"Miss Manners" for the Natnl Sheepdog Finals

[gcv-border]

I may be able to attend one day of the finals. Yippee! It will be midweek - so I won't see the semis or the finals in person (I hope my computer connection is fast enought to be able to watch via the Internet). I am happy to be able to attend one day regardless.

 

I don't want to step on any toes or be rude while I am there. Will someone please be a "Miss Manners" and provide a brief rundown of appropriate behavior for spectators at a trial? I have been to 10 or 12 trials over the years as a spectator and have usually just sat on the sidelines and watched and listened to the announcer (if there is one. I attended 2 or 3 trials in Altamont, NY many years ago that had a great announcer). Is it ever OK to talk to handlers (obviously not before they run)? How about walking about where the handlers and dogs are hanging out? How about engaging in conversation?

 

I am OK with sitting on my buttinsky and watching only, but was hoping to get a more comprehensive view of this trial if possible.

 

Thanks a bunch,

Jovi

[rufftie]

good topic. i've never attended a major trial and plan to be there for the finals sunday. could use all the help i can get. like are spectator dogs welcome?

[Pearse]

good topic. i've never attended a major trial and plan to be there for the finals sunday. could use all the help i can get. like are spectator dogs welcome?

 

 

Spectator dogs are usually not welcome at trials. Mostly because too many of them can't keep quiet. You can't leave them in your car (too hot) so your only option if they are barking is to leave. There's no good reason to bring them, so best leave them home.

 

As for talking to handlers, please do. Ask questions. Be polite, so if someone is getting ready to run, or has just run, best leave them alone. If they are talking to other handlers, wait until they are finished. It's also best to hold your question to between runs in case they are watching the run on the field closely. In general, you'll find handlers a friendly bunch all too willing to explain how things work and what to watch for.

 

At some big trials, there are "handlers only" areas. At the Finals there is usually a Handlers Only hospitality tent but the "only" seems to apply more to the food and drink than the seating or hanging out. It's mostly just a big dog trial and dog trials are, in general, pretty informal affairs.

 

Pearse

[topnotchdog]

Spectator dogs are usually not welcome at trials. Mostly because too many of them can't keep quiet. You can't leave them in your car (too hot) so your only option if they are barking is to leave. There's no good reason to bring them, so best leave them home.

 

 

Pearse

 

Thank you, Pearse, I was wondering about that.

 

B.

[Alchemist]

good topic. i've never attended a major trial and plan to be there for the finals sunday. could use all the help i can get. like are spectator dogs welcome?

 

Rufftie: I was there today and there were quite a few spectator dogs. Most were very well behaved indeed (mine included, who flopped on his side in the spectator's tent); I did hear one or two other dogs bark or whine. (I brought mine because I was hoping to get together with some of the owners of his littermates also noncompetitors, this time at least). If you do bring your dog, BRING A WATER BOWL. We were all thirsty - dogs included. I was glad to have him because we bought a nice leather leash with built-in collar for him; I'd have been nervous spending that much on a leash without him there to try it on or to give it a test drive. Hope no one was offended by his presence.

 

It was obvious that some were spectator dogs by virtue of their breeds - I've never seen a beagle or chihuahuas work sheep.

 

There was a handler's tent, which I didn't attempt to enter.

 

I was very grateful for some of the experts who circulated among the spectators' end of things to explain what was happening. Dick Williams this morning was providing details to some people attending their first trial. It was fun to listen in on what he was pointing out, and to chat with him briefly. Also, the announcers were doing a splendid job of filling us in.

 

I'd try to get there early. This weekend it wasn't that crowded, so there was plenty of room in the spectator's tent. Can't guarantee that will be the case next weekend. Today was HOT and sunny, so the shade of the spectator's tent was welcome indeed. I spent enough time outside in the sun taking photos as to feel wiped out from all the sun.

 

Now to try to upload some photos...

[rufftie]

thanks for the info alchemist. i can't wait to see some photos.

[Ancarrow]

I may be able to attend one day of the finals. Yippee! It will be midweek - so I won't see the semis or the finals in person (I hope my computer connection is fast enought to be able to watch via the Internet). I am happy to be able to attend one day regardless.

 

I don't want to step on any toes or be rude while I am there. Will someone please be a "Miss Manners" and provide a brief rundown of appropriate behavior for spectators at a trial? I have been to 10 or 12 trials over the years as a spectator and have usually just sat on the sidelines and watched and listened to the announcer (if there is one. I attended 2 or 3 trials in Altamont, NY many years ago that had a great announcer). Is it ever OK to talk to handlers (obviously not before they run)? How about walking about where the handlers and dogs are hanging out? How about engaging in conversation?

 

I am OK with sitting on my buttinsky and watching only, but was hoping to get a more comprehensive view of this trial if possible.

 

Thanks a bunch,

Jovi

If you have questions, you may try talking to someone who is an experienced handler, but just not running in the nationals this year. Donald McCaig is a good one for answering questions, he has been with the circuit appox 30 years plus and is in charge of advertising for the Nationals. He explains things in layman's terms and loves to help novice people understand. I think he plans on being there everyday and can usually be found in the handler's tent. His photo is in the program (you can get at the door for $5), or just ask around till you find him.