PREPARING FOR EXHIBITION 29 



Leading into the ring is, of course, the crux of the 

 exhibitor's anxiety, for now comes the critical moment 

 will the dog show or not ? Some dogs are born 

 showers brisk up, look smart and knowing, accept 

 the judge's overtures graciously, and generally exhibit 

 themselves to the best advantage. Others are variable, 

 and cannot be depended upon ; will sometimes show 

 well, and at other times if they are a little out of 

 sorts, for instance, or do not like the look of their 

 rivals in the ring will not do themselves justice. 

 Others, again, obstinately, lower tail and ears, crouch 

 and cringe, or, worst of all, roll over on their backs. 

 If a dog, after several attempts at showing him, persists 

 in such conduct, it is generally best to give him up 

 as far as exhibition is concerned. But a good deal 

 may be done beforehand to teach little dogs how to 

 show themselves. They may be made accustomed to 

 being led about in a chain, and encouraged to strain 

 from the collar after a ball, etc. Also, they should be 

 taught to receive attention from strangers affably. 



Just one word as to the exhibitor's own conduct in 

 the ring may not be amiss. Sometimes old hands at 

 showing are by no means polite to new-comers, sad to 

 say, and will very probably endeavour to screen the 

 novice, if good enough to be a rival, from the judge's 

 eye, by thrusting themselves and their exhibits forward ; 

 while, terrible to relate, such incidents as a sly poke 

 with the foot, administered to a rival's shy dog, or the 

 intentional treading on a toe, are not altogether unheard 

 of. The novice should keep her dog well to the fore, 

 disregard what other exhibitors are saying or doing, so 

 far as strict politeness and good feeling allow, and, 

 while not obtruding her exhibit on the judge's eye, 

 try to get him to notice it in all legitimate ways. 



Speaking to a judge in the ring, and while acting, 

 is a great breach of etiquette, unless some question 

 is asked by him, which should be replied to audibly ; 

 but most judges are quite willing to give reasons for 

 their decision, or a candid opinion, if asked to do so when 



