Hey, Junior!

Have you ever asked yourself what is the most important quality for a dog handler? There is a good chance your answer may have been sportsmanship. If so, I could not agree more. 

To me, sportsmanship is the glue that holds our sport together. Having it promotes camaraderie at the shows. In Juniors, sportsmanship is especially important. The judge’s every consideration has to do with how the young handlers present their dogs, as well as the manner in which they present themselves to their fellow competitors. This environment of talent against talent presents the perfect opportunity to display sportsmanship. In order to practice sportsmanship, understanding what sportsmanship is would be the first step. 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sportsmanship as “conduct (such as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.” That defines sportsmanship perfectly: fairness, respect and graciousness.

The foundation in our sport is fairness, and it applies to all participants: exhibitors, spectators and judges. Fairness is essential because it produces respect for one’s opponent and acceptance of the final outcome. No sport will survive if it is unfair or rigged. 

Sometimes the subtle, smallest actions are the ones that can do the most damage, such as crowding, bait throwing, abrupt stopping and distracting another competitor’s dog. Oftentimes, these actions are honest mistakes, but when these are intentionally done, they can ruin performances and create hostilities between competitors. Naturally, fair play creates a positive atmosphere, but sportsmanship does not stop at fairness. 

When a foundation of fairness is established, respect can follow. Yet respect is still the choice of an individual. To respect the sport and its participants is crucial. 

Respect avoids interfering with or harming another. If your regular behavior unsettles a competitor’s dog, be mindful and modify your performance. Do not be a disturbance. 

This respectful behavior must be shared between the opponents, especially in Juniors. It shouldn’t only be displayed while showing. It also should be displayed well before and after going into the ring. This will give a professional touch to an exhibitor, especially when he can handle his dog and still remain aware of his fellow competitors in the ring. 

Graciousness ties sportsmanship together and gives it a freshness. Congratulating the winner or thanking the judge for a ribbon are some simple examples. You are probably familiar with the term “sore loser” because it is a common problem. Sore losers still might congratulate the winner, while at the same time lacking courtesy, kindness and respect — making their congratulations meaningless. If you have not placed, remember to congratulate the winner. Be happy for their success even though you didn’t win. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. That is good sportsmanship! 

If you win, consider it an honor; be grateful and not arrogant. Sincerely thank all who congratulate you and compliment you. If you have a hard time being graceful in winning, being graceful in losing will be impossible. Graciousness is a testament to your character, and character forms opinions of what others think of you. When opinions are made, they are hard to change. So constantly check yourself. Take note and make sure you don’t make these mistakes.

Sportsmanship is an action that is taught and learned. In Junior Showmanship, juniors are learning sportsmanship, and learning comes from watching and listening. Most often, the junior watches and listens to the successful and famed handlers. Whether they know it to or not, professional handlers are teaching by example.

The dog-show world isn’t any different from any other sport. Juniors watch the “major league” players and often mimic their performances as well as their attitudes. Essentially, our major-league handlers are holding the standard of sportsmanship. Every part of their performance is being watched by their admirers. They are competitive, and competitiveness is just as important as sportsmanship. However, there should be a balance. If you are not in it to win it, the sport becomes dull; but if your ambition overcomes your ability to play fair, foul play ensues. Having a balance is necessary, and the participants must master this. Talent guided by character creates the greats in our sport.

Think about what sportsmanship is to you; contemplate what actions are specifically important to you. As for me, there is a Bible verse I try to remind myself of: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This simple sentence sums up the entire meaning of sportsmanship to me. If I were showing my hardest and giving my best, I would want my fellow competitors to do the same. I would want my fellow competitors to be gracious in winning or losing and to be fair and respectful. In the exact same way, I would expect this of myself.

You can make a difference displaying true sportsmanship to your competitors. In future shows, I encourage you to be the competitor that you want others to be.

Until next time, Happy Showing!