Judging the German Pinscher

The German Pinscher is not a small Doberman or a large Min Pin. Rather, the breed’s origins trace back to the Standard Schnauzer. During various stages of its evolution, the German Pinscher has been described as having both a Schnauzer type and a Doberman type. The Schnauzer type was the heavier dog with more substance, while the Doberman type was the dog with less substance and more elegance. The ideal is most likely somewhere in between.

As a relatively young breed in the United States, with a number of foreign imports still being added to the gene pool on a regular basis, there are times when, at first glance, German Pinschers around the ring might not appear to be members of the same breed. Thus, it is very important that each dog be judged against the Breed Standard rather than compared to each other. Too often, the “odd man out”—the one that just does not resemble the others entered that day—is actually the most correct German Pinscher. This is a common occurrence in more recently recognized breeds.

While established breeds may vary by geography, newer breeds represent variations occurring worldwide. The German Pinscher presents a square profile with well-developed muscles. The body is compact and strong while conveying an athletic, agile appearance. Moderation and balance are key to the breed. The elegantly arched neck blends smoothly into the shoulders, extending into a straight topline with a faint curve over the croup, creating a slight slope towards the rear. There should not be any one feature that draws undue attention, and the same applies to the dog’s undercarriage. The forelegs are straight, with the brisket descending to the elbows and ascending gradually to the rear with a moderate tuck-up.

No part of the German Pinscher is exaggerated. With a short, single coat lying close to the body, the breed is smooth from head to tail. Some German Pinscher coats are coarser, but a hard coat is not penalized, although it should not approach the wiriness of the Standard Schnauzer. The head resembles a blunt wedge from both the front view and in profile, composed of parallel planes. The muzzle is parallel and equal in length to the top skull, with a slight but distinct stop. Some dogs have a hair lick across the nose bridge, which is not a fault but may prompt a second look, as it is not common in other breeds.

The chest, viewed from the front, appears oval, and the ribs are well sprung. The German Pinscher is a slower-maturing breed, and dogs under two or three years may appear immature in some areas. The most misunderstood part of the breed standard is the topline. Unlike others in the Working Group, the German Pinscher topline does not start at the withers. Instead, the shoulders create a slight slope towards the rear. The visual topline starts behind the withers and extends in a straight line to the tail base. If the dog clamps its tail down, or if the natural tail is at rest, a slight curve will be seen over the croup.

There has been discussion about size within the breed, with the standard calling for 17-20 inches at the withers. There is no disqualification for height outside the standard, though it is a fault. The standard also specifies that quality should take precedence over size. Because there is no height disqualification, dogs cannot be wicketed in the ring, and any size assessment is merely an estimate. German Pinschers can be deceptive in size, with heavier-boned dogs often appearing larger than they actually are. Size varies widely within the breed, and the tallest or smallest dog in the ring should not be presumed incorrect.

The moving German Pinscher should display good reach and drive, covering ground smoothly with a firm, level back that does not sway, roll, or roach. Currently, common structural issues in the breed include front construction problems, such as straight shoulders and insufficient chest breadth and depth. Short upper arms, which can interfere with proper movement, are a defect that many breeders are working to address.

When examining the German Pinscher, it should be remembered that this is a medium-sized breed examined on the ground. They generally do not enjoy someone leaning over them. It’s best to approach them from the front. Most German Pinschers will stand for examination once introduced. However, some may dislike having their bite examined, as it can be uncomfortable. The breed standard calls for full dentition, and while most will tolerate having their lips parted, many do not like having their jaws opened fully. Since the breed stands around knee level, judges must open the mouth wide, tilt the head, and maneuver it to see all teeth, which may be uncomfortable for the dog.

The German Pinscher is an active, alert, intelligent, and inquisitive breed. This does not always make them ideal show dogs, as some find it difficult to stand perfectly still. They may exhibit their characteristic curiosity, twist, turn, or even perform endearing antics, showing their natural enthusiasm and outgoing nature.

Judging the German Pinscher also involves assessing the natural dog. While most U.S.-bred German Pinschers are cropped and docked, many imported dogs retain their natural ears and tails due to foreign regulations. The standard allows for both natural ears and tails, though showing these dogs can be challenging. Judges who are unaccustomed to the natural look may find it unusual. One judge noted on seeing a natural German import, “I hate the ears and I hate the tail, but I cannot deny the dog.”

