Level 1Beginner
How do you know when it's your turn?
The answer
Keeping track of your turn without staring at your watch
Check the announced schedule, confirm your class at the ring secretary's desk, then stay alert for the calls. These are your three best reference points.
You need to distinguish the whole class entering the ring from the moment the judge examines your dog individually.
Beginner — Understanding the calls
- Check your schedule
Look for the stated time and the arrival instructions. A time announced for a breed or a class is not necessarily an individual appointment.
MyDogShow tip: some shows ask you to arrive a certain time before the time written on the exhibitor's card, for example 30 minutes. Read your event’s instructions: they are not the same everywhere.
- Confirm you are at the right ring
Go to the secretary's desk with your number and ask which class is currently in progress.
A useful phrase: "Hello, I'm number 128, in junior males. Could you tell me when we need to get ready?"
- Listen for your class to be called
The staff may call the class, the numbers concerned, or both. When you are invited to go in, follow their instructions to take your place.
MyDogShow tip: dogs in the same class often go in in number order: keep an eye on the number just before yours.
Intermediate — Getting ahead calmly
- Spot what is on before you
Check the announced order and watch the progress: which breed, which sex and which class are being judged right now?
The catalogue helps you follow this organisation, but the instructions given on the day remain essential.
- Get ready before the call
When your turn approaches, finish the little touch-ups, pin on your number and keep your show lead within reach.
The trick: get your kit ready, then let your dog wait calmly. He doesn't need to rehearse constantly.
- Wait for instructions for the individual examination
Once in the ring, the judge may first look at the class as a whole. Your individual examination comes afterwards, following his or her instructions. The Royal Kennel Club (UK) explains this sequence: group line-up, individual examination, movement and selection.
Advanced — Handling the unexpected
- Don't work out the time dog by dog
Multiplying the number of entries by an assumed examination time gives a shaky estimate. Absences or a different pace can change the wait.
The key: ask where the judging has got to rather than just counting minutes.
- Watch for changes
One breed may be judged after another and ring changes can happen. The Royal Kennel Club therefore recommends following the progress so you don't miss your class.
If you need to step away, first find out how things are going and plan to be back in good time.
- Check whether you need to come back after the placings
Depending on the result, your dog may be called back for a comparison or a title.
MyDogShow tip: call-backs often take place after the class judging. The question to ask: "Are we finished, or do we need to stay available for a call-back?"
Three moments to recognise
| Moment | What you do |
|---|---|
| Your class is approaching | You get the dog and the kit ready |
| Your class is called | You go in following the staff’s instructions |
| The judge invites you to show your dog | You begin the examination or the movement requested |
If you think you have missed the call, tell the ring secretary straight away. Don't assume you will be able to go in later.