Dr. Bob G. Smith

What should JS judges be doing for Juniors in the ring? I suggest that as a judge I should be mentoring, gently correcting, offering encouragement, praising when I see correct behavior from a Junior, and on-the-spot teaching. As a judge I often cannot do anything about the adult behavior, lack of respect, and lack of preparation I see in the breed ring. But when I am in the JS ring, I can have a major impact on improvement and I do not just mean awarding ribbons. When I ask a Junior if he or she is “ready” for the dog to be examined and the reply is “Yea”, or even, “Yep,” I immediately, but gently remind the Junior that a more respectful reply would be “Yes, sir” or even just a “Yes”. Junior rules include references to being respectful in the ring. Well, to me (an old, old man), neither “Yea nor Yep” is acceptable as a respectful reply. When I allow Juniors to show verbal disrespect to an elder, I do them and myself a disservice. When they are adults, it is often too late to teach them respectful responses. Often, when I am in my own community and encounter such disrespect, it is inappropriate for me to try to change that behavior because I am not in charge of the situation. However, in the JS ring, I am in charge…I have the teachable moments…I am in control. I do not have to demand correct behavior--just provide clear, positive corrective responses. I have been surprised each time I have used that teachable moment to correct disrespect how quickly Juniors catch on to what is expected and how eager they are to demonstrate that they “got it.”

Before many of my assignments, while the stewards are distributing armbands, getting the exhibitors in line, etc., I try to address the crowd (sometimes sparse, sometimes great support) and begin by thanking parents, grandparents, community volunteers and others who have supported the Juniors to get them there for that show. I thank them for the part they play in helping train the next generation of participants in our weekend world of dog shows. The supporters need to be encouraged that what they are doing to support their children has a long-term impact on the future of our culture, i.e., dog shows. One of the issues I stress is how important it is for Juniors to listen to what the judge is saying and explicitly follow directions. I explain how parents and supporters can help at home by stressing to their children the importance of listening and completing the task exactly as explained by the parent. This is of tremendous help for the Junior in competition. When judging JS, I clearly explain to the exhibitors before I begin each class that I must watch them stack their dog as required in the Junior Showman-ship Rules. Even after hearing my directions regarding stacking their dog only when I tell them to, I often have Juniors in my ring who persist in continuing to stack their dog, bait their dog, pose the dog in front of other exhibitors (as if they were in the Group Ring). Unfortunately, many Juniors cannot separate the breed ring from the Junior Showmanship ring requirements and often finish out of the ribbons because of it. Having his or her own agenda in the JS ring may contribute to a Junior not winning a first place ribbon and failing to achieve the goal of Best Junior that day.

Another observation that I have clarified in my brief career as a JS judge is that Juniors should not ONLY be learning by watching the antics of “professional handlers” or learning the “tricks” of the trade while working for the professional. They ALSO should be learning from adults who do not have a vested interest in their performance in the ring but an interest in the future of the dog show itself. Who best to teach Juniors than experienced, caring, “teacher-judges” who want to see Juniors succeed and grow our sport.

Many Juniors are working hard to qualify for the AKC National and/or Westminster Kennel Club competition. Both are worthy competitions. Related to the previous issue, a personal concern is that I hope I am not contributing to a competition for the Best Junior “Professional” Handler in Show. I hope I am not rewarding an exhibitor with a win who does not show respect to his fellow competitors, his judge, or to the sport of dogs. When I reward inappropriate behavior in the JS ring, either by oversight or ignoring a negative situation, I hope the “powers that be” will quietly take away my “VIP” parking pass and relegate me to the cleanup crew for the “mess” I have made in judging JS. Until next time, I will continue to search for those “teachable moments.”