Generally, the German Pinscher is still developing in the U.S. Since its introduction, there have been strides in stabilizing temperament. While early imports were sharper, modern breeders are focusing on selective importation to avoid gene pool limitations and continue developing the breed while preserving its working nature.

For more information, please visit the German Pinscher Club of America’s official website at www.german-pinscher.com.

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Interview with Amy Issleib, Breeder of Temerity German Pinschers

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Amy Issleib: I live in Cameron, Missouri. There are 39 years in dogs for me; 41 for Todd. I’ve been breeding for 37 years; 40 years for Todd.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Amy Issleib: Our kennel name is Temerity German Pinschers. We currently keep 12 dogs.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Amy Issleib: Our first special was GCHS Nevars Jules. He was in the Top 5 four years at one, two, and three years old, and again at nine years old. He was a National Specialty winner as well as a Group winner, and he was always owner-handled. The ultimate show dog. We bred and campaigned the No. 1 German Pinscher in the US in 2011, GCHB Nevars Okie Dokie Temerity; he was always breeder/owner-handled. We bred the 2016 GPCA National Specialty BISS, GCH Nevars Urban Cowboy Temerity. We have bred or shown 14 German Pinschers with working Group placements. We have had many German Pinschers in the Top 5 over the years. I love showing dogs and one of my favorite places is in the show ring.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Amy Issleib: Our favorite sire that we bred is GCH Nevars Yes I Can Temerity who has sired 14 AKC titlists in four litters. His son, GCHB Nevars All Avenging Hero, has sired six titlists in his first litter. Our GCH Nevars Zealous Temerity has produced 12 AKC titlists in her three litters, and GCH Temerity Like Cowabunga has produced six titlists from her first litter.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Amy Issleib: We designed and had our house built last year. We have a fully finished, insulated, oversized garage with ac/heater ducting as well as supplemental heat. The puppies are whelped there, right off of our kitchen. They are in the whelping box for three weeks and are handled daily. They are then let out to the pen around the box and eventually have a 15 by 15-foot pen with a Little Tikes castle slide to play on as well as toys. They are introduced to different footing in the house and outdoors. They are handled by several of our friends and their children. We also have a puppy gym with hanging toys. They have a radio playing daily, with different types of music, ball games, and church services as well as talk shows, and we vary the volume.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Amy Issleib: Our process is watching them move and interact, starting at 4 weeks, and taking stacked photos at 6 and 8 weeks. I allow the person who will do the performance to pick their puppy. I have found they all want something different and I will not second guess them.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Amy Issleib: No, I do not compete in Performance Events.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Amy Issleib: No, we focus on angulation and movement, and many Performance people appreciate this.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Amy Issleib: A dog should develop muscle while gaiting at their own speed. That is the muscle memory you want the dog to have for the show ring.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Amy Issleib: We test for hereditary cataracts and hip dysplasia; we do echos for hearts and test for DM and VWD. We do not breed carriers. We use Embark. We feed a good, balanced diet.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Amy Issleib: No.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Amy Issleib: Ours are well suited, but not all breeders focus on relaxed, laid-back temperaments that make good family dogs for small kids or infants. The best candidates are people looking for a smart, medium-sized breed with a short coat, tons of personality, and a sense of humor.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Amy Issleib: The biggest misconception is that they are supposed to have a rise over the loin in their toplines. The best-kept secret is how much fun they are to live with.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Amy Issleib: Please look for dogs that have a 45-degree shoulder angle that is at a 90-degree angle to the upper arm, which is the same length as the scapula, and a well-angulated rear that matches the front. This provides extended reach and strong drive for an effortless, ground-covering stride. Also, this breed should have a straight, firm, level topline while standing and moving.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Amy Issleib: Find the best-quality dogs you can and get a great mentor. It worked for us; we have been so blessed.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Amy Issleib: GCH Nevars Okie Dokie Temerity loved to roll in the show ring. While he was on his up and back, if you did not pay attention, he would slow, drop, and roll. He thought it was hilarious.

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The German Pinscher breed standard characterizes the breed as being “very vivacious”, they are the smallest breed in the Working Group, but they are larger than life in personality. They approach life (especially when it involves play) with considerable gusto. The German Pinscher possesses both spiritedness and playfulness—with just a touch of clown.

