What to do if your dog refuses to enter the ring

A noise, an unfamiliar floor surface, the closeness of other dogs or some discomfort can explain this hesitation. Working out what is bothering him helps more than saying “Come on!” ten times.

Beginner — Taking the pressure off

1. Don’t pull to get him through the entrance. Avoid jerking, pushing and scolding. Keep your dog safe with a slack lead. The RSPCA recommends reward-based training and advises against shouting at or punishing a dog, especially when he is frightened.
2. Step slightly away from the entrance. If there is room, move away from the crowded entrance or from the dog that seems to worry him. Give him time to watch from a distance where he seems more comfortable.

   MyDogShow tip: always let your dog move away from what worries him, without forcing him to face his fear.

3. Tell the steward straight away. Simply say: “My dog is hesitant about going in. Can I step aside for a moment?” A short pause or another attempt has to be agreed with the ring team: they are not guaranteed.

Intermediate — Offer, then observe

1. Invite him with a familiar cue. If he is still responsive, use your usual cue for walking and reward a small voluntary step. Praise or a small treat, if treats are allowed at the venue, can go with that progress. Rewarding walking on a relaxed lead is part of the RSPCA’s advice.
2. Look at his behaviour as a whole. A hunched body, trembling, attempts to escape or unusual panting can signal discomfort. A single sign is not enough to draw a conclusion: take account of the context and of what is normal for your dog. If he stays frozen or tries to get away, stop the attempt.
3. Choose to stop if the worry continues. Tell the steward that you are withdrawing from showing your dog. The FCI regulations put his health and welfare first. You can work on entering the ring again in better conditions.

Advanced — Preparing for the next show

1. Identify what triggers the freeze. Note the context: a change of flooring, a narrow gap, a sudden noise, a dog too close… If the refusal appears suddenly, especially with an unusual gait or suspected pain, get a vet’s opinion before resuming training. The RSPCA recommends consulting when behaviour changes.
2. Recreate an easy entrance in training. In a quiet place, mark out a wide gap and reward voluntary approaches. Then add difficulties one by one, only as long as your dog stays comfortable.

   MyDogShow tip: progress in small steps and reward every success: it is the calmest way to rebuild the entrance to the ring.

3. Keep sessions short with an achievable goal. At first, calmly approaching the entrance may be enough. Finish with a familiar exercise rather than repeating attempts. If the problem keeps recurring, get help from a behaviour professional who uses reward-based methods.

What are the consequences for the judging?

Hesitating at the entrance does not automatically mean “disqualified”. At an international show with CACIB, the FCI regulations provide in particular for the grade “Cannot be judged” when the dog’s behaviour prevents his movement from being assessed or him from being examined.

If your dog does not go in at all and you give up on going in, ask the steward how his withdrawal will be recorded. The outcome depends on the situation and the applicable regulations.

Also beware of double handling: calling or luring the dog from outside the ring during judging is prohibited by the FCI.

The reminder: “I ease the pressure, I offer a small step, I observe… and I stop if my dog stays worried.”

Sources

• RSPCA: Understanding dog behaviour
• RSPCA: Teaching your dog to walk nicely on the lead
• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF)