Tag Archives: sportsmanship

Being an Owner Handler is NOT a Death Sentence

April 19, 2018 Sally Gift 2 Comments

I’m an owner handler exhibitor – well, I used to be an owner handler before I matured into an older lady who runs with a gimp, if she runs at all – I let a handler do the running these days. But, while I was an owner handler I love, love, loved being in the ring, and it goes without saying that my love amplified to a rock music decibel when I won. I’ve finished many dogs from many various classes, especially Bred by Exhibitor, and I’ve won my fair share of trips to the winners circle at Gordon Setter Specialties. Group judging was beyond what I considered my forte, that’s where I’d really expect a dog to shine, and knowing my limitations, that’s when I would choose to step back and let a pro take the lead. Today, because of my physical restrictions, I content myself to sit ring side leading the cheering squad. And, manning the water bucket…and handing over the brush…and passing out the bait…

With that said, frequently, I hear comments by exhibitors about how political the judging was, or how “the win” was stacked before the show even started. And just as frequently, I happened to agree with the judge’s decision that day (even if my dog lost) which left me wondering if falling back on that oft voiced complaint, was doing more harm to exhibitors than most of us realize. Certainly if you think about it, if my dog with a pro handling was a winner that day, I didn’t think that judging was political…I thought we deserved that win. Wouldn’t you? For the winners sake, and many other reasons, I’m hoping to help bring understanding, especially for folks who are struggling to win, about the many, many variables of conformation judging. Sometimes, and often times, politics had nothing to do with the winners that day. I’d like us to give judges, the pros, and the sport a break, at least when it’s deserved!

When I’m watching judging, I am often overwhelmed with the desire to help some hapless exhibitor gain control over their dog, or grab a dog to help the owner learn a better way to groom, or maybe just to shake an exhibitor into consciousness so they go to the ring when called. I’m no professional folks, I’m just like all of you, but one thing I do know, and would share with you, is my belief and experience that the professional often wins because he or she is a professional, doing a professional job. (can you paint your car, bake cupcakes, do taxes, or any one of a million other jobs as well as a pro?) Most times there is an obvious difference in the ring appearance of a professionally handled dog versus the owner entry, and what I would share is that we owner handlers must develop our skill so we look and act like the pro, to make our dogs appear their best, to present only well-groomed, conditioned and trained dogs, if we intend to compete on an equal level. Owner handlers can and do win without doubt, but we too must do the work of a pro, and earn our wins by showing the judge the best our dog has to offer.

So, I started out to write this blog about what an owner handler can master to be competitive in the dog show ring, when I remembered that well-worn phrase “Google It” and that worked! I found many well written articles that offer the same advice I would write for you. Whether you’re just starting as a novice handling your own dog, or simply believe you “just can’t win”, before complaining or blaming another for your loss, or worse yet leave the sport, perhaps you’ll read this, take time to evaluate yourself and your dog, and objectively consider the “picture” you and your Gordon Setter presented when you lost. Did you do your best but were beaten that time by a better dog, or could you have done something more to improve the odds in your dog’s favor? No, it’s not always your fault your dog loses, but you’ve got to even the playing field first with skill, know your dog’s attributes and faults, and then consider, carefully, very carefully, if politics was at play, or if perhaps, you just don’t agree with this judge’s opinion on this particular set of dogs.

I love owner handlers and I would do anything to help you win, so you learn to love the sport as much as me, because I’ve lived that dream and know it can happen…but if you want really good advice, ask the pros, and take the time, lots of time, to watch them work, really watch them in action. There is so much you can learn there!

There’s a list below, links to articles to help you prepare to win. These are a great place to help get you to the place where you can know the thrill of being a winning owner handler. (Oh, and also “Google It” for yourself, there’s so much more information out there, I’ve only picked a few.)

Finally, go to dog shows to watch and observe. Spend hours watching the grooming, various random breed classes, the Groups etc., paying close attention to the pro’s and those winning owner handlers! Best use of your time and classroom setting ever!

Win or Lose never forget BE A GOOD SPORT!

Sally Gift, Mesa AZ

Photo by Bob Segal from GSCA National Specialty 2014

Owner Handler Advice

Video link: Want to Win Best in Show as an Owner Handler?

Looking Back with Lee – Pro Handlers vs. Owner-Handlers – being an Owner-Handler is not a DEATH SENTENCE!

Breeding, Dog Shows, Field Events, Performance Events

AKC Code of Sportsmanship

February 17, 2017 Sally Gift Leave a comment

AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Shared values of those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors of our sport: conformation, performance and companion. Many believe that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why our sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the belief that it is useful to periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.

Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace.
Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.
The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.
The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.
Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.
Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.
Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.
Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.
Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.

Feature photo by Dustin Hartje

Catch All, Dog Shows, Field Events, Performance Events

Are There Dog Show Bullies?

August 28, 2015 Sally Gift 6 Comments

I’m an average Jo and I’m worried about the future of my favorite hobby – showing and breeding dogs. I want to do something to help turn the tide of the declining number of show and trial entries, the number of purebred dogs registered, and the declining membership in our dog clubs. A decline that has sometimes been the cause of local specialty clubs that have gone extinct.

Yes, I’m just an average Jo. I get to call myself a Jo because it’s my middle name. I’ll never understand what my mother was thinking, but that’s my name. I’m not “what’s his face” the plumber or electrician or cable guy or whoever that dude was they talked about during the last election. I’m just an average Jo who has what I think is a funny name. It was a great name back in the day, when I was learning to read and Sally was a main character in the books they taught us from. Back then I thought I was pretty darn special. That specialness has faded though, and now I’m just an average Jo. But I’m an average Jo who has a cause that won’t make world headlines, but my cause has given me much pleasure and I’d like see it stick around for new Jo’s to enjoy.

There are many and various reasons why this decline is taking place, but for today, let’s talk just about the personal enjoyment we’d like others to experience when they join our sport as opposed to the bullying that sometimes occurs. Whether we want to admit it or not, whether we believe it or not (and most who do bully others will not believe it) sometimes, just like a group of school kids, there are those in our sport who engage in bullying, and that behavior will drive the hardiest exhibitor away from our midst in a heartbeat. It adds to the declining numbers and accomplishes absolutely nothing positive.

Dog show people are a mixed bunch and I’ve met my fair share of wonderful people who are my life long friends. They’ve dried my tears, cheered me on, offered advice or consolation, they’ve been my best friends, and many of them have a wacky sense of humor that just sucks me right in! Who doesn’t love a good laugh and I have shared so very many with my doggy crowd!

I firmly believe that there are many wonderful people involved in dog shows. And I wonder sometimes, do we forget about those wonderful people when the stories we hear mostly pertain to bad behavior? When was the last time you heard someone spontaneously share a wonderful story about how another person helped them, encouraged them, boosted their morale etc. at the ring, at a show, in their club? It’s easy to take those actions for granted, that people will be nice and act in a caring manner toward each other, and why shouldn’t we expect that from each other? But, the drama of a person or a group of people acting out badly is so riveting to behold, that we may lose those other acts of kindness in the shuffle. It’s like watching the News – how many good stories do you find there? What draws the masses is drama and drama we remember. As a group can we try to maintain focus on letting “the good times roll” while we police our actions for the bad behavior that turns people off from our sport?

Besides for that, do I think there are other less likeable people in the sport? Yes unfortunately, and I’d have to add that I’ve also met a few truly awful bullies among the crowd. But, and this must be said with force, they are not only the professional handlers as some might imply. Can we all agree or have we had personal experience with bullies among all ranks in the doggy crowd? Are bullies also found among the breeders, owner handlers, exhibitors, dog show superintendents, judges, vendors, the club members hosting a show, your fellow club members or the Officers & Directors of your dog club? Have you ever felt bullied and if so who was that bully, another exhibitor, a club member, a group of people? What “group” did they belong to? And, what would you tell them (or the rest of us here) about how that impacted you and whether you will continue to stay in the sport or simply walk away from it thus adding to those declining numbers that I mentioned in the beginning?

So what’s the solution? Is there a solution? Would it help if we were all more proactive, following the advice that is currently pointed toward our kids – “Stop Bullying”? Would you be willing or would you be afraid to band with the person being bullied to make the bullying behavior stop? What if that meant taking a stance against someone who, in the sport, considers themselves “important”” or is recognized as a “top dog” by virtue of being a handler, experienced breeder, or club officer?

Bullying. Where does it start? Where does it end? Do you believe it has had, or is having an impact on the decreasing numbers pertaining to our breed – Gordon Setters? Is it impacting our National club? Our Regional clubs? And if so, what would you do to put a stop to it? What needs to be changed?

The article that started this one on the topic of Bullies can be read at this link: Are There Dog Show Bullies?

Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, suggestions and the like in the comments section. If you would prefer to withhold your name so as not to call out anyone specific, you may share by sending an email to gordonsetterexpert@gmail.com and I will post for you without your name. That’s what we’re here for, to share and to make a difference in the sport of purebred dogs!

Sally Jo Gift Mesa, AZ

Photos by Susan Roy Nelson, WY

Breeding, Dog Shows, Field Events

Part 2 – Do breeders need to change?

