| HOW TO SHOW YOUR BOSTON TERRIER, PART 2 |
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RINGSIDE JUDGING It's a good practice to make notes on each dog, always holding the dog against the standard. In "ringside judging," forget your personal preference for this or that feature. What does the standard say about it? Watch carefully as the judge places the dogs in a given class. From the ringside, it is sometimes difficult to see why number one was placed over the second dog. Try to follow the judge's reasoning. If possible, try to talk with him after judging is finished. Ask him questions as to why he placed certain dogs and not others. Listen carefully while the judge explains his placingsany judge worthy of his license should be able to give sound reasons. When you're not at the ringside, talk with the fanciers who have Boston Terriers. Don't be afraid to ask opinions or say that you don't know. It will help you a great deal and speed up your personal progress if you are a good listener. THE NATIONAL CLUB You will find it worthwhile to join the national Boston Terrier club and to subscribe to its magazine. From the national breed club, you will learn the location of an approved regional club near you and find out the dates of match shows in your section of the country. They differ from regular shows only in that no championship points are given. These shows are especially designed to launch young dogs (and new handlers) on a show career. ENTER MATCH SHOWS Enter your Boston Terrier in as many match shows as you can. In the ring, you have two jobs. One is to see to it that your dog is always being seen to his best advantage. The other job is to keep your eye on the judge to see what he may want you to do next. Watch only the judge and your dog. Be quick and be alert; do exactly as the judge directs. Don't speak to him except to answer his questions. If he does something you don't like, don't say so. Also, don't irritate the judge (and everybody else) by constantly talking and fussing with your dog. In moving about the ring, remember to keep clear of dogs beside you or in front of you. It is a good advice to you not to show your Boston Terrier in a regular point show until he is at least close to maturity and after both you and your dog have had time to perfect ring manners and poise in the match shows. |
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