Petting Dogs At A Dog Show.

[Rebanne]

Im forever letting people pat and interact with my dogs as its part of why we are there.. Representing our breed, and the show world. If I have them all prepared ill let people pat them in a spot that's easy to fix and I always carry a comb on me when I'm near the ring as people always stop to say hi lol..

What's the point of being somewhere like this if your dog ain't gonna represent their breed if your truly passionate youd take up the opportunity to display your breed as much as possible

Lol last year I did sweepies day at EKKA and I had the lab out playing fetch and running up and down our stall section letting him be social lol and mind you this was after I had groomed and chalked him to high heavens lol!! But so many parents were greatful as all their kids wanted to do was pat a dog lol!

Hahah I was waiting for something like this thank you!!!..... I think show dogs should be one of the most socialised, and I have been to 5 shows and I’m pretty disappointed with the behaviour of some/most of the dogs I have to say, it’s nearly impossible to walk any dog past another without barking or snarling..... I think the point of a show dog is to represent the best of the breed... biting when not threatened should not be a part of that display... I believe they are suppose to be approachable, by dog and human... not just the judge in the ring.

And sorry if i have offended anyone but this has been my personal observation in the few shows I have been to since taking an interest in showing.

Dogs are dogs and your expectations are way too high. Dogs are not meant to mingle with hundreds of other dogs that are not part of their pack. They do it because we, their people, ask it of them. Different breeds have vastly different temperaments. You can not ask that they all be generic. To do so would turn them into something else. Dogs have bad days and good days, some like more space then others etc. Dog shows are stressful places for most dogs. The vast majority you see there, whatever the behaviour they exhibited, are great pets at home, able to be walked out and about without a single problem.

You put 500 odd people in a smallish area, define their space etc and you can bet there will be snarling and carrying on. why do you expect so much more of dogs?

[TheCheekyMonster]

Im forever letting people pat and interact with my dogs as its part of why we are there.. Representing our breed, and the show world. If I have them all prepared ill let people pat them in a spot that's easy to fix and I always carry a comb on me when I'm near the ring as people always stop to say hi lol..

What's the point of being somewhere like this if your dog ain't gonna represent their breed if your truly passionate youd take up the opportunity to display your breed as much as possible

Lol last year I did sweepies day at EKKA and I had the lab out playing fetch and running up and down our stall section letting him be social lol and mind you this was after I had groomed and chalked him to high heavens lol!! But so many parents were greatful as all their kids wanted to do was pat a dog lol!

Hahah I was waiting for something like this thank you!!!..... I think show dogs should be one of the most socialised, and I have been to 5 shows and I’m pretty disappointed with the behaviour of some/most of the dogs I have to say, it’s nearly impossible to walk any dog past another without barking or snarling..... I think the point of a show dog is to represent the best of the breed... biting when not threatened should not be a part of that display... I believe they are suppose to be approachable, by dog and human... not just the judge in the ring.

And sorry if i have offended anyone but this has been my personal observation in the few shows I have been to since taking an interest in showing.

Dogs are dogs and your expectations are way too high. Dogs are not meant to mingle with hundreds of other dogs that are not part of their pack. They do it because we, their people, ask it of them. Different breeds have vastly different temperaments. You can not ask that they all be generic. To do so would turn them into something else. Dogs have bad days and good days, some like more space then others etc. Dog shows are stressful places for most dogs. The vast majority you see there, whatever the behaviour they exhibited, are great pets at home, able to be walked out and about without a single problem.

You put 500 odd people in a smallish area, define their space etc and you can bet there will be snarling and carrying on. why do you expect so much more of dogs?

Maybe I did have a high expection, I just know my dogs and that they have never acted like that around other dogs (even at a show) who have not aposed a threat, and I did have an expectation that show dogs would not be so edgy.... its a wake-up call to myself and if anything just makes me feel a little uncomfortable to be around so many dogs that react..... I could understand if it were 3-5 but I'm talking about a whole row of dogs who wont pipe down whenever another dog walks past, who cares it not part of their pact? we are not raising dogs to gang up and be agressive towards other dogs who are not "part of the pact".....

[Salukifan]

Hahah I was waiting for something like this thank you!!!..... I think show dogs should be one of the most socialised, and I have been to 5 shows and I’m pretty disappointed with the behaviour of some/most of the dogs I have to say, it’s nearly impossible to walk any dog past another without barking or snarling..... I think the point of a show dog is to represent the best of the breed... biting when not threatened should not be a part of that display... I believe they are suppose to be approachable, by dog and human... not just the judge in the ring.

And sorry if i have offended anyone but this has been my personal observation in the few shows I have been to since taking an interest in showing.

I'm not offended, I'm bemused. I don't know which Group areas you've been visiting but Hounds don't generally spend their days at shows snapping and snarling at passing dogs Most of the time they're dozing!

And since when has a display of aggression in a crate meant that:

* the dog necessarily felt "threatened"

* that the dog would necessarily bite?

All I can say is that it appears that some folk have a somewhat misguided view of the degree to which temperament VARIES between purebred dogs. If you have a breed with a temperament that is not dog tolerant, or is protective of territory or property then you'd expect a far less tolerant approach to passing dogs.

Show dogs are as varied in their temperament as those who exhibit them. The differences between breeds is not simply cosmetic. There's a lesson that needs to be pounded into the heads of puppy buyers - and it ONLY tends to be taught by responsible breeders.

[TheCheekyMonster]

I'm only speaking from experience, and i have stated i have not been to a world of shows.... but the ones i have been to I have felt quite uncomfortable walking my dog to its designated area....and

as a result i was disappointed because i did have a quite different expectation.... and in relation to "is it ok to pat a dog at a dog show" I think a show dog should be approachable (you should always ask the premission of the owner obviously) but i'd assume they were friendly.... after all they do asses temperament in the ring do they not? - And im a little confused about how puppy buyers play into it :S

. The biting comment was made reference to "what if a dog bit you"... I'm saying it shouldn’t be biting.

Edited April 27, 2012 by TheCheekyMonster

[Salukifan]

I'm only speaking from experience, and i have stated i have not been to a world of shows.... but the ones i have been to I have felt quite uncomfortable walking my dog to its designated area....and

as a result i was disappointed because i did have a quite different expectation.... and in relation to "is it ok to pat a dog at a dog show" I think a show dog should be approachable (you should always ask the premission of the owner obviously) but i'd assume they were friendly.... after all they do asses temperament in the ring do they not? - And im a little confused about how puppy buyers play into it :S

. The biting comment was made reference to "what if a dog bit you"... I'm saying it shouldn’t be biting.

You'd be assuming wrong with some breeds, particularly those bred for a protection function. Indeed, for some breeds "friendliess" would be a fault. A dog described in its breed standard for as "aloof with strangers" could be penalised for wagging its tail at a judge!!! Quite a few breeds are indifferent to strangers.

The extended breed standard for Whippets says:

TEMPERAMENT

Gentle, affectionate, even disposition.

The Whippet is one of the least aggressive of dogs, both with people and with other

dogs. He is gentle and affectionate in the extreme, but will also form a very close

relationship with one particular person. He is amenable to discipline and very anxious

to please. Whilst all this is true, he should not be at all retiring or shy. He might not be

very interested in you, as a stranger, but he most definitely should not be timid, and

will, given cause, warn off intruders.

Look For: A relaxed but confident, even disposition. A Whippet should be neither

timid nor aggressive.

Whippets should not be dog aggressive and its not ususual to see a human "post" with a bunch of various people's dogs near a ring entrance as everyone is pitching in to help exhibit some of the larger show strings. I know that there are breeds I'm happy to belt into someone's gazebo to get out of a crate and into a ring for RUBOB etc and others I'd never consider doing that with.

EVERY show dog should be tolerant of being handled with its handler with it. I'd make so such assumptions about them beyond that and certainly no assumptions that every breed will tolerate other dogs (again a fault with some). Dont forget also that you have bitches in season and entire males at most shows - usually that can produce some fireworks.

