Sportsmanship

[RKCM]

Sportmanship encourages others to participate in dog shows. It is required by AKC rules and it is just proper. When we show our dogs, a member of the family, we are only asking the judge for their opinion. No one wins every show and no one loses every show, if their dog is quality. It is an evaluation we pay for and should value. Every point is a conformation of the dogs quality. There will always be some that are only interested in their dog, but it is not best for the breed as a whole. In my area, I always see the congrads at ringside and I'm glad to see more encouraged to show.

How do you think sportmanship is in your area? Do you think it affects entries are the shows?

[Rhiannon]

I definitely believe that good sportsmanship is an integral part of showing dogs. It is something that I have demanded of my entire family when they were being taught the dog show game so to speak. To me there is nothing worse than going out and getting a win on your dog and feeling like you have accomplished something very nice to have it tarnished by someone making a rude comment or giving a dirty look because they did not agree with the opinion of the judge. I think that it ultimately reflects on the sport when someone behaves like this they are in effect challenging the opinion of the judge. He or she has attended seminars, tested, been a provisional judge etc and has had to work their way up through the ranks like the handlers have to do and even breeders have to do. I think it is insulting to not even have the good manners to at least say to someone Congratulations. Nice job. We don't win every time that is true. None of us do. Some win more than others. But we feel that we need to treat others the way we would like to be treated in the ring or outside of the ring when all is said and done.

Do we see poor sportsmanship in our area ...absolutely....and we see good sportsmanship as well. I do believe strongly that poor sportsmanship is one way that we can guarantee that we will eventually harm the breeds. If we treat newcomers with disgust because OMG they are showing that dog out there with our dogs.....what is going to happen. They are not going to want to keep showing trying to improve what they have and learn how to do things better. I have had multiple newcomers to dog showing make statements like that to us. That they cannot believe how cruel some exhibitors have been to them and they don't even want to do this anymore. We need to see many of the breeds out there in a positive light. Especially the dobermans, rotties and other like breeds. I have always taught my family that not only are our dogs ambassadors of the breed but we are as well. I know that Kristen has posted on another thread regarding the poor sportsmanship that has been going on now for over a year. I think that if dog showing makes anyone that unhappy then they need to go in another direction and choose another sport. The economy has done enough to affect the dog shows and I know that poor sportsmanship does also. The most important thing to me is this. If you ever go to a dog show look around there are kids at these events of all ages. They are the future handlers, judges and breeders of the world. What message do we want to send them? What lessons do we want to teach them? I have three granddaughters here that are all going to be showing dogs? A couple of them already have been out there? You can believe that they are being taught how to conduct themselves ringside. They are nine, eight and six. They will be the future representatives of the sport. They are taught to thank the judge for their opinion. They are currently being taught to accept any ribbon handed to them with pride and gratitude. They are also taught that they are to praise the dog that they are on and always make it fun for the dog. They are absolutely taught that you are to stand in the ring and tell your dog what a good job they have done out there. On a lighter note when our youngest granddaughter showed her dog at a match last year we looked at her still inside the ring and said now remember to tell her that she did a very nice job out there make sure you tell her she is a good girl. Kristen and I both laughed hysterically as did the judge and the crowd outside the ring when our little junior handler looked up at the judge and told her very sincerely. "You did a nice job and you are a very good girl. " :D I know the judge got a kick out of it just like we all did. I cannot believe the number of exhibitors who walk right out of the ring and throw the ribbon in the trash or on the ground. The whole competition thing should simply boil down to this. Heck yes it is awesome to win but the competition thing should be about how close does our dog come to the breed standard. As a breeder that is what my aim is. It is a personal thing for me to compete within myself to breed a better and better dog one that will be a worthy representative. I think that this is why some people prefer the International shows and the UKC shows over the AKC because there just seems to be a different atmosphere at those shows.

[RKCM]

Dang, I am sorry to hear this. I have not seen this at the shows that I have attended, but that is a shame! I can tell you that no one should throw their ribbons away. For one, it could be viewed as unsportsman like conduct and they could hold a bench committee. Secondly, if a dog is disqualified or the judges book is marked wronged. You maybe asked to return the ribbons etc. Third, it is just rude. I guess, in all venues, there are a few that don't see how silly they really look or what they do to discourage others. In these times, what you have said is not good for the sport. Some just won't stick with it but glad you see the value and will continue.

The judges opinion, is just that, an opinion. When you have a good dog, your turn will come and bad sportmanship isn't becoming to anyone. Don't let one or two bad apples spoil the best. It is a subjective sport and not all of us will agree on every award. Glad you are sticking with it....and as you know, it is alot more fun to win.......but we all have be accept losing with grace. It's just the proper thing to do....

Thanks for sharing this. Dang!

[Dobs4ever]

Well RKCM just DANG!!! ROFLOL - I will tell a funny on myself. In Dec in Jackson, Ms I was showing Shrock and Wanda was showing Tux. Wanda and Tux won but Wanda did not realize it. I of course - WHO HAD THE BETTER DOG (Shrock) turned around as I was excited for her and Tux. Of course, Wanda thought I was saying something about the other dog so she started to Shush me so I would not embarrass her ..... I said NO silly YOU WON!!! Then she fainted. No just kidding. Love that girl!!!

[Rhiannon]

Oh don't you worry it is in our blood so we are definitely sticking it out and working on the next generation as well. And you got that right it is more fun to win but hopefully we learn through our losses as well on what things to improve on.

