Attitudes of a bad nature have no place in the show ring. Most exhibitors are pleasant and while they may be disappointed, they smile, accept their ribbons and leave the ring graciously. They are politely acknowledging that I have given my opinion. They may not agree but they are being good sports. Many even congratulate the first place winner. I always appreciate that.

Have I had my share of attitudes? You bet. When I first began judging, a few people had to determine how easily I could be intimidated. I learned to deal with those would-be bullies quickly. I developed a thick skin almost overnight. It is not in my nature to be rude, brusque or overbearing. I’m a small person and some had the idea that I belonged at home baking cookies and caring for the grandchildren. Okay, I wear a larger size in clothing than I did when I started but I’m still short and not likely to get any taller at this point. I had to acquire an air of authority and I had to look and feel in command of my ring. I had to show confidence in my decisions and ignore any black looks and snatched ribbons. The black looks and the snatched ribbons are almost a thing of the past now.

Have I made mistakes? Of course I have. All judges do. We are imperfect people and we are going to do something improbable now and then. Most of us realize it when we put a lesser dog in front of a better specimen and we learn from that experience. In fact, most of us never stop learning. No matter how many times you judge a breed and no matter how comfortable you feel with it, there is something to be added to your knowledge. Should I reach the point where I’m convinced I know it all, I will hang it up. I’ll no longer have a right to be in the center of the ring. Nor will I deserve to be.

Some of the worst attitudes can be sported by young people who have recently entered the world of dog shows and who are quite sure they know everything there is to know about everything. We all felt that way once, didn’t we? I have encountered two such young people who, I’m happy to report, have matured into sensible, responsible adults and who are a credit to themselves and to dog shows. I like to remind them that I went through their “brat” stage with them. Neither one denies it. It is now a pleasure to have them in my ring.

I’m always happy to discuss any of my placements so long as I am approached pleasantly and respectfully. Most of the judges I know feel the same way. We’re quite aware that questions arise in the minds of exhibitors and we’re glad to answer those concerns. Many times a decision is almost too close to call and a very minor point can make the difference, such as the way a dog presents itself on the day. Exhibitors need to know that and be assured that the virtues of their dogs are recognized and that at another time and place, the placements could be reversed. When an exhibitor asks me what I didn’t like about the dog he or she brought to me, I prefer to answer with what I did like and appreciate about it.

In writing this article, I was reminded of an incident that happened quite a few years ago. It was at a show in the Pacific Northwest. I had just finished judging a sizable entry of a certain breed when someone who had shown in the classes came up to the ring and laid his fourth-place ribbon on my table. He then proceeded to tell me he was bringing it back because he thought I could use it for some other classes. Give me credit here, please. I smiled (rather coldly, I’m sure) and informed him that I had plenty of ribbons to get me through the rest of the day and that since the ribbon was now officially his property he could do whatever he wanted with it. I’m positive it landed in the nearest garbage receptacle. That was a different attitude. No glaring, no recriminations, just a show of contempt. And no, this person was not a novice who thought he was making a nice gesture. The message was clear. And as I think back on it, I find it highly amusing.

What does one really gain with an attitude? It doesn’t make a person feel any better. It doesn’t make anyone superior to the judge. It does show very bad sportsmanship. If someone comes into my ring with the intention of berating me, I ask him or her to leave immediately. This usually solves the problem. I have only been forced to call for a bench show hearing once when the person just kept on and on.

If you feel you have lost unfairly, get a cold drink or kick the tires of your RV. Perhaps it wasn’t as unfair as it seemed when you put it into proportion. And if it was, remember that the judge may possibly have learned from it. It’s a waste of time to rant and rave about the dumb judge. Think about it and if you still feel strongly the next day or the day after that, you have the option of not showing under that judge again. Better still, get a Scarlett O’Hara mind set.

Tomorrow is another day!