My friend who recently went to Crufts with her dog (not deerhound) was told she would never win big because she was too nice to the judge. She was then advised to watch Judy (name changed to protect the strange!) Judy has a "three glance" approach.

First glance - glare at the judge - don't you dare not pick my dog!

Second glance - a favourable look at her own dog.

Third glance - a contemptuous glance at the nearest dog - my dog is so much better!

Apparently this lady almost always wins.

Can you believe people will go to such lengths. It reinforces my pleasure of being involved with a lovely breed with such sensible owners!!

So that's how it's done. I have enough problems watching my dogs let alone trying to stare down the Judge. I always worry that I'll miss something as I can't see the Judges face half the time and if they don't speak up I can't tell if they are looking at us or not.
If this woman usually wins either she has a deserving dog or it is just face judging. I doubt it is the 3 stare glare

I was getting tips last week while I was in the ring (for BIS I might add )from a fellow exhibitor and judge When I'm showing Bree I tend to bob down behind her cause she always moves her left rear leg forward. If I'm kneeling behind her I can give her a jab in the ribs just before she moves her leg to keep it in place. If I'm standing, I'm constantly bending over her to place the leg. The tip was that I should be standing infront of her so that I look proud of my dog. That's all well and good except that my dog will constantly be out of position.
I can do this with Lockie as he is happy to stand still for longer than 20 seconds but Bree has a more relaxed approach

That's really funny I would never have the nerve to stare at the judge and I could not bare to give another Deerhound a dirty look

I also have trouble getting Elsie Grey to stand still, so I am usually looking at her and willing her to be good (It doesn't work ) Sometimes I do stand in front of her and try the 'watch me' but Elsie Grey then tries to look for the treat So it is all a bit hit and miss for us! If I am not careful she usually has her fat bum facing the judge and her chops looking out of the ring incase any one is having a picnic on the ring side

As an absolute novice at this I would have to say that watching some shows some owners are very intense and rightly so if that's what works for them and their dog. I don't see people intimidating the judges, that's just not right in my book and if they are doing so they are undermining the position, time and effort put in by the judge.

From a personal view, I won my 1st showing of my dog and I smiled and spoke with the judge expressing my novice status and she assisted me with positioning of my dog and general encouragement.

Each to their own I suppose but politeness and manners have more place in the ring than staring, glaring and dismissing.

Rant Over!! (Very interesting topic)

I wouldnt know where to start as Iv never shown my boys! They are probably too old now at 3 + 4yrs? I take off my hat to those who do show and would be grateful for any advice and encouragement!

Definately not too old Gillian, they are in their prime and at their best at this age.

I agree, these boys are just in their prime.

Pam