[RKCM]

Well RKCM just DANG!!! ROFLOL - I will tell a funny on myself. In Dec in Jackson, Ms I was showing Shrock and Wanda was showing Tux. Wanda and Tux won but Wanda did not realize it. I of course - WHO HAD THE BETTER DOG (Shrock) turned around as I was excited for her and Tux. Of course, Wanda thought I was saying something about the other dog so she started to Shush me so I would not embarrass her ..... I said NO silly YOU WON!!! Then she fainted. No just kidding. Love that girl!!!

Dang, 4ever! You know we don't all agree on which dog is the best. If we did, there would be no need for dog shows.

You two are funny. I love to hear funny stories at the shows. I have a feeling Wanda enjoyed every minute of it and she sure wasn't giving those ribbons back. LOL... Where is she anyway?

The first point I ever took (in toys) over two semi-famous handlers, I said, "who me?" What a novice thing to say but I have to say those same handlers took me to the side and said just take your ribbons and smile......don't even act surprised. I took their advice but have to say I appreciated their help and congrads.....we should do that for the sport. If you think of all those that entered the dogs shows, most have fun with their dogs and are gracious as winners, and just as gracious when they don't win.

[Rhiannon]

Dobs4ever here is a funny one I will tell about my daughter who handles for us. And by the way I am going to tell everyone in another post about our newest handler. But back to Kristen who I was jokingly razzing on the thread the other day about guessing I would have to get a new handler because our current one was not doing anything for my dog because she only got my dog second place wins.....:D

Anyway years ago when Kristen and her dad were in the show ring together her dad beat her fair and square in the ring. Anyway Kristen was handling our Ch. Silverwind's New Way To Fly. Multi group winning dog and multi BISS winning dog. Well on that day her dad with his male Max took the breed. And trust us to this day the man never lets us forget it.......but anyway she was joking with the judge that day don't remember who it was but anyway someone she knew fairly well because of the amount of times she was traveling with the dog. Anyway she jokingly said to the judge OMG do you realize that you placed that dog over my dog who is yada....yada....yada.....and she was not contesting it she was so proud of her dad's win that day and very seriously the judge turned around and looked at her and said...."Well not today he is not..... she was so red in the face immediately because she did not want anyone to think she was being a poor sport at all.....she was just actually trying to help fluff her dad's ego that he took a shall we say less than same quality dog and beat her top winning dog.....I stood outside the ring and said how can I lose I bred both of those dogs.......:D

[RKCM]

Always thought two hands were better than one. Hope Gracie will do an introduction thread so we all know who she is etc. How lucky you are!

I have heard through the grapevine what a nice job Kristen does with the dogs and we wish Gracie the best. Glad Beth will be working in obedience too. We are all wishing her well with Marienburg's New Beginning. It is always a thrill to get points, but I think the dogs enjoy obedience more......maybe?

You will love the obedience ring. It is all about what you can do with your dog and far less subjective. The sportmanship is keen - maybe because there can be more than one winner. It's a great sport! But still think we have sportmanship with most conformation exhibitors. A few you just have to ignore. Glad you will stick with it....hard to get it out of the blood......DANG!

[Rhiannon]

Yup we will try to convince Mac to get him into the obedience ring also. He loves the shows......some of those dogs are as bad as some of us who have it in the blood. You know one of these days I think I am going to name a dog The Good....The Bad....And The Ugly.....that about sums up dog showing don't you think.......:rolleyes:

[RKCM]

Not sure about the bad and the ugly.......just poor sports. LOL.

[Rhiannon]

We will be more than happy to send a young dog for you to practice with anytime you just let us know which one you want to practice with....hehehe.....and did I mention train as well.....:D

[RKCM]

Well thank you to my fans! haha!
I finally figured out my password its been a long time since i've been here, i'd like to introduce myself i am Gracie the newest addition to the show team. :) i have been taken in like dobie family and taught to do something i have always DREAMED of doing, i used to plaster myself at midnight in front of the tv if i knew the animal planet shows would be coming on! i'd name every breed as they walked in the ring so this last weeked was a surreal experience for me. Kristens gals were asking what breed each dog was and i was more than happy to blurt everyone out!
yes the rain definitely made it hard and my one size too big boots made it hard to run straight lol but the judge was so patient with me, i had an amazing time and have been doing nothing but practice practice practice at home with my retired show gal Diamond. definitely want to thank kathleen and kristen for giving me that opportunity to show their dog and putting that trust in me :) i just cant wait to get back in the ring now.
i thought i'd make an appearance you will definitely be seeing more of me from now on!

Welcome to the hub Gracie and congrads on your first show. Rain and mud isn't always the best for showing dogs....LOL.

[Rhiannon]

O

REALLY.......You had to put that out there for all to see. My special got beat by a CLASS DOG!!! :) I had a shot at the group that day too and she put Schmelly up over BOB......are u kiddin' me......we named him BOB for a reason. His name wasn't Hey get beat by your dad and his class dog. LOL


And see all of these many years later neither one has forgotten this apparently extremely traumatic event. Well at least for Kristen it was traumatic. :D

I really don't think it will be a day that either of them will ever forget......;)

[RKCM]

One day it will be a blast from the past. LOL

Thanks for sharing- Kristen wasn't too upset, I'm sure. :D