My recommendation for any DOLer interested in attending show would be to hook up with a DOLer who's exhibiting and can show them around.

As I said in my first post in this thread, asking permission before patting a dog at a show is the way to go and I know I often get my dogs out of their crate if people ask about them. They love a good pat!!

Edited April 27, 2012 by Haredown Whippets

[sas]

Cheeky Monster, I pitty the day your dog doesn't behave like a perfect little robot dog. Dogs are dogs. You really have to understand and comprehend all breeds have different breed characteristics. How a dog behaves in a crate may be completely different to how it behaves outside. I don't think you really understand it all yet.

I'd love to be able to walk by the Bull dogs or the Dallies without them all going off....I go around them and avoid them if my dog doesn't feel comfortable with it.

[trinabean]

Hahah I was waiting for something like this thank you!!!..... I think show dogs should be one of the most socialised, and I have been to 5 shows and I'm pretty disappointed with the behaviour of some/most of the dogs I have to say, it's nearly impossible to walk any dog past another without barking or snarling..... I think the point of a show dog is to represent the best of the breed... biting when not threatened should not be a part of that display... I believe they are suppose to be approachable, by dog and human... not just the judge in the ring.

And sorry if i have offended anyone but this has been my personal observation in the few shows I have been to since taking an interest in showing.

I'm not offended, I'm bemused. I don't know which Group areas you've been visiting but Hounds don't generally spend their days at shows snapping and snarling at passing dogs Most of the time they're dozing!

And since when has a display of aggression in a crate meant that:

* the dog necessarily felt "threatened"

* that the dog would necessarily bite?

All I can say is that it appears that some folk have a somewhat misguided view of the degree to which temperament VARIES between purebred dogs. If you have a breed with a temperament that is not dog tolerant, or is protective of territory or property then you'd expect a far less tolerant approach to passing dogs.

Show dogs are as varied in their temperament as those who exhibit them. The differences between breeds is not simply cosmetic. There's a lesson that needs to be pounded into the heads of puppy buyers - and it ONLY tends to be taught by responsible breeders.

I'm only speaking from experience, and i have stated i have not been to a world of shows.... but the ones i have been to I have felt quite uncomfortable walking my dog to its designated area....and

as a result i was disappointed because i did have a quite different expectation.... and in relation to "is it ok to pat a dog at a dog show" I think a show dog should be approachable (you should always ask the premission of the owner obviously) but i'd assume they were friendly.... after all they do asses temperament in the ring do they not? - And im a little confused about how puppy buyers play into it :S

. The biting comment was made reference to "what if a dog bit you"... I'm saying it shouldn't be biting.

I think the point HW is making about puppy buyers is the bit that I've bolded. And yes, responsible breeders do try to educate people about their breeds specific needs/ characteristics. But a lot of people still, unfortunately, see the differences between breeds as being largely cosmetic.

[TheCheekyMonster]

Cheeky Monster, I pitty the day your dog doesn't behave like a perfect little robot dog. Dogs are dogs. You really have to understand and comprehend all breeds have different breed characteristics. How a dog behaves in a crate may be completely different to how it behaves outside. I don't think you really understand it all yet.

I'd love to be able to walk by the Bull dogs or the Dallies without them all going off....I go around them and avoid them if my dog doesn't feel comfortable with it.

:rofl:Hahah my dally is FARRRRR from well behaved or robotic Jesus i bloody wish!!, but he sure does not react the way the others around him do... neither does my pitbull for that matter, but i think some show dogs could be a little less on edge and i was pretty naive coming into the show world so yes I had an expectation that has quickly been grounded and i wish it hadn’t, it was kinda like finding out that santa is'nt real.... guess life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies.

