The Dog Show Day: What to Expect

The Dog Show Day: What to Expect

The big day has arrived! After months of preparation—training, grooming, and rehearsing—it’s time to step into the ring and showcase the hard work you and your dog have put in. Whether you're a first-time participant or an experienced handler, understanding the flow of a dog show day can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Here’s what you can expect on dog show day, from check-in to the final round of judging.

1. Arriving at the Venue

On the day of the dog show, it's important to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to settle in. Most dog shows have a designated check-in time for exhibitors and handlers, which typically occurs before the event officially starts. Arriving early also gives you time to familiarize yourself with the venue layout and find your assigned rings.

• Check-in and Registration: Head to the registration desk to check in your dog. You'll need to confirm your dog’s entry and receive your show packet, which will include your dog’s ring time, event schedule, and any additional instructions.
• Set-Up Your Area: Most dog shows allow exhibitors to set up small grooming stations or crates near the rings. This is your space to keep your dog calm, hydrated, and comfortable while you wait for your turn. Make sure to bring everything you might need, including grooming supplies, water, and treats.

Tip: Check the event schedule in advance so you know when and where you need to be. Dog shows can be quite busy, so knowing where your ring is located and your exact time slot is essential for a smooth day.

2. Pre-Show Preparation

Before entering the ring, you’ll want to ensure that both you and your dog are ready for the spotlight. This is your chance for last-minute touch-ups, both for grooming and training.

• Grooming Touch-Ups: Even if your dog is already well-groomed, a few quick touch-ups are common right before entering the ring. Brush through your dog’s coat one last time, check its nails, and make sure its ears and eyes are clean.
• Calm Your Dog: Dog shows can be overwhelming for dogs, with many distractions and other dogs around. Spend a few minutes calming your dog and ensuring it feels confident and comfortable. Take your dog for a walk to get some fresh air, and give them a moment to relax before the action begins.

Tip: Keep your dog calm and focused. The more relaxed your dog is, the better it will perform in the ring.

3. Entering the Ring

When it's your turn, you’ll be called to enter the ring with your dog. Here's what typically happens next:

• Ring Etiquette: When you step into the ring, you’ll want to keep your dog on a leash or show lead (depending on the event rules) and walk them confidently around the ring. Judges will be watching your dog’s gait, so walk at a steady pace, allowing your dog to show off its movement and posture.
• Stacking: The judge will ask you to “stack” your dog in a specific pose to showcase its physical attributes. This often means having your dog stand still with its body aligned in a way that highlights its structure. Be prepared to guide your dog into position, maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Judging Process: Judges will evaluate your dog based on its breed standard, paying attention to details like structure, movement, temperament, and overall presentation. They’ll also watch how your dog interacts with you, as good behavior and responsiveness are important.

Tip: Stay calm, confident, and poised as you guide your dog through the ring. Judges are not only looking at your dog but also assessing how well you and your dog work together as a team.

4. Post-Judging and Evaluation

After your dog is judged in the breed category, the judge will either award your dog a ribbon or continue judging other dogs in the same category. Winning is not always the goal—dog shows are also about the experience and learning opportunities they provide. Here’s what to expect after your dog’s evaluation:

• Waiting for Results: You’ll often be asked to wait outside the ring or in a designated holding area until the results are announced. Keep your dog calm and ready for any final instructions from the judge.
• Group Judging: If your dog wins its breed, it will move on to the group judging round, where dogs are judged based on broader categories (e.g., Sporting, Hound, Working). If your dog is successful in the group round, it might advance to the Best in Show competition.
• Feedback: Some judges may provide brief feedback or comments after the evaluation, either on your dog’s performance or its specific strengths and weaknesses. This can be a valuable learning experience for future shows.

Tip: Don’t be discouraged if your dog doesn’t win right away. Every dog show is an opportunity to improve and learn. Celebrate the progress you’ve made!

5. Final Judging and Best in Show

If your dog makes it to the final rounds—whether it’s Group Judging or Best in Show—it’s time for the ultimate test. The Best in Show category is the most prestigious and highly anticipated event of the dog show.

• The Final Run: At this point, the competition is fierce. Your dog will face off against the top winners from each group category. Judges will evaluate each dog based on its overall qualities, performance, and how well it represents its breed.
• Celebrating the Win: If your dog is selected as Best in Show, it’s a huge accomplishment. The moment is often celebrated with applause, and you’ll receive a trophy or ribbon to commemorate the victory. But regardless of the outcome, being part of the Best in Show competition is a remarkable achievement.

Tip: Whether you win or not, enjoy the moment and be proud of your dog’s performance. Competing in the Best in Show is an honor in itself.

6. After the Show: Post-Event Activities

Once the show has ended, it’s time to pack up and reflect on your experience. Whether you win or don’t place, here’s what to do next:

• Cool Down Your Dog: After a long day, your dog might be tired or overstimulated. Give them plenty of water and allow them to rest and recover.
• Thank the Judges: It’s always a good idea to thank the judges for their time and consideration, especially if they provided feedback.
• Network and Learn: Dog shows are also a great opportunity to network with other handlers, breeders, and dog lovers. Take the time to chat, learn from others, and gain tips for future shows.
• Celebrate: Whether you win a ribbon or not, every dog show is an accomplishment. Celebrate your hard work and the bond you’ve built with your dog.

Tip: Stay positive and reflect on how far you and your dog have come. Even if you didn’t win, the experience is invaluable for your growth as a handler.

Conclusion

Dog show day is full of excitement, nerves, and anticipation. By understanding the process and preparing ahead of time, you can ensure that you and your dog are ready to shine in the ring. Whether it’s the breed judging, group rounds, or the highly anticipated Best in Show, each moment is an opportunity to showcase the hard work you and your dog have put into the preparation. Most importantly, enjoy the experience, make lasting memories, and celebrate the incredible bond between you and your canine companion!