Reading the judge

Watch, understand and respond at the right moment

The judge steps closer, steps back, looks at your dog's legs, then asks you for another run. What do you do? Hold the position? Set off again? Change something?

Reading the judge means picking up on their instructions and movements to make their examination easier. Their expression or the time spent on your dog can't, on their own, predict the result.

Your best guide comes down to three words: listen, watch, respond.

Beginner — Understand the requests

1. Watch how things go before your turn

If you get the chance, watch a few presentations of your breed: where do the handlers stop? What movements are asked for? How does the examination begin?

To remember: note two or three useful stages, then stay ready for the instructions you're given. This observation prepares you for your turn without setting it in stone.

2. Listen to the instruction right to the end

When you're nervous, you can set off as soon as you hear “go…” and miss the rest: an up-and-back, a lap of the ring or a move to a particular spot.

Your little habit: before setting off, check in your head “what route, which direction, what way back?”. One second of attention can save you hesitating halfway round.

3. Ask for clarification of anything you didn't understand

A noisy hall, an ambiguous gesture or an accent can make a request hard to understand. Simply ask the judge to repeat it.

A useful phrase: “Excuse me, do you want an up-and-back or a lap of the ring?”

Ask a short question about the action expected, then get your dog ready calmly.

Intermediate — Supporting the examination

1. Follow the judge's position

When they move, check whether your body or your hands are blocking the view of the dog. Adjust your position discreetly.

To try: a partner watches your dog from several spots. Your aim is to leave the judge a clear view while keeping a steady presentation.

2. Leave time to look

When the judge is looking at your dog standing, avoid constantly repositioning its feet or moving the treat. During the hands-on examination, make it easy to reach the area they want to examine.

Your marker: once you've got a comfortable position, take your hands away when you can. Constant corrections can interrupt the observation and unsettle the dog.

3. Take a new request without drawing conclusions

A second run doesn't automatically mean a fault has just been spotted. The request alone doesn't reveal the judge's assessment.

The right response: listen to the route asked for, find your rhythm again and start again cleanly. If no change has been specified, there's no need to change several things at once.

Advanced — Staying alert, smoothly

1. Share your attention between the judge and your dog

You should be able to catch an instruction while noticing that your dog is drifting, losing focus or getting closer to a competitor.

To work on: practise with a partner who gives instructions at varied moments. Use quick glances towards them, then come back to your dog and your path. Avoid walking for long with your head turned.

2. Prepare ahead, then wait for the request

You can get your lead ready, check the space available and be ready to go. But keep the execution tied to a clear instruction.

Example: when the judge finishes looking, calmly gather up the spare lead. Wait to know the movement requested before sending your dog off.

3. Practise different communication styles

Some judges give detailed instructions; others are more concise. Get ready to receive a spoken instruction, a gesture or a combination of both.

Your exercise: ask your partner to vary the way they give instructions. When a gesture is deliberately ambiguous, practise asking for clarification. Success means understanding, then acting calmly.

The “Seen, heard, understood” game

After a simulation, note down three things:

Seen: “The judge moved to the side.”
Heard: “They asked for an up-and-back.”
Done: “I cleared their view, then followed the instruction.”

This exercise helps you separate facts from your assumptions. “They hardly smiled, so they don't like my dog” is still an interpretation.

The habit to take into the ring: a clear instruction, a calm response, a dog that's ready.