Would an exhibitor mind if I watch them groom their dog at a show?

The breed will never be shown before 12:00, but can be shown after wards. The show managers do a pretty good job of estimating how long each class will take based on the number of entries, but there are always delays. Still, it will probably go as planned.

Dog show people are funny. Some of them are great educators and love to talk about their dogs. Others are "in the zone" before a competition and don't want anything to get in their way.

At most shows, owners set up their grooming area wherever they can find room on the show grounds. They try to get close to the ring, but often they can't. So it may be hard to find them, especially if it's a rare breed. But it's pretty easy to watch what the do to prep their dogs.

It's great that you are going to ask permission. However, don't be put off if the owner is distracted and doesn't really want to talk. It's really best, however, NOT to ask alot of questions.

If the show has a catalog (a list of all the exhibitors), you can look up your breed. They usually list the owner's name and sometimes their address so you could always try to track one of them down later with a note. Or see if they have a business card they will give you.

If you are just watching, I don't think they will mind. If you have a lot of questions, they may be too busy to answer them just then as they have a lot to do to get ready for the show ring. Also, the major grooming on many breeds will have been performed before they get to the show site and they may only be doing last minute touch-ups. They usually arrive 1-2 hours before the show.

What you might want to do is to call reputable breeders in your area to see if they will help you out. Then they can help you in a more relaxed environment.

Most wouldn't mind... just mention you own the breed and have some questions and mention how much you love their dog lol. I'm always happy to talk to people about my dogs and their breed (although we just do agility with pit bulls, not conformation shows).

Chances are they would do the major grooming at home, with a bath and fluff up sometime in the morning. Go early, find the people you want to talk to and just be friendly. You shouldn't have a problem.

Depending on how much effort has to go into the coat, they could start at 7 or 8 in the morning (you didn't say what breed it was).

They shouldn't mind, as long as you're not getting in the way, distracting them, or asking them a million questions. They're trying to focus, and trying to get their dog ready (physically and mentally), so distractions are not welcome.

You might also consider waiting and talking to them after the breed ring judging is finished, unless they're packing straight up to leave.

Politeness always works, with a little self-effacement: "I'm just a beginner and I don't want to ruin my dog's coat. Your dogs always look terrific in the ring (study up so you know who you're addressing). May I watch you and see if I can improve my own work?

As for how early to go... the earlier the better. Poodle, maltese, shih tzu and lhasa people use 3 hours or more before ringside to get the dog perfect.

Good luck!

i do no longer likely have a particular breed, yet I also have a 'kind' I certainly tend to love. For colour, i like sparkling breaks and symmetry. i do no longer look after brindle, sable, or merle something. i like sparkling lines. So for Aussies i like symmetrical tri-colours, in GSD's i like the black and tan/crimson or all black. it somewhat is why Rotties and Dobies have constantly been very alluring canines in my eyes. I, such as you, love block heads on very virtually each breed. (area of the reason I certainly tend to love the look of fellows over women people - nonetheless no longer constantly) And advantageous brown eyes. Blue eyes kinda freak me out somewhat, and yellowish eyes tend to do the comparable. truthfully, those issues are all basically what I see as being alluring - none of it somewhat makes a canines somewhat super. character is what makes me fall in love with them, and ability to 'do' some thing is a precise 2nd. upload: I took this as a question that realizes that well-being, sound innovations and physique, and ability are a given - it somewhat is totally virtually what 'turns you on' approximately your breeds visual charm. curiously, some people did no longer.

You should ask, and they shouldn't mind you watching as long as you don't get in their way or distract them.

If you are just watching, I don't think they will mind.

u shud ask