Hall confronts all sorts of issues that many other similar guides shy away from. For example, she talks about dogshow politics openly. Yes, there are immoral participants in the dog sport. Yes, there are political goings-on sometimes. Yes, competitors can get nasty, especially if you're beating them.
People looking for a reason to quit showing can always find a noble one.
Hall also considers the costs of owning and exhibiting a show dog, the time it takes away from family and life in general, and the disappointments. But she judiciously notes the excitement of competition, the friends that can be made, the potential for travel and sight-seeing, and the comforting routine that a hobby can add to our lives. It's a list of pro's and con's that should be very familiar to obedience exhibitors. Hall's chapter on structure and how to evaluate your dog honestly is particularly useful to those new to conformation showing. She also includes a refreshingly honest discussion on handling the disappointments and setbacks that will inevitably occur.