasonably assume that he 

 does not stand too well upon them. Bid his handler 

 loose his head then, and see what you shall see. 



Again, if you observe an exhibitor perpetually working 

 away at some particular spot with brush or comb, you 

 may conclude that he is not improbably attempting to 

 gloss over a doubtful point. Look to that particular 

 spot, and you may possibly discover something you had 

 not previously noted. 



Remember always that it is the exhibitor's object to 

 hide the dog's faults, while it is the judge's business to 

 detect them. Bearing this in mind, you will allow each 

 handler to make the very best of his exhibit, and keep 

 your eye upon him while he does it. 



Sometimes you will find it a difficult matter to handle 

 a dog at all. It may be that he is young and ring-shy, 

 and resents a stranger's interference. It may require all 

 your persuasion to make friends with him a curious point 

 of personality in which some judges are notably successful. 

 Be very patient, and do your best to win his confidence. 

 For this purpose carry in your pocket a few small pieces 