The German Pinscher is a long-lived and keenly alive breed. Their average lifespan is thirteen and they age well, with many continuing with their favorite sports and activities well into old age.

German Pinschers are dedicated to their people, and nothing is worse for them than being left behind. They are up for any activity that their people want to get involved in. Love hiking or jogging on the beach? The German Pinscher is “all in.”

Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding? They can learn to do that too.

Do you enjoy speed sports? German Pinschers do too!

The German Pinscher standard also identifies the breed as having highly developed senses and great intelligence. They have an aptitude for training, with a fearlessness and an endurance that makes them a great all-around dog for just about any activity.

German Pinschers work best using positive training methods and short, fun training sessions. German Pinschers aim to please. They can be found exceling in agility, obedience, and rally competitions. They will do just about anything for a treat and some praise from their person.

The German Pinscher enjoys using its nose, and is fast and accurate in nose work and scent work activities. (They might even hunt for truffles.) They are resolute rodent exterminators and take their supervision of home and yard with appropriate seriousness.

German Pinschers have shown both their sensitivity to scent and their connection to their owners, and without formal training, they have learned to alert diabetics to high or low blood sugar levels, the onset of seizures, and migraines.

The German Pinscher is a breed full of energy and allure. A dog with an overflowing spirit—this is theiressence.

Featured image credit: American Kennel Club (AKC)

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German Pinscher – Cropping and Docking | The middle and lesser-known Pinscher, the German Pinscher, exhibits the unquestionable strength and wit of the Doberman Pinscher and the vivacity of its smaller counterpart, the Miniature Pinscher. Most interestingly, however, the brother to this breed is the Standard Schnauzer, which was previously the same breed with a wire coat type. Just like the other two Pinschers and the Standard Schnauzer, the German Pinscher’s cropped/docked appearance is a hallmark characteristic that accentuates this breed’s sharp, alert aura.

Today, in the United States, the German Pinscher is still a rarer and developing breed, and the emphasis on the cropped/docked appearance is two-fold: aesthetic and purpose-driven. As the AKC breed standard describes, German Pinschers are “energetic, watchful, alert, agile, fearless, (and) determined,” which rings true for many German Pinscher owners, including myself. As many Working breeds retain their ancestral working qualities, the German Pinscher far excels in this aspect, as evidenced by its tenacious disposition and proclivity to guard. The origin of the German Pinscher is that of an all-around working dog used to hunt vermin and to protect. It is no surprise that these dogs love barn hunt and scentwork, and warning their families of approaching strangers while retaining an affectionate yet reserved nature.

Cropping/docking in this breed, like in many others, initially served as modification to reduce work-related injuries, such as bites from prey and other offenders. Additionally, as popularity of this breed slowly grows in the United States, cold climate-related pinnal vasculitis (ear tip necrosis) in uncropped ears is an increasingly common and painful con-dition due to small blood vessels in the thin ear tips. On the other hand, in the world of showing dogs, cropping/docking is common practice to represent the German Pinscher’s historical roots, and to reduce injury, while emphasising its elegant, streamlined, and demanding presence.

The unavoidable discussion point of cropping/docking is that it has become a hot topic of debate for the general public and even within the veterinary community, with opposition growing from both. I am sure many of you already have a general idea of what has been said and has been concluded about the practice. If I could share any takeaway, I hope to remind all of us that our role as advocates for breed preservation and improvement should not be to end our side of the debate with it being “simply tradition.” It is our responsibility to reflect on the contribution cropping/docking contributes to visually representing the German Pinscher’s (and many other breeds’) original purpose, reducing work-related injuries and pinnal vasculitis, as well as complementing its marvelous confor-mational highlights. The ultimate goal ties back to breed preservation and the aim to respect this breed’s history in the modern day. Without keeping the foundations of our breeds in mind, we fail to truly preserve and protect them.

Equally, it is crucial that we represent the German Pinscher well, educate others, and always respect those who may disagree, as this breed is more popular in European countries where cropping/docking is typically banned. Because of the limited gene pool of the German Pinscher, irrespective of opinion, we must build bridges and work together for the security of this breed’s future. Additionally, it is heavily worth mentioning that there are highly-dedicated veterinarians who take exceptional care to make the process of cropping/docking as purposeful and respectful as possible, with adequate pain control provided during and after the procedure. Veterinarians who are renowned for this service are the few who understand visual anatomy, can complement each individual puppy’s head profile, and have an emotional investment in doing good for each breed. Many of these veterinarians show dogs them-selves and uphold the meaning of this practice.

