You Belong Here
Every day, I hear about show entries declining, or clubs folding, or shows ending. Have we stopped to think why this is happening?
I wholeheartedly believe in the preservation and protection of our beloved dog breeds, but I also believe that every dog is worthy, important, and should be valued and cherished.
People join the “dog fancy” from a myriad of different paths. I’m a huge fan of juniors, where kids can learn to show dogs and have their own competition stream, but the reality is that the majority of the dog fancy arrived after finding a passion for dogs and dog sports and events with whatever wonderful dog we had at that moment, rather than growing up in the world.
I strongly believe that every person with a dog should be encouraged to do *something* with their dog. Most associations/kennel clubs include very entry-level opportunities and SHOULD be welcoming to all people and their beloved dogs regardless of breed, mix, or origin. How else are we going to bring new people into the dog world and give them a chance to meet and learn about the myriad of breeds from which they might decide to choose their next dog? How can we cry that our fancy is dying, show entries are down, and the registry is in trouble while simultaneously alienating a significant swath of the dog owning demographic? These dogs are not "lesser than" our beloved purebreds.
Lately, I’ve been dismayed to hear strong opinions from some of the fancy about what makes a dog worthy or who precisely should be welcomed and encouraged. These narrow and elitist views that only a certain type of dog or a certain path to success is worthwhile do NOTHING to improve inclusion or to grow the fancy.
It behoves every person to be welcoming and inclusive. If someone is doing something “wrong” at an event, help them. Educate them (kindly). Ensure they feel supported.
At one obedience trial, I watched a young woman trying to regain control of her high-spirited dog. There was barking…and general misbehaviour. She was mortified, and many people around her made it worse with their eye rolls and their theatrical sighs. Once her dog was safely back in it’s kennel, I came over to say “hi”. I spent 5 minutes telling my best blooper reel of absurd and embarrassing things that have happened to me in the ring. We laughed together as she pictured an incident that involved my pants falling down (for reals) and hopefully she left feeling a little bit less alone. Hopefully she decided to come back and try again.
I have had several instances of extremely poor behaviour by fellow competitors. Had I encountered them as a novice, it likely would have been my last day in the sport (or maybe any sport). Fortunately, I encountered them as a seasoned competitor who understands that their narrow-minded perspective is about them, not me or my dogs.
Treat people with kindness. Encourage them. Welcome them. Grow your sport. Don’t be the person someone quits.
