Behaviours to avoid

The right instinct: leave space, protect concentration and be courteous. Some behaviours are a matter of good manners; others are expressly prohibited by the regulations.

Beginner: avoiding common slip-ups

1. Touching a dog without asking

Even if it looks friendly, don't automatically hold out your hand. It may need rest or may be uncomfortable with strangers.

What to do instead: ask “May I pet him?” and wait for the answer. Never put your fingers into a crate to provoke contact.

The AKC's (the American kennel club) official fact sheet recommends asking before petting and reminds people of the precautions around crates. [1]

2. Blocking the ring entrance

A chat among friends, a chair or a bag left in the wrong place can make it harder for dogs to get through.

What to do instead: set yourself back and leave the access clear. To take a photo, choose a spot that doesn't obstruct the flow. The AKC recommends staying away from ring entrances. [1]

3. Letting your dog greet every neighbour

“He's friendly!” doesn't mean the other dogs want to meet. An imposed approach can upset a team that is getting ready.

What to do instead: keep your dog close and ask the other person's permission before any meeting. If it gets restless, calmly move away rather than staying against the barrier.

Intermediate: protecting the runs

1. Interrupting a busy handler

Asking a question during an examination or a rehearsal can pull their attention away at the wrong moment.

What to do instead: wait until they are available. The AKC fact sheet advises asking questions after the presentation and not calling out to exhibitors during their run. [1]

2. Making noise or waving a reward near the ring

Whistling, squeaky toys, enthusiastic calls and food shown to dogs can become distractions.

What to do instead: put your phone on silent and use your dog's toys or treats away from competitors. The AKC recommends, among other things, keeping food away from the ring. [1]

3. Helping a dog from outside

Calling a friend's dog to make it prick up its ears may seem helpful, but it compromises its judging.

The official rule: at an international CACIB show, the FCI regulations prohibit “double handling”, that is, attracting the dog's attention from outside the ring. They provide for the grade “Cannot be judged”. [2]

What to do instead: let the handler manage their own dog's attention alone.

Advanced: avoiding behaviours that harm the show

1. Turning a disappointment into a conflict

Loudly criticising the winner, insulting a volunteer or posting accusations in the heat of the moment damages the atmosphere.

What to do instead: step back and ask a specific question if you want to understand the judging. The Royal Kennel Club's (the UK kennel club) code of conduct deals with respect for people and hurtful criticism on social media; it applies to events under its authority in the United Kingdom. [3]

At an FCI international CACIB show, the grades, awards and placings are final and not open to appeal. Complaints about the organisation or about how awards are made follow a separate procedure with the organisers.

2. Artificially altering the dog's characteristics

Preparation must respect what the judge is there to assess.

The official rule: the FCI regulations prohibit substances that alter the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose.

What to do instead: check the applicable rules before using a product whose effect seems ambiguous to you.

3. Putting the result before wellbeing

Multiplying rehearsals despite tiredness, treating your dog roughly or leaving it in dangerous conditions has no place at a show.

The official rule: the FCI regulations give priority to the health and wellbeing of dogs and prohibit dangerous situations and cruel treatment. They also prohibit leaving a dog tied on a grooming table for longer than its preparation requires.

What to do instead: plan breaks, water and a suitable spot for your dog.

The little MyDogShow reflex

Before acting, ask yourself: “Am I getting in the way of a run, imposing contact or putting a dog in difficulty?”

If the answer is yes, a few steps back or a few minutes' wait can change everything.