Obedience Trial Etiquette

For the Spectator, Steward, and Student
by Ginny Ruskuski
Like any other activity, Obedience Trials have their own customs and behavioral etiquette for the people involved. I hope the following will help you avoid any faux pas and get the most out of your trial experience.

For the Spectator
Imagine how hard the exhibitors have worked to get to this moment of having a licensed judge score their dogs on their performance! Think about how you will feel when that moment finally comes and keep in mind:
  • Leave your non-entered dog at home. Matches and Show-N-Gos are not the place to socialize him to dog shows and crowds. The last thing anybody needs is a dog fussing in his crate, barking or just generally being a nuisance when other dogs are working.
  • Don’t be offended if an exhibitor doesn’t respond to your greeting or questions as he/she prepares to warm up or go into the ring; they need to get focused and can’t afford to engage in casual conversation. The person who seems to be watching the ring just like you may actually be trying to memorize a heeling pattern or figure out which way the Drop on Recall will be facing. Let them concentrate.
  • Would you want somebody sitting next to the ring eating a chili dog while you were trying to keep your dog’s attention focused on you? Would you appreciate it if a spectator dropped a ham sandwich a few feet away just as you were approaching the ring gate on an about turn? Visit the concession, by all means, but keep the food away from the ring. Cigarette smoke can be a distraction, too, so enjoy your cigarette elsewhere.
  • Avoid sudden or big movements if you’re close to the ring; this isn’t the time to unfold the Times Union or drop a lawn chair or jump up to greet an old friend who you see across the property.
  • Lower your voice and watch the volume; the dog in the ring is (we hope) listening for his handler’s command and the handler is trying to hear the judge. When the dog you are rooting for is finished, applaud softly; the dog in the next ring may still be working.
  • Don’t complain about the judge’s decision. If you disagree with the judge, ask them about it later. The dog in question may have had a problem you didn’t see, or perhaps you’re not sufficiently familiar with the rules to understand why the judge scored the way he did. We’ll talk about it later.
For the Steward
  • Be at your assigned ring 15 minutes before the class starts. Introduce yourself to the judge and explain why you’re there and your experience level. (“Hi, my name is Susie and I’ll be one of your stewards. I’m a student and still learning Novice, so tell me exactly what you want me to do.”) If you are a Novice Steward, you will probably be needed as a post for the Figure 8, and to take the leash from the handler when the team starts the Stand for Exam and return the leash as the dog/handler leave the ring. Listen for your cue, (“Exercise finished.”) and be there when you’re needed. Don’t be shy about leaning on a steward who has more experience. (“Nudge me when I need to go in!”)
  • A good steward appears like magic when they are needed and disappears just as quietly as soon as they’re done. The judge should not have to say, “Posts. Posts? Where are my posts!???" Be there when he’s ready.
  • Pay attention to what’s going on in the ring. You should be aware of any dog that appears nervous or distracted and be ready to block the ring entrance if he decides to take himself home. (This needn’t be a rodeo – just stand in the entrance, that usually deters dogs who want to go out.) Any problems involving aggression, fear, etc. are left to the judge to handle but, be ready to follow his or her instructions.
  • Don’t interfere with the dog or handler in any way. Don’t talk to the handler unless it’s necessary (“Leash, please.”) and don’t give feedback in the ring (“Your dog was great!”). Friendly conversation can wait until the class is over. Even more important, try not to acknowledge the dog in any way – don’t make eye contact, don’t pet, and don’t do anything that might distract the dog from his handler. (Remember, think about how you would like to be treated in the ring!) If the dog tries to engage you, turn your head away and ignore him. We want to give the dog every opportunity to perform well and that means keeping his attention on his handler.

For the Student
When I went to trials as a beginner, I would rush up to handlers after their class and say, “Oh, I just LOVE your dog! You look so good!” One day, a handler replied, “Oh yeah? What do you love, exactly?” To which I blurted out, “Oh, EVERYTHING.” That was very gushy and flattering, but not a useful response to his question. As a student of Obedience, be analytical and critical (in your mind) – exactly what do you like about a dog’s performance? Figure out the tiny pieces that really impress you. Please come to class next week ready to discuss one behavior you observed that you would like to train someday.