As a newly-graduated veterinarian learning the intricate artistry of cropping, I myself first reflect on both the historical and intended role of the dog in front of me. I hope that maybe, someday, that puppy will develop into a respectable representation of its breed, conformationally and purpose-wise. It is an honor to work with breeders who strive to preserve and protect their cropped/docked breeds with regard to their breeds’ origins and standards. Cropping/docking in German Pinschers pays homage to the breed’s history, reduces risk of injury for pets and for those dogs performing their original jobs, accentuates their classic beauty, and makes each dog recognizable in the ring for spectators and fellow dog fanciers to admire.

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The purebred German Pinscher is historically known for its working abilities as a ratter and a protector of farms and carriages. As an old German farm dog, these qualities are ever present in today’s Pinscher. The breed’s historical traits are deeply rooted and well-preserved by most reputable breeders. Many are interested to find out that although similar in looks to the Doberman Pinscher, the breeds are very different in both personality and behavior. The German Pinscher is so much more than a medium-sized dog with lots of energy. For those who are willing to invest time in creating a successful relationship with their Pinscher, the sky is the limit for what these vivacious little dogs are capable of.

The innate behaviors of the purebred German Pinscher can be used to give owners a competitive edgein many of today’s popular dog sports such as barn hunt, lure coursing, scentwork, and schutzhund. Additionally, this same skillset can be shaped to produce success in other events, including agility and dock diving. For those who are up for even more of a challenge, German Pinschers have also had success in the rally and obedience rings. The German Pinscher is a strong and versatile dog that can be trained to do just about anything by using patience, practice, and praise. This breed is highly food motivated, which makes reward-based training easy.

The AKC breed standard describes the German Pinscher as, “Energetic, watchful, alert, agile, fearless, determined, intelligent and loyal…” The standard further goes on to state that the German Pinscher has “…highly developed senses, intelligence, aptitude for training, fearlessness and endurance.” Other terms used within the standard to describe the Pinscher include “alert, vigilant, deliberate, watchful of strangers,” “highly intelligent,” and “vivacious.” German Pinschers typically bark only to alert their household of a change within the perimeters of their fortress. Despite such a strong personality, the breed is quite loyal to their primary caretaker and aloof to strangers.

If not properly socialized and desensitized early on, these personality characteristics can cause problems for the Pinscher as a household (family) pet. Resource guarding and protective behavior are the two most common troublesome behaviors reported by owners of this breed. Early implementation of a structured training program, coupled with a commitment to consistent training and boundary setting, is imperative for creating a well-mannered German Pinscher.

Once the ground rules of accept-able behavior and socialization have been established, the purebred German Pinscher takes great pleasure in accompanying its owner just about anywhere, including car rides or action-packed adventures. For those who enjoy being outdoors, the German Pinscher makes a wonderful companion. This breed does not require its owner to keep it entertained. While completing yard work or other outdoor tasks, you can count on the German Pinscher to seek out and create its own fun until it’s time to go inside.

It is important to note that due to the strong prey drive present within this breed, allowing a German Pinscher to be “off-leash” outside the boundaries of a fenced area is discouraged. If an owner has
a strong desire to train “off-leash etiquette,” this skill will require specialized training. Those who have had success recommend the use of a quality GPS collar. This breed has little regard for verbal commands and can end up in dangerous situations when they are in pursuit of any-thing they consider prey.

It is often said that the German Pinscher has two speeds—0 and 100. When not investigating the actions of the neighborhood, being in your personal space, trying to persuade you to share a bite of your lunch or begging to accompany you on a quick errand, the German Pinscher can be found napping in a beam of sun-light or somewhere comfy and warm such as a bed or couch. Many owners prefer their dogs to sleep in crates; however, German Pinschers are most happy when they are under the covers and cuddled up next to their human.

