Why? a conformation show rant.....

JohnnyBandit · 11-07-2009, 06:50 PM

Why? Why? Why? Do folks with happy go lucky, love everyone, play nice with butterfly dogs, not understand that those of us that have high drive, high energy dogs need a little space. We work hard with our dogs. They are not mean, aggressive, or unruly. But they do have very high drive and command a little respect and just a little space.

All the work and effort we put into our dogs all goes to waste if you refuse to control your butterfly huggers and allow them to bounce off of and jump on our dogs. Just a little space and respect..... PLEASE!!!!

Spicy1_VV · 11-07-2009, 06:54 PM

Amen to that!!!

sizzledog · 11-07-2009, 07:51 PM

I've never experienced this - then again, I show "scary" dogs.

Max'sHuman · 11-07-2009, 08:03 PM

Huh? Sounds like there is a story in there somewhere but at the moment your post isn't making much sense to me. Care to share?

Inga · 11-07-2009, 08:25 PM

I am assuming you had a bad experience at a conformation show?

I know how you feel though. My dogs are all lovey with people but they do not appreciate a strange dog getting in their face. None of my dogs have been excited about strange dogs rushing them. Some were down right scary when a dog did that. I always had to be on high alert because I guess we just can't trust people to control their dogs.

JohnnyBandit · 11-07-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inga

I am assuming you had a bad experience at a conformation show?

I know how you feel though. My dogs are all lovey with people but they do not appreciate a strange dog getting in their face. None of my dogs have been excited about strange dogs rushing them. Some were down right scary when a dog did that. I always had to be on high alert because I guess we just can't trust people to control their dogs.

Not a terrible experience. And nothing to sour me on competing. But it seems like something always happens. And of course having a drivey dog, it is always your dog that is looked at as if he is bad or mean.

I think Spicey knows what I am talking about..... I have a drivey dog. He is not mean, aggressive, etc. He behaves very well. But being an ACD he is naturally pushy and bossy. He will respect other dogs space but they need to need to respect his.

It gets crowded at ringside and people tend to cluster around and chit chat. They get wrapped up in socializing and tend to ignore what their dog is doing, whom he is staring at, who's butt he is trying to smell it. Well folks are trying to move their dogs in and out of the ring. All dogs are not so happy go lucky. Some are high drive, territorial, etc. Add to that, everyone is intact and there are usually a bitch or two in heat around. Tensions can run a bit high.

All I want is a little space, a lane to get my dog in and out of the ring. Then I will be happy. Heck once we are away from the ring, I like to socialize too. So does my dog. Just don't crowd him.

I also meant no disrespect with my butterfly huggers comment. But it always seems to be owners of the happy go lucky breeds that are guilty of the crowding and the inattention to what their dogs are up to. I never have any issues being in the ring, before, after or beside most of the working, herding, and terrier breeds. Heck give me a ring time right behind the Bel Mals, with Rotties following us up, and Am Staff and Kerry Blues in the next ring over..... Never any issues... Because the owners of these types of breeds know and feel the same things I do. But put us next to Golden Retrievers, Poodles, etc and there is a good chance of an issue.

BTW I ripped my pants in the ring today. In the seat of the pants.

Oh and another BTW..... Merlin took Best Opp behind a VERY nice Bitch and ahead of the current number 2 ACD in the country.

Here is a photo of him chillin' before ring time

animalcraker · 11-08-2009, 12:58 AM

I always had a problem with people and their big drooly dogs. Having a Cavalier breeds like Saints and Newfies easily tower over him and they always drool on his head. I drives me bonkers, it's disgusting and I'm forced to give him a bath that he shouldn't need. I really don't care how friendly your dog is, if it's getting it's goo all over my dog I'm not going to be pleased.

yappypappymom · 11-08-2009, 02:18 AM

Err..I feel a bit akward posting on your thread, but..I will say that first off, CONGRATULATIONS on your ribbon! WOW!! ...You must be so proud! *shakes hand*..

As for the "butterfly huggers" comment,...well, that was a bit weird reading to me-I have one sleeping on my lap as I type, &, the worst thing HE did today was to...well, ok, he has done NOTHING today to p me off!!

