[hotel4dogs]

I won't mention any names. Especially since I have no idea; I'd have to go back and look them all up.
I just want to say a huge thank you to all the judges who volunteer their time so that I can have a good time with my dog. This really struck me yesterday when our judges stood out in the pouring rain, wind, and frigid cold all day and never stopped smiling, were always courteous and pleasant to everyone.
Also, I was thinking yesterday that the tests that have been the very best experiences for me are the ones where at least one of the judges has taken a moment to say something kind about my dog. As a total newbie, it gives me such a good feeling, and gives me incentive to stay in the sport. It was probably most important in the test that we failed; the judge took a minute of his time to compliment me on the things that my dog had done well and it made a world of difference in how I felt about it when I left.
So thanks judges, for all you do.

 

[mostlygold]

Especially in JH or when someone is running their first SH test, it is very important, as a judge, to take the time to compliment the handler and/or their dog on things done well. Even if the team does not qualify that day, taking a moment to point out the dog's good points as well as explain where the dog had troubles can really help a newer handler. I can still remember (20+ yrs ago) when I ran my dog in her first singles test. She did not pass that day, but the judge was very encouraging and was very complimentary on her marking skills, while nicely pointing out that her obedience needed a bit of work. It made me go back and work on her obedience and 6 yrs later she received her MH title.

Dawn