August 6, 2015 Sally Gift 10 Comments

There is so much to be said about breeders and our contribution to the world of purebred dogs, especially and most importantly when it comes to the “sport”, the shows and performance events we support with our purebred offspring.

Breeders hanging out and having fun together at the dog show! This is what it's all about... Thank you Sarah Armstrong for the photo memories! — Breeders hanging out and having fun together at the dog show! This is what it’s all about…
Thank you Sarah Armstrong for the photo memories! GSCA National 2011

I wish you could all see yourselves through my eyes, because even through my rose-colored glasses, I see that it’s breeders who hold power in the dog show world. Let’s see…

AKC – soon defunct without purebred litter registrations. Dog shows, Field trials, Obedience trials, Agility trials, Rally, any and all of those events – how many do you think John Q. Public would support if only mixed breeds competed and purebred dog breeders stopped participating? Dog Show Superintendents – “let them show mutts” perhaps? Well, good luck arranging those mixed breed Groups into some semblance of order. Judges – hello there mixed breed judging! At least one wouldn’t need to know a breed standard, it shouldn’t be hard to educate a judge, or would it be impossible as the parent breed clubs would be extinct? How will professional handlers earn a living if breeders aren’t producing purebred puppies – maybe they could show guppies – guppies might be good on the go-round shown in a round fishbowl – won’t take much in the way of handling expertise though so could be anyone’s game!

Photo by Sarah Armstrong from 2015 GSCA National

I know that what I just said probably sounded like nonsense to you, but “Hello Breeders!” You really are in a position where you could have more control, more clout, more voice, more power. Yet, when breeders talk we often sound like victims who are at the mercy of all the other players invited to our game; the judges, handlers, superintendents, and so on. Why do breeders continue to allow themselves to act and sound like victims instead of taking charge where and when it’s needed?

Photo by Sarah Armstrong 2015 GSCA National Specialty

Well, I’ve felt those emotions and I’ve been in those conversations, so I do understand how they can happen. Why do so many breeders get so deeply involved in complaining and playing the victim instead of taking a stance, voicing an opinion, creating a solution and championing change? I’m just wondering you see, if as breeders, our majority took a more active role in the decision-making processes, if then the changes we seek would become a reality? How do breeders find our collective voice so we can clearly drive our sport in the direction we believe it should go?

I’d think that more breeders could start by speaking up and speaking out. When was the last time you took the time to voice an opinion to the AKC regarding any issue, whether it be about judges, qualifications for judges, registrations, dog show rules, handlers, any thing, any time? A few of you might have done this, but I know I haven’t done enough of it and I’m an average person so I’m guessing the majority of breeders are like me, and that most of us haven’t done enough to reach out to the right people, at the right time, to voice our opinion about things, any things! Too much apathy in the air and perhaps too many of us stuck in the victim role. If I didn’t like how things were run why didn’t I round-up a petition to voice a collective concern? And, why do breeders tend to look sideways at other breeders if or when they do take a stance on a topic? Why don’t we choose to stand up and stand together, be one voice?

Are we afraid people will see us as a big yellow chicken?

Photo by Sarah Armstrong from the 2015 GSCA National Specialty

Competition does get in the way and so plays a role. Generally speaking, there are more losers going home from a dog show than there are winners, and so what naturally follows is that there is more negative emotion generated around an event than there is positive. Defeat. Disappointment. Jealousy. Embarrassment… so many different emotions, many of them painful. We’re breeders and we’re competing against each other in show rings, in the whelping box and when finding homes for the puppies we bred. How can we be human and expect to avoid all the negative emotions that will occur in an arena such as that created by dog shows? We preach about sportsmanship but then when our dog gets dumped or fails to win the coveted award we slip away to lick our wounds, heal our injuries and soothe our egos by finding fault with our competition, who just happen to be – other breeders and their dogs. People who are just like us in so many ways. And that begins the explanation as to why breeders feel we have too little power, too little control, and why breeders are seldom seen as, nor are we often heard as, the decision makers and the governors of our own sport. As breeders we do tend to spend our energy finding fault with judges, and fault with professional handlers, but mostly we breeders expend far too much energy in the pursuit of finding fault with our fellow breeders and their dogs.

When, I wonder, will breeders chose to take power back by ceasing the attacks on each other? When will we collectively group together and choose to use our power to create positive change in purebred dogs and dog sports? When will we work together to create change that could increase entry numbers, encourage people to buy that purebred puppy and get involved in the sport. Seems to me that we could make an excellent start if we simply agreed not to spend our energy attacking each other, and to redirect that energy instead to cultivate and practice respect for each other. With a true respect for each other you see, I believe breeders would then present a more united and formidable front that would create and drive change in the sport of purebred dogs. Change that may be long overdue. I know this kind of change would be cause for celebration, and everyone loves a party, especially Gordon Setters and their owners!

