Level 2Exhibitor
What to do after the judging
The answer
The judge has finished, your dog has received his assessment… and you can finally breathe! But before putting away your show lead, check one thing: is your run really over for the day?
Between call-backs, documents to collect and your dog's well-earned break, here is how to handle what comes next calmly.
Beginner: leaving the ring without forgetting anything
1. Wait for the signal to leave
The end of the individual examination doesn't necessarily mean you can leave the ring: the judge may still compare the dogs and draw up the placings.
The right habit: stay alert for instructions. If in doubt, ask: “Can I leave, or should I stay for what comes next?”
2. Praise your dog, whatever the result
Your dog doesn't know what an “Excellent” or a fourth place is. He has just shared an exercise with you.
A soft word, his usual reward if it suits him, then a break: keep the end of the run pleasant, even if you were hoping for better.
The tip: move away from the entrance before rewarding him so the next dogs can get through.
3. Collect the documents you're given
Ask where to collect your grade card and, where provided, your judge's report. Check that the documents match your dog.
The Centrale Canine (the SCC, the French kennel club) states that the judge hands over a grade card, possibly accompanied by a sheet detailing their comments. [1]
Intermediate: checking what comes next
1. Ask whether your dog has to come back
A placing can open the door to another run: award of a certificate or a reserve, selection of Best of Breed, then possibly the ring of honour competition.
The useful question: “Does my dog need to be called back? If so, where and when?”
The Centrale Canine describes call-backs for the award of the CACS, CACIB and reserves, as well as the selection of Best of Breed. [1]
2. Give him real recovery
Plan for water, a quiet spot and an outing for his needs where possible. If a call-back awaits, avoid stringing together repetitions without a break.
The tip: stay available for announcements without keeping your dog in show position for the whole wait.
The FCI regulations make the welfare and health of dogs a priority. [2]
3. Read the assessment before asking for an explanation
Take the time to re-read the judge's report if you have one. Pick out a remark you want to understand, then ask the steward when the judge would be available.
Try this: “Could you explain what you observed in his gaits?”
The Centrale Canine states that the judge may comment on their judging to exhibitors who wish it. [1]
Advanced: turning the run into progress
1. Note one point to keep and one point to work on
After the run, keep a simple record: was your dog available? Did you find the right speed? Did the wait tire him?
Then choose a concrete goal for the next training session.
Example: “His examination went well; I'm going to work on a steadier trot start.” There's no need to change everything after a single show.
2. Keep perspective on the result
Congratulate the other competitors and avoid heat-of-the-moment comments around the ring. Asking for an explanation can be useful; demanding a better placing is a different matter.
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 the way awards are made follow a separate procedure. [2]
3. Check the conditions before leaving
Does your dog have no more call-backs? Still check the show's departure instructions. Don't assume that leaving is automatically allowed after your judging.
MyDogShow tip: before leaving, check the permitted departure time and the documents to show: some shows set an earliest departure time, sometimes on presentation of the judging slip.
The MyDogShow quick reflex
Before packing up: I check the call-backs, I collect the documents and I look after my dog.
A good end to the day also prepares a better next show!