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Marlen Groves examines challenges in the dog show world, including declining entries, rising costs, judging concerns, and club leadership.
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Like many people, each year I outline some personal plans and goals; they often include securing additional permit breeds, showing and finishing a few dogs, getting health screenings, narrowing down a male suitor, etc. These are great things for me, my judging, my dogs, and my breeding program. But I am feeling that we all need to get out of our tunnels, and start having some real heartfelt discussions, group discussions, about Our Sport, Our Clubs, and Our Breeds!
Maybe we are all so me-me-me focused that we are missing the collective brain power derived when groups discuss problems. Some people can get “pissy” when you talk problems, and I have been known to ask, “What are you upset about, the problem or that someone has stated there is a problem?” Better to focus on the problem, not the person who mentions it, and put the most energy into thinking about ways to solve it!
I asked many of my dog friends (and even non-dog friends) in my dog show area to tell me what they feel are the top concerns with the AKC, their dog club, or their breed. I cannot argue with the feedback I got. It was:
I’m gonna stop here with these Top 5 problems; of course, you might do this in a group and get another Top 5, but I’ll go with these. They were organic and they feel right.
The next step is to take hold of one of the problems and have a deeper discussion that includes any suggestions that could solve or lessen the problem. There is a five-problem-solving technique called the 5 Whys. It is where you ask why there is the problem so that you can get to the root cause of the problem and then look for ways to mitigate it.
#1 – Lack of Entries. You could ask “why” a couple times and here’s what you might get:
Well, this makes it a compound problem. It’s not a simple solution to one problem; it’s a larger problem created by the underlying problems. It will take layers to try to solve it, which is perhaps why the efforts over the past couple years have not really eased the issues.
#2 – Cost of Entries. What are some of the suggestions for keeping costs down?
For this, I highly recommend people get really involved in their dog clubs and see where money is spent, wasted, made, and where money can be saved, and try to be as budget-friendly as possible. Does your club do a show budget? Is that show budget a net zero budget, or does your club try to make money? Does your club review the show financials with members and, if so, do you ask questions on line items where you lose money? (Example: one of my all-breed clubs lost several thousand dollars on fancy ribbons; a discussion about that followed, and the club won’t continue to do fancy ribbons unless the ribbon chair gets sponsors.)
I heard a suggestion that low-entry breeds, where people need to enter multiple dogs to try to make points, should maybe get a reduced entry fee. I find that really interesting, and since we do have reduced prices for other things (Puppy Classes, Bred-by, etc.) maybe this could be helpful.
A friend of mine suggested that clubs have a discount day. I love this idea. I suggested it to one of my all-breed clubs for an anniversary, like a 20th or 25th; have a day where all entries were $20 or $25. The idea was shot down, but I brought it forward anyway. I think I will suggest it to my other all-breed club.
#3 – Meanness/Bullying/Unsportsmanlike Behavior. It’s a real thing for many people.
The AKC does seem to be more focused on trying to turn the tide here, but some are concerned that their new Code of Sportsmanship and Civility is just words, with no real intent on stopping people’s ugly behavior. For this one, my personal thought is that, sadly, we can no longer just stand or sit by and let it happen. This means we need to call a bench, file a complaint, and see if that brings accountability and reduces this problem.
I think the other factor here is for each person to be the best example and advocate for their breed, their club, and the sport. We know dog people can get passionate, and even club board members and dog show judges can annoy or push buttons that make you want to react or speak out, but don’t drop to that level; keep your character, your values, your demeanor, and your entire game as positive as possible.
#4 – Political and/or Poor Judging. It’s an old subject, but it is something we hear about more and more.
Some feel that some older judges just no longer care. Some think newer judges are not up to the task. And, of course, it never ends that it feels or seems political when someone does not win. I don’t think this item is even solvable as it’s likely to be something that is just part of the sport, period. That said, anyone with any thoughts here, I’d love to here them. Meanwhile, when I feel a judge, older or newer, does not understand my breed (based on what they reward), I am just gonna stop showing to them; vote with my time and money!
#5 – Clubs Not Supporting Performance. It’s a real thing in my all-breed clubs.
I’ve worked hard on the nominating committee to advocate putting on a board member who is a Performance person, on the slate and board, so that they can assist the clubs on what may or may not be possible. This also brings me to mention that all dog club boards should have some balance: older and younger people; long-serving board members mixed with new board members; not everyone from one dog group or faction; different backgrounds, breeders, pro handlers, judges, etc. Basically, balance!
I don’t have all the answers, but I do like hearing questions about the problems because I am a project manager and problem-solver at heart, and we cannot manage or solve things if they are not discussed.
Maybe my writing here can spark you to go to your clubs and have some discussions. If not your club, maybe hang out and chat after the show, or start a post on social media.
Meanwhile, I welcome hearing your thoughts and being part of any of your discussions about the AKC, Our Sport, Our Clubs, and Our Breeds!
American Kennel Club (AKC)
