Today was my first time at judging a fun dog show and I had a really enjoyable time. It was hard work, 10 classes and about 50 dogs altogether, most of them entered in more than one class. I had a really good steward who kept me organised and was fun to work with and I had 49 friendly dogs and one dodgy Siberian Husky, the only dog I didn't handle at all as his body language was very clearly telling me he didn't want me anywhere near him
I tried very hard to place both big and small dogs, and pedigrees and non pedigrees, in every class, so that I wouldn't have mutterings from the ringside about being prejudiced in any way.
The dog that surprised me most was a huge and very handsome Rottie, GSD, Husky mix, only 10 months old and taken on as a rescue by his current owners just 6 weeks ago. He was a very confident but placid boy, not bothered by any of the other dogs and very gentle when I said hello to him.
The most out of control (as in taking next to no notice of their owners) were a Cocker litter sister and brother very focussed on each other, and a Bichon/Yorkie cross called Kipper, whose elderly owner was struggling with his antics.
I really enjoyed it and hope that the competitors did too. I made sure that I talked to all of them and asked them about their dogs because I know what it's like to be a competitor and have the judge pretty much ignore you then talk to the person next to you
Hope I get asked again next year
