Level 2Exhibitor
Ask before you pet
The answer
An adorable face, a lovely soft coat… and a hand that reaches out almost on its own. At a dog show, it’s best to start with a question: “May I pet your dog?”
This small habit respects the dog, his preparation and the person with him. The American Kennel Club explicitly recommends it in its fact sheet on good manners at dog shows.
Beginner: getting into the right habit
1. Ask the question before holding out your hand
Ask the owner or handler for permission while keeping your distance. Wait for the answer before touching.
To try: “Hello! May I pet him, or would you rather leave him in peace?” That way the person can answer freely.
2. Respect a “no” without negotiating
The dog may need rest, be reserved or be about to go into the ring. His human doesn’t have to justify a refusal.
The ideal reply: “Of course, no problem!” You can still pay the dog a compliment, even without a pat.
3. Teach children to ask too
Go with the child and make them wait for permission. Don’t let them put a hand into a crate or pen.
The little game: before every meeting, remind them of the three steps: “I ask, I wait, I approach gently.” The AKC’s official fact sheet stresses supervising children around dogs.
Intermediate: making the meeting a pleasant one
1. Choose a moment when the pair is available
A handler adjusting a lead or listening for their class to be called needs to concentrate. Wait until the turn in the ring and the exchanges with their team are over before suggesting a meeting. This is also the advice the AKC gives to visitors. To try: “When you’ve finished, could I come and meet him?”
2. Let the dog come to you
His human’s permission doesn’t mean the dog wants contact at that moment. If he stays back or moves away, give him space.
Avoid putting your hand under his nose to make him sniff you.
MyDogShow tip: let the dog take the initiative in the approach.
3. Ask where to pet him
A dog freshly prepared for the ring doesn’t necessarily need a hand ruffling his styling!
The right question: “Where can I pet him without disturbing his grooming?” His handler will guide you. The AKC reminds us that the work done preparing the coat deserves respect.
Advanced: respecting the limits of contact
1. Renew your request at every meeting
Did you pet this dog at a previous show? Ask again. The context and his availability may have changed.
The reflex: treat permission as valid for this meeting, not for all the following ones.
2. Tell petting from handling
Agreement to pet isn’t permission to lift a paw, look at his teeth, pick the dog up or give him a treat.
If you want to do something else, make a new, specific request and wait for instructions from the person looking after him.
3. Keep it short and leave a pause
Even if it’s pleasant, a meeting doesn’t need to be long. After a few strokes, gently take your hand away and let the dog choose whether he wants to come back.
If he turns away, don’t insist. A successful meeting also means knowing how to end it at the right moment.
The little MyDogShow habit
The human gives consent, the dog keeps the choice of contact.
A question, a few seconds’ wait and a respectful approach: a lovely way of getting acquainted!