[mumtoshelley]

I went to the red cliffs dog show and most of the dogs there were friendly and loved being patted. Altho I did see a whippet there that was very scared, anyone who walked past it made the dog jump out of fright. There were also italian greyhounds there that barked at everyone who walked past them too. But in saying that these dogs could of had a bad day or the show was too much for them. These dogs were registered breeders dogs, I even had a breeder say that show dogs are different from pet companian dogs. All I know is my golden retriever Shelley will be happy to sit there for pats and cuddles all day long, Missy my whippet will run up for pats and cuddles then run around some and come back for another pat, Rascal my chihuahua is very picky some people he walk up to them for pats some he will bark at. Shelley and Missy will play happy with any other dog they meet where Rascal chooses which dog he will say hello too, If if doesn't like that dog he comes to me and wants me to pick him up.

[Rebanne]

I even had a breeder say that show dogs are different from pet companian dogs. All I know is my golden retriever Shelley will be happy to sit there for pats and cuddles all day long, Missy my whippet will run up for pats and cuddles then run around some and come back for another pat, Rascal my chihuahua is very picky some people he walk up to them for pats some he will bark at. Shelley and Missy will play happy with any other dog they meet where Rascal chooses which dog he will say hello too, If if doesn't like that dog he comes to me and wants me to pick him up.

My show dogs are my pets and yes all dogs are different.

[Faolmor]

Another one here who shows Irish Setters...and if I had a dollar for every comment about how stupid they are, I'd be a millionaire at the end of a Royal day. There's nothing that gets my back up so quickly as someone who will stand there, arguing with you about how stupid your dog is!! I remember one guy flouncing off with a final, "Well I said they're stupid...so there!" That level of maturity in any discussion is usually more indicative of the loser of the argument, IMHO...:laugh:

As for pats, if hands are clean, everyone is welcome, whether I've been in the ring yet or not - provided I have invited them in to pat the dogs, and provided they behave respectfully and don't crowd etc. I can't say I've ever had an issue with unclean hands on coats, or people who haven't been polite, curious and respectful. I just ask, "Are you hands clean? Okay, then, in you come!" There's no point me trying to promote my breed as kid-friendly and people-friendly if I spend all day telling people to stand back and don't touch. I will actively encourage people to come meet my dogs, particularly if I can see them standing nearby wanting to pat them. One of my dogs spent half the day last year leaning her whole body around the edge of the bench, trying to attract as many pats as she could with a big smile on her face and a full-body tail wag. How can that NOT be promoting the friendliness of the breed? She was in her element, and the public adored her.

Yes, the Royal is a long day, and I do understand some exhibitors might choose to be precious with their dogs. But really...as others have said. If you can't handle it, don't enter. It's not like you don't know what to expect.

[Crisovar]

Expecting all breeds to act the same is misguided.

Even Judges expect the Breeds to react differently, there is not one generic show dog personality nor should they be, it would mean breeds are losing their very essence.

We ask a lot of our dogs as it is.

[TheCheekyMonster]

Maybe i have just been around some very unsettled dogs

[dogsaremyworld]

Its only wrong if you don't ask. The only reason I would say no is if i was about to go in the ring, or the dogs were just over it. Otherwise I like the public coming up, and my dogs love saying hello!

Sounds like the woman next to her was a total and utter b**ch.

[SparkyTansy]

Cheekymonster i suggest you read up on breed standards and why they are different for every breed. There are reasons behind certain breeds having particular breed temperament characteristics. It is also the reason why people suit some breeds but not others, and why people like you would be discouraged from owning my breed, because your expectation of how they should behave goes against what has been bred into them for the last 200+years.

In an ideal world, I'd love if my Weimaraners went up to everyone they meet, but I would never expect them to do so, however i do expect them to ignore them but not act fearful or cower... however my English Setters should be friendly and open, as reflected in the breed standard, and I would consider an English setter who does not act openly friendly towards strangers a breed temperament fault.

Edited April 27, 2012 by SparkyTansy

[dogsaremyworld]

I even had a breeder say that show dogs are different from pet companian dogs. All I know is my golden retriever Shelley will be happy to sit there for pats and cuddles all day long, Missy my whippet will run up for pats and cuddles then run around some and come back for another pat, Rascal my chihuahua is very picky some people he walk up to them for pats some he will bark at. Shelley and Missy will play happy with any other dog they meet where Rascal chooses which dog he will say hello too, If if doesn't like that dog he comes to me and wants me to pick him up.

