If you’re learning how to show dogs, this article’s for you!
Here’s a gem I recently found on a Facebook Group for Dog Show Newbies –
April 28, 2015 by Charlene Helms (Source: The “Learning to Show Dogs” FB Group):
Let’s discuss “rudeness”, be it a comment or an action. Are you going to run into rudeness in the dog world? You BETCHA! We are made up of people and when you get THOSE folks involved, rude WILL follow. LOL
So what do you DO about it? How do you handle it? There are nearly as many options to that as there are ways to be rude itself. The BEST way, in my experience, is to ignore most of it! Yes, ignore it! If you choose to allow someone’s comments to ruin your day or steal your joy, THEY have won! I’m not willing to give the negative folk that kind of power over my happiness. If I’ve WON, I’m gonna stay w/ that feeling, whether it’s a jealous competitor, a judge or anyone else who wants to feel better themselves at my expense. You CANNOT control what another says or does, you can only control how you choose to react to it. Am I saying that you should be a doormat, surround yourself by rude folks and join in? OF COURSE NOT!!!! What I AM saying is to keep the power to be happy yourself! Don’t make it another’s job to keep you happy. If the rudeness was severe, by all means feel free to turn them in or say something depending on the case, but don’t let them steal that joy!!!! THAT is what YOU control.
Commentary from Kim: Rude comments are just part of the sport, and I don’t let it bother me. Recently, two of the Barrett puppies had a very good weekend at the shows. On the sidelines, someone in our breed was heard telling someone else, “those puppies aren’t anything special.” Kind of a drag to hear, but what can you do? Everyone is entitled to their opinon. You know what?! Ignore the Debbie Downers and focus on your own joy. We had a good day. (Also, there’s this thing called karma; because just minutes later, these two puppies went BOB and BOS over SPECIALS from the 6-9 (dog and bitch) class in the breed ring!) Rock on, Barrett peeps.
Edited to add: There is NOTHING WRONG with someone thinking that Barrett dogs are “nothing special.” (After all, ‘breeding’ is a subjective activity and someone’s prized animal may be another breeder’s worst nightmare.) But that’s the kind of stuff you say amongst your inner circle. Save it for your set-up area. Don’t do this ringside in mixed company where everybody can hear it. If you’re a Barrett Weimaraner owner and I catch you making inappropriate “ringside chatter,” you will be flogged. Xo
Feel free to holler with questions. – Kim
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