One phrase that all German Pinscher owners seem to agree with is, “A tired German Pinscher is a good German Pinscher.” It’s amazing what a day of play outside or a long jog in the park will do for this breed. While it’s almost impossible to tire these dogs physically, they do tire mentally at a much faster rate. Activities that exercise the mind, such as training classes, teaching new tricks, or a day of competition, yield a far higher level of exhaustion than simply letting them outside to run around for a few minutes; hence, the reason active households bare far better for this breed.

One phrase that all purebred German Pinscher owners seem to agree with is, “A tired German Pinscher is a good German Pinscher.” It’s amazing what a day of play outside or a long jog in the park will do for this breed.

That being said, an area of training that is often overlooked is “quiet time.” Many owners of high energy breeds tend to focus more on how to exercise a dog to expel its energy. While being active certainly comes more naturally to a German Pinscher than being calm and relaxed, having an “off switch” is one of the most important skills to conquer for a Working Dog such the German Pinscher. Commands such as, “done,” “enough,” “place,” and “go to sleep” are all just as important as the basic, “sit” and “stay.” A comfortable crate, bed or mat provides a place for the dog to decompress and rest. For those who have children, it’s nice to encourage “story time” where the child reads to the dog in a calm and quiet environment. “Massage” is also a great way to promote peace and release the naturallyoccurring chemicals within the body that encourage relaxation. Despite how it may seem, the German Pinscher, like many dogs, does spend a significant amount of time sleeping.

While being active certainly comes more naturally to a German Pinscher than being calm and relaxed, having an “off switch” is one of the most important skills to conquer for a Working Dog such the German Pinscher.

You will oftentimes hear that this breed is not suitable for the first-time dog owner. As with any dog, especially an energetic Working Dog with a high prey drive such as the German Pinscher, a strongcommitment to training, combined with a stable temperament and a stable household, is one of the most important factors that contributes to a well-rounded and enjoyable dog. Any level of dog owner is capable of understanding the importance of this. Success has more to do with the level of commitment and consistency than with the level of experience.

Overall, the purebred German Pinscher is a very loyal and protective breed. They are quick to developxa strong bond with their caretakers, and that bond is further strengthened by completing activities such as training and other fun adventures. German Pinschers demand to be included as part of the family and are best-suited for the interactive dog owner. As you can tell, a commitment to training is a necessity for this bold breed. Their size and their low maintenance coat are definitely a bonus. Their level of intelligence and their way of thinking will amaze you, and their silly antics will keep you laughing (or shaking your head) on a daily basis.

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1. When were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

I grew up with Boxers, and then hunting dogs like Labs, Goldens, and German Shorthairs. When I first chose my own breed, it was the Australian Shepherd, as I had horses. But I found my husband, son, and later, my grandson to be allergic to all the pollen that the Aussie’s coat picked up. So, I had to choose another breed; the Doberman Pinscher.

We were searching for a new breed with a short coat when we saw an older woman walking on the beach with a Doberman. We were star struck by the elegance and beauty. As we got older, the German Pinscher literally fell in our lap as a rescue, and we have been hooked on them ever since. Many thanks to Robin Pierce for entrusting me with her rescue and with my own first champion, “Chevelle.”

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an owner handler?

I have been in dogs my entire life. My family always had dogs, and now, it’s been almost 65 years for me personally.

I’ve been an owner handler for, probably, at least 12 years with Diamond Bay German Pinschers.

3. Do you attend show handling classes?

At first, no. I just read books, watched dog shows on TV, and sat ringside and watched and asked questions. Now, I attend handling classes as much as possible, especially before a show. (So happy—my first class in almost six months!)

4. Have you attended any handling seminars?

Yes! I can’t get enough. I learn something new every time. I have attended Valerie Nunes-Atkinson’s twice, and can’t wait to do it again. I try to focus on learning or perfecting at least one new thing each time. I’ve enrolled my grandkids in all the Junior Handling clinics that I can find for them.

5. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful?

Yes, but probably not before COVID. However, they’ve been a blessing ever since.

Classes? Yes. Videos? Yes. Websites? Yes, all that I can find. AKC has some great ones available and they are free. (Though I wish that they were a little easier to locate on the website.)

6. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series?

Yes, we have competed for at least 10 years in the Owner-Handled Series, and have been in the Top 10 most years… and many times in the Top 5. Currently, we are sitting 6th: 10th in 2020; 2nd in 2019. We are still 2nd in lifetime points.

