Thursday, September 27 at Sampson State Park, Romulus, New York is the scene of Kanadasaga Kennel Club’s annual AKC All Breed Dog Show, Obedience and Rally Trails. The purpose is to give dogs and their owners or handlers the ability to have fun, show off their training, and experience teamwork. This show is dedicated to former Kanadasaga Kennel Club member Clare Redditt of Ovid who was active with Cairn Terriers.
For those not familiar with a Dog Show or Match; attending a show or match can be a little intimidating if one does not know what to expect or is expected of them. Here are some basics to make your visit to one of the many shows taking place this spring / summer more enjoyable. The dogs are so beautiful, you might feel like hugging or petting them all -- but wait! Take a few moments to review the following tips about minding your manners at a dog show. It will help ensure you have a great time and that the dogs we all love have a great time too!
Always ask before you pet a dog. The exhibitors have spent a lot of time and energy grooming their dogs for the show. So never go up and just pet a dog. Ask first. If the handler says it's OK to pet the dog, allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand. Extend your hand slowly to the dog. Let the dog sniff it, then, gently pet the dog under its chin or chest.
Do not approach exhibitors when they are ready or getting ready to go into the ring. If you want to talk with an exhibitor, always wait until they are all done showing their dog. Prior to showing, they are focusing on their dog and getting ready to show.
Stay clear of the ring entrances. It is difficult for exhibitors to get in and out of the rings when spectators are in the way of the entrance. If there are large entries, the exhibitors need plenty of room to gather to be ready to enter and exit the rings.
Do not touch the ring markers or lean over or on them. Don't talk with exhibitors when they are in the ring showing.
Remind the adult who's taking you to the show to keep small children under control at all times. Don't let them to run up to dogs or stick their fingers and hands into crates or exercise pens. Do you have a little brother or sister who still uses a stroller? If so, it's best to leave it in the car. Strollers can place a child's face at the same level as unfamiliar dogs' faces. Plus, a stroller could accidentally run over lots of dogs' tails. Again, always ask before petting a dog.
Do not bring food close to ringside. Despite the fact that these dogs are all well-trained, it is not fair to the exhibitors if you are eating close to the ring, especially for the obedience exhibitors -- it is still a distraction to their dogs.
Unless a special promotion has been advertised at the dog show that invites you to bring your dog to a certain location at the show for a specific purpose, you are not allowed to bring your pets to the dog show. You will be asked to leave if you do so.
You may have noticed elegantly dressed handlers and judges at dog shows you've seen on TV, but when you go to a dog show, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
The September 27 show starts at 8:30AM for regular classes, obedience and rally. Supported entries of the following clubs are: Finger Lakes Afghan Hound Club, Ltd., Iroquois Labrador Retriever Club, Empire Keeshond Club and the Lake Effect Fox Terrier Club of Western NY. To learn more about Kanadasaga Kennel Club go to http://www.kkc-ny.org/. To learn more about the American Kennel Club go to http://www/akc.org.
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