While it is true that some visitors to a dog show act like tramps on holiday, most of the people who visit are generally interested in learning more about dogs. Treating these people respectfully and with tact can make the difference between a friend and an enemy. The visitors at dog shows are the very same people who vote and make community decisions that can affectyour right to breed and show dogs. In a world where breed specific legislation is rearing it's ugly head daily, we need as many supporters on our side as possible. But learning to use tactfulness in your sport is not just about dealing with the general public.
Stories concerning misconduct in the show ring between handlers are prolific.
You are probably familiar with many of them such as, handlers cutting off one another as they gait their dogs, stealing one another's clients and spreading nasty rumors about their competition. Other tales include exhibitors who dye their dogs coats, surgically fix structural faults, buy the loyalty of judges and otherwise misbehave in hopes of getting ahead in the dog world. But handlers themselves are not alone in fables of misconduct and rumors fly also about owners who don't pay their bills, breeders who forge health certificates, swap out paperwork and knowingly register F-1 crossbreds. These exploits, fabricated or otherwise, aren't limited to The American Kennel Club shows and dog sports, as any kennel club or dog sport that involves large sums of money can fall victim to unethical competitors. One would be wise to do investigating privately, aquiring hard evidence, before spreading harmful rumors.