Level 2Exhibitor
The rules of fair play
The answer
In the ring, everyone hopes to show their dog at his best. You prepare, you train, you wait… and of course the result matters!
Fair play means competing honestly, respecting others and looking after your dog, whatever place you finish in. It shows in the big moments, but also in small gestures: leaving a clear way through, thanking a volunteer or congratulating a competitor.
Beginner: respecting the basics
1. Be courteous to everyone
Greet the other exhibitors, listen to the instructions and thank the people who organise the runs. Stress is no excuse for speaking curtly to the ring steward.
Try this: "Excuse me, I'm new. Could you tell me where to wait?"
The Royal Kennel Club's code of conduct stresses the respect owed to competitors, judges and officials. It applies to events under its authority in the UK. [1]
2. Let everyone show their dog
Keep the access routes clear and keep control of your lead. Avoid dogs meeting at the ring entrance, even if yours is very sociable.
The tip: before setting up, check that you are leaving enough room for the next team. The AKC (the American Kennel Club) recommends keeping away from entrances and exits to protect concentration. [2]
3. Congratulate without putting down
"Well done on your result!" is enough. Avoid adding "The competition was easy" or "My dog deserved better".
You can be disappointed and still let others enjoy their success. A congratulation doesn't need a comment on the placings to go with it.
Intermediate: competing fairly
1. Don't distract a dog
Don't call a dog from the ringside, even to help a friend get a nice stack.
The official rule: at an international CACIB show, the FCI rules prohibit "double handling", that is, attracting the dog's attention from outside the ring. They provide for the grade "Cannot be judged". [3]
2. Respect the preparation rules
Taking care over presentation is normal; artificially altering the characteristics being assessed is not.
The official rule: the FCI rules prohibit substances that alter the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose. [3]
The key: if in doubt about a product, check the applicable rules before using it.
3. Ask for an explanation calmly
If you don't understand an assessment, wait for a moment when the judge is available and ask a specific question.
Try this: "Could you explain the comment about his gaits?"
MyDogShow tip: If you want feedback from the judge, ask them to comment on the judging when they are free, and avoid focusing the conversation on the winning dog's supposed faults.
Advanced: setting an example
1. Put welfare before the prize
Adapt the waiting, build in breaks and stay alert to your dog's condition. If conditions become hard for him, look for a solution with the organisers.
The official rule: the FCI rules give priority to the health and welfare of dogs and prohibit situations that endanger them, as well as cruel treatment. [3]
2. Show the same respect after the show
Fair play continues in conversations and on social media. Describe the facts without insults, baseless accusations or mockery.
The tip: if you are angry, wait before posting. The Royal Kennel Club explicitly addresses hurtful or excessive criticism in its code of conduct and recommends stepping back before posting. [1]
3. Report an irregularity through the right channel
A disagreement over a placing is not handled like an organisational problem.
The official benchmark: at an FCI international CACIB show, decisions on grades, awards and placings are final and not open to appeal. Complaints about the organisation or how awards are made follow a separate procedure: a written complaint handed to the organisers immediately and a deposit equal to twice the entry fee. [3]
If necessary, present precise facts to the secretary's office rather than starting an argument around the ring.
The little MyDogShow habit
I do my best with my dog, I let others do the same and I respect the result.
A great win is savoured even more in an atmosphere where everyone feels respected.