7. Are rankings important to you?

Yes… it gives me a way to judge how I am doing. I strive to sit no lower than 10th every year.

8. In which class(es) are you most likely to enter your dog(s)? Why?

We do almost everything, from Conformation, Rally, Obedience, and Agility to Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Trick Dog, Dock Diving, Lure Coursing, and CGC.

I love the competition, and I think that the more you do with your dogs, the happier you and they are. (Confession: I am a new TITLE chaser… it’s like an addiction.)

9. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed(s) as an owner-handler?

Diamond Bay German Pinschers Dobermans were a real challenge when I had them 15 years ago, because we would have 40-50 in a ring… and many were with professional handlers. Our German Pinscher numbers are currently down to the rare breed numbers, but for about 6-8 years we had quite a big group showing in Southern California. We still have a few professional handlers in our breed, but for the most part, I think they are mostly owner handlers like myself. And the breed is a quick study and is very food motivated. A new breed this year for me is the English Cocker Spaniel. I adore his charm and beauty, but it puts me back into a large class again with many good professional handlers. Learning to groom the coat is a real challenge.

10. Are you intimidated by the professional handlers? By the judges?

Of course, but I would be intimidated by any professional because that is what they do, day in and day out. Like a race car driver—even a window washer, if they are a professional and doing it every day—who should be great just based on how often they do it. If owner handlers would practice as much as they complain about the professionals winning or beating them, they just might win a bit more.

Some judges are more intimidating than others, just by their reputation in dogs. But, for the most part, I have found them to be fair.

11. Who has been your mentor(s) as an owner-handler?

Valerie Nunes-Atkinson has been my mentor ever since she won the Westminster Kennel Club dog show with the German Shorthair—at the end of the six foot lead on a perfect free-stack. I still remember seeing the article titled, “The Stack Heard Around the World.”

I have also had the good fortune to have had Ron and Linda Matson, Adrian Ghione, Nancy Amante, Julie Kay, and a few others be willing to share handling tips with me. One of my best dog friends and co-owners, Janet Oatney, is my toughest teacher.

12. How important is the owner-handler to the future of the dog sport?

If you want to keep the average dog owner, the family pet owner, buying the pups that the professionals strive to perfect, then we are important to the sport. Very rarely will we have the opportunity to purchase or breed that top notch special, but we can compete and fill the classes with the numbers of dogs that we purchase that will go home and be loved as a family member. We can also adopt those retired show and breeding dogs for ourselves and for our junior handlers.

13. What are your goals as an owner-handler?

We have been fortunate to own a BOB winner at Westminster, with a few Group wins here and there. Now, we want to win an Owner-Handled RBIS/BIS.

14. Is there a victory that has eluded you?

We have taken BOB and Group wins, but we have never earned a RBIS or a BIS. I’m sure it will be hard with my chosen breeds, but I can still dream.

15. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as an owner-handler?

Yes, a couple of them. A few years back, at one of my earlier wins, I was doing the down and back at Eukanuba. (I have glaucoma, so my vision is like looking through a donut hole. I don’t see down or peripherally very well unless I’m actually looking down or sideways.) In the show ring, we need to look where the judge is or at the corner we are going toward so that we can line up to return to the judge—so they can best see the way the dog travels. I’m usually pretty confident that there is nothing in the way, but as I was looking to the corner, I missed the loose tape on the rug and did a fabulous face-plant sprawl, dress and all! (At least my dog stuck close, licking my face.) I got up and turned around, and came back as best I could, all flustered. As I returned to the judge, Pat Hastings, she smiled and asked, “Would you like to try that again minus the falling part?” We laughed (when I wanted to cry) and I got a second chance. I realized then that judges are really trying to get the best look at the dog that they can. I won the class that day, and the judge told me that it was a good thing she was judging the dog, and not me. She winked as she handed me my ribbon. I have always figured that it can’t get worse than that day!

Then there was the day we were in Obedience in Palm Springs. It was windy, and my dog was supposed to be on a recall when he saw a bag blow by. Of course, he went OUT of the ring to check it out. (I guess the fact that we do Lure Coursing didn’t help.) When it stopped blowing around and he saw that it was just a bag, he came back—with the bag in his mouth—to a perfect sit in front of me like he had never left. Everyone laughed, and I had to too.

Valerie Schluter | Diamond Bay German Pinschers

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