I am sorry if something happened THAT BAD to you because of a pap., but, - in all fairness, whatever happened, happened at the show, NOT on the forums here. I understand that you are frusterated, but, I am wondering perhaps, is this an issue that could be addressed with the dog shows community board? (or actually adressing the dog owners AT THE TIME "whatever" is making you so upset?" )- Maybe as in trying to make areas CLEARLY SLATED for "this size class", & "that size class" of showing breeds whilst the wait?

Not in your shoes by any means, so, I REALLY don't know how you actually feel, just sorry for your bad day, & wish you the best in finding a way to cope with this in the future..there are a few of us "butterfly huggers" here, & I am gonna bet the "house" that it wasn't any of US that p/d you off earlier!!

SupaSweet777 · 11-08-2009, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sizzledog

I've never experienced this - then again, I show "scary" dogs.

Those great big huge corgi's are VERY scary!!

JohnnyBandit · 11-08-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yappypappymom

Err..I feel a bit akward posting on your thread, but..I will say that first off, CONGRATULATIONS on your ribbon! WOW!! ...You must be so proud! *shakes hand*..

As for the "butterfly huggers" comment,...well, that was a bit weird reading to me-I have one sleeping on my lap as I type, &, the worst thing HE did today was to...well, ok, he has done NOTHING today to p me off!!

I am sorry if something happened THAT BAD to you because of a pap., but, - in all fairness, whatever happened, happened at the show, NOT on the forums here. I understand that you are frusterated, but, I am wondering perhaps, is this an issue that could be addressed with the dog shows community board? (or actually adressing the dog owners AT THE TIME "whatever" is making you so upset?" )- Maybe as in trying to make areas CLEARLY SLATED for "this size class", & "that size class" of showing breeds whilst the wait?

Not in your shoes by any means, so, I REALLY don't know how you actually feel, just sorry for your bad day, & wish you the best in finding a way to cope with this in the future..there are a few of us "butterfly huggers" here, & I am gonna bet the "house" that it wasn't any of US that p/d you off earlier!!

My butterfly huggers comment was not directed at Paps.... It was a general comment on happy go lucky dogs that love everyone and every other dog. It was not meant to be offensive and not a knock on any breed. I own a dog like that. He is a Lab. Loves everyone and everything. But all dogs are not like that. Especially when you factor in confined spaces and crowds.

BTW I am going to try the picture again.

That photo was of him chlling out before we went in the ring yesterday.

The photo below is when he finished back in June.

aokisweet · 11-08-2009, 05:40 PM

Sorry you sort of had a rain on your parade day!!

Seems like you needed to vent, I would be aggravated to after great acheivements and people and dogs rushing AND you split your pants

Thats bad!!! Maybe a good heathy cocktail or jog or massage is much needed for you!

KBLover · 11-08-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyBandit

That photo was of him chlling out before we went in the ring yesterday.

The photo below is when he finished back in June.

Nice dog!

And gray - not a color I see much of around here

Congrats on your win and I agree - owners/handlers should give other dogs space unless otherwise indicated, and especially in a competition environment. Not that I compete, but I can imagine it's a different sort of environment on "game day"

Spicy1_VV · 11-08-2009, 06:12 PM

I certainly know what you mean, it happens to me at the all breed shows, they don't seem to understand. I hate being crowded and I think it is rude. Even if all dogs were "butterfly huggers" sometimes you just need a little space. I had to carry Nediva under my shoulder once and held her collar because I needed to get into the ring with her.

Michiyo-Fir · 11-08-2009, 06:13 PM

Oh he's gorgeous!

Some dogs are just like that and love to nose around in everyone else's business...

I usually ask people if they're ok with my dog sniffing but I guess if you've ever only owned one breed and that breed is always friendly and loving you probably wouldn't understand why some dogs need space. You might just assume your dog is aggressive or ill mannered.

Are most of the people there hired handlers or just owners?? That might make a difference since handlers are generally more knowledgeable about other breeds.
But it's weird that

alphadoginthehouse · 11-08-2009, 07:18 PM

Congrats on the win and I'm sorry about the other dogs. It's kind of like at the store, I ask people if I can pet their dog because not all dogs like to be petted. I asked a lady at Loew's if I could pet her seeing eye dog. I wasn't sure if it was allowed since the dog was "working"...and it wasn't. She thanked me for asking.

I would think at a dog show that people would be a little more mindful of the other dogs...but that's just me.