Level 2Exhibitor
What to do when a dog is working
The answer
A dog that is rehearsing its presentation, holding a stance or moving in the ring is busy with its human. Even if it is adorable, the best thing you can do for it is to protect its concentration.
No need to tiptoe around the whole show! You just need to give the pair some space and save the meet-and-greets for a moment when they're free.
Beginner: watch without interrupting
1. Save the petting for later
During an exercise or a presentation, avoid touching the dog, calling it or offering it a treat.
The tip: admire it from a distance and wait until its handler has finished before asking to meet. The American Kennel Club recommends waiting until the run is over to ask your questions.
2. Let its human concentrate
A “How old is he?” seems harmless, but it can interrupt an instruction or distract the handler.
The right habit: keep your question in mind. Once the pair is free, start with: “Do you have a moment?”
3. Keep the access routes clear
Don't settle in front of the ring entrance and don't lean over its edge. The dog and its handler need to be able to move around easily.
The AKC's official information sheet reminds spectators of these two precautions.
Intermediate: limit distractions
1. Mind your noise
Put your phone on silent and avoid whistling, squeaky toys or enthusiastic calling nearby.
The tip: to cheer on someone you know, save the congratulations for when their presentation is over.
2. Keep your own dog at a distance
If your dog is with you, don't let it go and say hello to the one that's working. Keep the lead under control and enough space between them.
If it barks, pulls or stares at the other dog persistently, calmly move away.
MyDogShow tip: protect dogs being shown from distractions, even if they are trained to ignore them.
3. Keep food and toys away from the ring
A piece of cheese or a ball being waved around can become far more interesting than the handler's instructions!
Avoid showing a treat to the dog that's working. The AKC sheet recommends keeping food away from the ring to limit distractions.
Advanced: help with discernment
1. Don't step in to “fix” its presentation
Is the dog turning its head away or losing its stance? Let its handler deal with it. Don't call it from the ringside to make it prick up its ears.
The official rule: attracting its attention from outside the ring is “double handling”. At an international CACIB show, the FCI regulations forbid it and provide for the grade “Cannot be judged”.
2. Offer your help before the exercise
In training, someone may want to work with distractions or simulate an examination. That is something you prepare together.
To try: “Would you like me to take part in the exercise? If so, how?” Then follow their instructions, without adding gestures or improvised calls.
3. Respect the recovery time too
Leaving the ring isn't necessarily the signal for a cuddle session. The handler may still need to reward their dog, collect their documents or get ready for another round.
Wait until the pair is free, then ask permission before approaching. The AKC advises letting competitors finish their presentation and their exchanges with their team before approaching them.
The little MyDogShow habit
When a dog is working: I give it space, I keep my questions and I wait for the right moment.
Watching quietly is already a way of helping the show run smoothly.