274 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



more incompetent he is the more rulings he will have 

 to make, for error begets trouble and disorganiza- 

 tion. Brave impartiality and energy when judging 

 imaginary field trials in a circle of friends by the fire- 

 side, and the same when confronted by men who are 

 sternly in earnest in a real trial, have quite different 

 aspects. 



The ready judgment of the irresponsible spectator 

 who sees but little but whose conclusions are great 

 is many times at the judge's service if he will but lis- 

 ten to him. It is a mistake to discuss the competition 

 with any on-looker, as it is a mistake, directly or in- 

 directly, in any way, to endeavor apologetically to 

 explain any decision. If a contestant asks in good 

 faith as to how his dog was beaten, it is quite proper 

 to give him the needed information ; however, the in- 

 formation being given, no argument concerning it 

 should be permitted. 



In taking dogs into the second and subsequent 

 series, the judge should be careful to estimate their 

 performance on its class rather than on a mere mat- 

 ter of detail alone. A dog which shows good-class 

 ability will repeat his good performance heat after 

 heat, whereas the dog which made some accidental 



