Level 2Exhibitor
How to get help when you’re starting out
The answer
You arrive with your dog, your number and a small collection of questions: “Where should I wait? When do I go in? And how do I know if I should come back?”
You don’t need to know everything to get started. A precise request, put to the right person at the right moment, often unblocks the situation.
Beginner: daring to ask your questions
1. Simply say it’s your first show
The people around you can’t guess what you already know.
Try this: “Hello, this is my first show. Could you tell me where to wait with my dog?”
That gives the context without you having to apologise for being a beginner.
2. Choose the right person
For your class, speak to the ring steward. For a problem with your entry or documents, look for the show secretary’s office.
The tip: keep your number handy to make it easier to get an answer.
The FCI regulations provide, among other things, that assistants gather the dogs by class, check for absentees and help with the administrative organisation of the ring.
3. Ask one question at a time
“I don’t understand anything!” expresses your stress, but says little about what you need.
Try this: “Should I go in now or wait for my number to be called?”
Start with what will let you move forward straight away. You can ask the next question afterwards.
Intermediate: preparing your support
1. Turn to your breeder or the breed club
Before the show, ask your breeder whether they can help you prepare the presentation. You can also contact the breed club to find out who to go to.
Try this: “I’d like to start showing my dog. Do you know someone, or a session, that could help us prepare for our first time in the ring?”
It is still a request: not all clubs offer the same activities.
2. Approach exhibitors when they’re free
Someone who is getting their dog ready or watching for their class to be called doesn’t always have time to explain.
Try this: “When you’ve finished, could I ask you two questions about presentation?”
The American Kennel Club advises chatting after their class and coming back later if the exhibitor is busy.
3. Ask for a short demonstration
To learn a gait or a position, seeing the move can help more than a long explanation.
Try this: “Could you show me the movement, then watch just one attempt with my dog?”
Keep the session short and let your dog take a break. The aim is to understand one point, not to perfect everything on the spot.
Advanced: learning to be coached
1. Choose a go-to person
After getting five different pieces of advice, you can end up not knowing what to try.
Favour someone who explains clearly, respects your dog and helps you understand their choices. Ask them to work on one specific goal with you.
Try this: “For the next show, I’d mainly like to improve our start into the trot. Can you help me with that?”
2. Double-check advice about the rules
An experienced exhibitor can give good advice, but a local habit is not necessarily a general rule.
For classes, documents or entry conditions, consult the official texts and the organiser’s instructions.
MyDogShow tip: to understand the classes and how the judging works, start with the overview of shows provided by your country’s kennel organisation.
3. Do a short review after your class
Note what helped, what is still unclear and one question for next time.
If you want to understand an assessment, ask the steward when the judge might be available.
MyDogShow tip: many judges are willing to comment on their judging to exhibitors who wish it: ask your question politely once judging is over.
Try this: “You noted a difficulty in the movement. Could you explain what you observed?”
The little MyDogShow reflex
I say I’m a beginner, I ask a precise question and I thank the person who helps me.
And when you’re more at ease, you can in turn guide someone who is looking for their first ring!