My show dogs are my pets and yes all dogs are different.

My show dogs are pets first, and then show dogs. And my dogs will sometimes bark at people coming up to them in thier crates, but LOVE pats!!!! And yes all dogs are different. But the way people approach dogs is different too. Most come up really politely and ask, but i have had people at ag shows (children AND ADULTS) walk into the gazebo, and stick thier hands straight into thier trolley or crate, and me rush at them to stop. Even at Sydney Royal in the chaos as we all walk past, trying to get to the exit at 5pm, i had an adult walk past the security staff, and stick her hand right through the bars, and her children of course followed suit. This is not a good approach, as my dogs view thier trolley or crate as 'thier territory'.

[LizT]

I went to the red cliffs dog show and most of the dogs there were friendly and loved being patted. Altho I did see a whippet there that was very scared, anyone who walked past it made the dog jump out of fright. There were also italian greyhounds there that barked at everyone who walked past them too. But in saying that these dogs could of had a bad day or the show was too much for them. These dogs were registered breeders dogs, I even had a breeder say that show dogs are different from pet companian dogs. All I know is my golden retriever Shelley will be happy to sit there for pats and cuddles all day long, Missy my whippet will run up for pats and cuddles then run around some and come back for another pat, Rascal my chihuahua is very picky some people he walk up to them for pats some he will bark at. Shelley and Missy will play happy with any other dog they meet where Rascal chooses which dog he will say hello too, If if doesn't like that dog he comes to me and wants me to pick him up.

:laugh: Wow, I don't think I've even heard what an Iggy bark sounds like and I show in the Toy ring. Poor things but have been quite on edge.

[TheCheekyMonster]

Sorry, but im not talking about the bark some dogs do to alert their owners or whatever.... its more of a growl and hackles up trying to get out of the crate situation.... and imo thats not ok, especialy in a heavily dog populated event...

and I have not come across any breed standard which states will bite if approached.... barking is not an indication of agression but other signals along with barking like hackles up, lips curled are.

Edited April 27, 2012 by TheCheekyMonster

[megan_]

Cheeky Monster, I pitty the day your dog doesn't behave like a perfect little robot dog. Dogs are dogs. You really have to understand and comprehend all breeds have different breed characteristics. How a dog behaves in a crate may be completely different to how it behaves outside. I don't think you really understand it all yet.

I'd love to be able to walk by the Bull dogs or the Dallies without them all going off....I go around them and avoid them if my dog doesn't feel comfortable with it.

yes and dogs behave differently if their owner isn't there. Dogs have good days and bad days. My boy is very social (passed the delta therapy dog test) but I don't expect him to put up with being poked and prodded by hundreds of strangers.

The day that dogs have to become "robot dogs" is the day I stop having dogs.

[Jumabaar]

Sorry, but im not talking about the bark some dogs do to alert their owners or whatever.... its more of a growl and hackles up trying to get out of the crate situation.... and imo thats not ok, especialy in a heavily dog populated event...

Three of my dogs protect their crate and will carry on a treat (will bark and growl) if dogs walk past. They are quite happy if they have crate covers on and are tucked out of the way.

Take them out and they are quite happy to ignore the same dog walking past. I think you need to look at canine behaviour before you judge a dog that is in a confined area with strange unknown dogs approaching their territory.

These same dogs compete in flyball, one is a delta therapy dog- they are neutralised continually to as many stimuli as I can imagine but that doesn't mean that they aren't going to tell another dog to get out of their territory if it walks into it. We are putting dogs in a VERY artificial environment and putting extreme pressures on them. I don't mind dogs carrying on a treat- I do wonder why they are not covered and at the back of the gazebo rather than exposed out the front- but that is a human issue not a dog one. Mind you I also try not to take my dog too close to other dogs crated because that dog is in its 'safe place' and would probably like to have a nap without strange dogs walking past.

Just an aside- Would you be happy to set up a bed and have a snooze in your PJs on the sidelines of a big football game and have people think they can bump and push into you and your bed? Guessing you might feel a little exposed and try to get people to give you a little space too....