Let’s go have some fun at the dog show where breeders hang out, shall we?

Do Breeders Need to Change (Part 1)

Sally Gift, Mesa AZ

When all else fails breeders get out the scorecards to give the judge a clue? Thank you Sarah Armstrong for the fun photo memory! — When all else fails breeders get out the scorecards to give the judge a clue? Thank you Sarah Armstrong for the fun photo memory from the GSCA National 2011

Breeding, Catch All, Dog Shows

OMG! There’s a Cat Fight at the Dog Show!

February 3, 2015 Sally Gift 5 Comments

“Come on” you didn’t really think I was going to write about cats today did you? We are here to talk about Gordon Setters aren’t we? I know you know who I’m talking about, those sweet, loving, kind creatures who share our home, hearth and heart?

Well, thinking about Gordon Setters, dogs, and dog shows and how kind dogs can be, and how thoughtless we humans can be sometimes I felt like, maybe, we could talk about starting a “Gordon Setter Breeder Kindness” movement this year. (GSBK – kind of sounds like a new Burger King sandwich doesn’t it?) Alright, seriously, what if we really started thinking about where we each would be without our fellow Gordon Setter breeders? I know that sometimes I feel like I have more in common with other breeders than I do with my family – what about you? And, aren’t many of our friends also – need I say it – Gordon Setter breeders? What if we were all alone instead? What if we were the one and only, lonely breeder?

As the only breeder

we’d go home from the show with a ribbon, but no points, we were there, all alone, at the dog show.
no other Gordon Setters to compare ours too – how will we know who’s are better?
there would be no one at the dog show to congratulate us on our win – we’re there at the show all alone remember.
actually we would win every time that way – but who would be there to care?
no other breeders to bring dogs to the show – oops – no dog show now.
who will breed their bitch to our stud dog?
wait, how long will the breed survive before the gene pool becomes too small and inbreeding slowly destroys what’s left?

So I was thinking that maybe, if we decided to think differently about the bad things we might say, before we say them, we could start to fill our heads with thoughts of kindness instead. Kind thoughts, kind actions, they make us feel good, and that’s a win right? Our dogs you know, they don’t really care if they win or lose in the ring, they just like us to be happy. So let’s think about this, what we might choose to say or do, that may not be so very kind.

If we’re so desperate to sell our puppy that we trash talk another breeder under the mistaken notion that will seal the deal, should we stop instead to consider if we really needed to whelp that litter? If we truly believe our dogs are better than the rest then don’t we simply need to state their best qualities and the reason those qualities are valuable to the buyer? If we need to add to our sales pitch with statements about what’s wrong with another breeder’s dogs, are we instead questioning our own breeding’s value? Let me ask, do you like those political ads that are just trash talk about the opposition?

When it comes to our stud dog, well that’s not much different from selling a puppy is it? As a good breeder we know our dog isn’t right for every bitch, so why would we trash talk another breeder’s dog to increase the value and attractiveness of our own? Hey, did I mention that I despise those trash talking political ads? Tell me why I should vote for you, not why I shouldn’t vote for him. How about we just be kind to each other? It just feels better, for everyone.

And at the dog show, do we need to trash talk the winner when we lose? Is this simply to reassure ourselves? Do we point out the winner’s faults, disperse ugly rumors or maybe blame our loss on a political or a blind judge? Honestly, losing is hard, and it truly feels lousy sometimes, but kindness, well it does make almost everything feel better.

It seems so simple…being kind to other breeders…how about we make this the year we do just that?

Sally Gift, Mesa AZ

Breeding, Dog Shows, Field Events, Performance Events

Be Kind to Other Breeders – Start Today!

January 19, 2015 Sally Gift Leave a comment

Thank You to our Guest Blogger – Jay Kitchener for allowing us to share his comments about the importance of breeders uniting – recognize our common goals.

Jay Kitchener
“The only thing two dog breeders will ever agree on is that a third dog breeder is doing it wrong. The opposition knows this, and they very effectively use it to drive wedges between all sub-groups of dog breeders. Dog breeders fight among themselves and scramble to condemn others while the opposition gains ground attacking all dog breeding. Dog breeders are doing the work of the opposition for them. Dog breeders are being played. Wake up. Take back the conversation!”

Please share your thoughts on the subject in the comment section.
(Photo via I Love Responsible Dog Breeders on Facebook)