Dog Show Etiquette?

[ElvisTheNewf]

Carl and I are going to go to the Crown Classic dog show tomorrow in Cleveland. We've never been to a dog show before, and while we're so excited, we have no idea what to expect. I found the website and know that the newfs go at 1pm.

Any tips for a first timer? What to see? What not to do? I know the Newfoundland Club of America will be there, so does that mean they'll have a booth?

 

[Capri]

Be early & pet the dogs only after they've been shown in the ring, not right as they're going in .

 

[Whybu1]

And ask before petting. Other than that enjoy the show and take time to check out all the breeds. There are some intersting ones out there.

 

[R Taft]

Yes to all of the above...i found that once the people had shown their dogs, most were happy to chat. Pre showing with a newfie, usually means a lot of work. I caught myself out (being rushed and abrupt) a couple of times and I hate being that way. So I would tell people, come back a bit later and we can chat.

 

[CMDRTED]

Carl and I are going to go to the Crown Classic dog show tomorrow in Cleveland. We've never been to a dog show before, and while we're so excited, we have no idea what to expect. I found the website and know that the newfs go at 1pm.

Any tips for a first timer? What to see? What not to do? I know the Newfoundland Club of America will be there, so does that mean they'll have a booth?

How did you like it???

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

Hahah well, it was....interesting! I think I spent more time people watching, but we had a really great time. I couldn't believe how beautiful the newfs were - too bad Elvis paid the price Sunday when I was home along with him and bored. Good thing hair grows back!

We didn't really talk to any newf owner/handlers. We got there around 10 and the newfs went at 1, so they were busy getting prepped and we didn't want to bother anyone. We did discover that pretty much everyone with a mastiff is super friendly and will talk to you for a very long time.

Also we had NO IDEA what was going on- a new breed would start and some dogs would go, then others, then the original one would come back with some new ones...there probably was a brochure we could have purchased that may have explained it all, but we were just there to have a good time.

There were probably 20 newfs total - I think at one point there were 17 in the ring. One reminded us SO MUCH of Elvis because when it wasn't his turn he just stood looking over the gate at the spectators like "Hey, it's my fan club. Adore me!"

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

I'm pretty sure that Katie Sidesinger was there with Mojo!

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

Here are some pictures I took on my phone:

I loved this guy. He was waiting his turn in style! *Edited to add she's a girl!

And these were the guys we watched for awhile. The lady on the right with the black sweatshirt was the only one who would talk to us, but she was so sweet!

 

[KatieB]

The one in style is Posh. Our friends own her shes so sweet. And the one who talked to you is Candi Strunk. One of the nicest people ever. I didn't show on Saturday or Id have chatted with you for a long long time. We entered every other day but Saturday for family reasons. Bummed that we missed you!! Glad you had fun and if you go to another show in the area that Im at I can explain what's going on

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

Posh! What a perfect name - now the zebra blanket makes sense. Candi was fantastic, she and I have a lot in common between Elvis and her first newf. It was so nice to talk to someone who made the same "mistakes" we did - not a great breeder, neuter too soon, etc. She even takes her dogs to Morgantown (where we moved from) so it was great to talk about home for a bit.

I'm sad I missed you too. Are there other shows around here? I'd love to meet up and maybe you can tell me how I can make Elvis as pretty as Mojo!

 

[Noreene Rodgers]

Coming in here kinda late but I was glad to hear you thought the Mastiff folks were nice. I am one! Most show folk are pretty easy to talk to, it's just a matter of timing. Showing is exhausting mentally and physically. I sometimes wonder why I do it!

 

[Newfobsessed]

So glad you had a good time, as that was my first recommendation. I've found Mastiff people to be wonderful too, but a great Newfie person is my favorite. What experienced people can teach you, if they are willing, is wortj so much!! I hope you continue to go.

 

[heather pluciennik]

I love going to shows but at times things can get pretty hectic. Between looking for handlers if needed and last minute grooming issues. But after the show its all fun and games. Glad u had a great time. I don't show Morgan but do obedience and rally trials. They sometimes do both events on the same days.
You can do this with your boy even being fixed. Lots of fun and one on one time. Lots of us do these events as well as showing!

 

[Bojie]

Glad you were able to meet great people! If you'd like to go to another show and find one in your area. Go to infodog.com and you can find shows in your area. I am pretty chill and a chatty Cathy at dog shows when people come up to ask questions, and I also LOVE when people say hi to my guys because they LOVE the attention. The worst time for me is 10-15 min leading up to ring time. Then, I become a deaf mute until I enter the ring. That stands for pretty much any competition, conformation or obedience. The best way to watch a show is to have someone explain whats going on as youre watching it. Preferably someone who's dog isn't in the ring at that time. Even if you don't know why things are happening, seeing all those Newfs in one place is always impressive, and I get a kick out of being able to be in the ring with all of them.

Hair grows back! No worries! The best way for me to learn was to watch someone from start to finish a few times, before I tried it myself. Practice makes perfect!

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

Thanks guys! "Hair grows back" has become my motto for Elvis and it hasn't proved me wrong yet.

We definitely have to go to some more shows. We didn't want to bother any of the owner/handlers since we got there before the newfs went on - next time we'll try to time it better so we have more time after the newfs show.

I saw so many tools/tricks used on these guys and I'm dying to know which ones are "just for show" and which ones make grooming easier. I did go out and buy a nice comb and some leave in conditioner and can already tell a difference. I saw one person spray something on the pads of his dog's feet and I'm really curious as to what that was.

 

[KatieB]

If you pick a local Ohio show I'd love to chat with you after and I have no problem with you watching me groom before and get Mojo ready etc. I'm usually not too stressed out and if we arent' also doing obedience etc. I love to chat as I get Moj ready and he loves to be loved on! If my husband is there he can explain to you what's going on in the ring or I can do it afterwards! If you have Elvis bathed I can trim on him for you if you'd like. I know we're doing the Columbus, OH shows in April. Not sure if I'm doing any before then that are around Ohio. Some people will spray tacky substance on the dogs feet so they don't slip on the concrete floors at most shows. I've never used it as it's not usually a problem for me.

 

[Connie w Tuck]

I would also recommend joining your regional club - Penn-Ohio Newfoundland Club. That way you can meet more people. Katie is in the club and so is Candi.
(and me)