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A Good Judge

Discussion in 'Dog Discussion' started by Dr. Lector, Feb 8, 2012.

  1. Dr. Lector

    Dr. Lector Big Dog

    A Good Judge

    In many past issues of the SDJ, I've read stories of how the crowd was able to sway the decision of the judge through intimidation, argument, and in one case, through outright violence! I've judged over 100 shows, and many of today's players will attest to the fact that when I'm at a show, 9 times out of 10, I'll be asked to call the contest. I used to wonder why, at first, but after a while I began to understand why. The proper judge is one of the most important decisions to make during a contest, so a lot of thought should be done before one is selected.

    A good judge should be as honest as possible when it comes to these dogs. He is depended on, to call balls and strikes, and still remain impartial to both parties. He can't be swayed, or intimidated into making a biased call, and can't use his position to exact revenge. He also can't use his position to punish someone, because of personal dislikes.

    I was calling a show in Cajun Country many years ago and a friend of mine, the N.O. Dog Pound, was matched into Black F. I went there to back my friend against the Cajuns, and when asked to call the show for them, I told them that I couldn't because I was wagering on my friend's dog. Black didn't mind, and would only show his dog if I was the judge. Well, to make a long story short, I had to foul out my own friend, and he was going to definitely win the contest, otherwise! I was in a bad predicament, but I made the right call.

    On another occasion, I was calling a contest between Del Rio Kennel's and the Wall Boys. The scratching started because of an out of hold count, so I instructed Tom to scratch first, since his was the bottom dog. His dog didn't scratch, so I told the Wall Boys to scratch to win. Their dog jumped over the wall, so both sides felt that they had won, when in reality it was a draw. Many people left upset, but the rules are the rules.

    Another incident occurred when Big Ralph was matched into Black Magic Kennel's. When I said release your dogs, neither dog took hold. Black Magic did the smart thing and immediately asked for an out of hold count. When I told Big Ralph to scratch, his dog didn't go. I then told Black Magic to Scratch, and their dog went over and begins licking the other dog. This constitutes 'mouthing' the dog, so I had to declare Black Magic the winner.

    I think that one of the most memorable shows was when I went to Texas to support a dog that I had sold to Tornado Kennels. I liked the dog, so I bet what I had received for the dog in an effort to double my money. Well we were way behind, when the other handler decided he was going to poke fun at his homeboy for purchasing a Louisiana dog from me. When it was our turn to scratch, and our dog had quit by this time, the other fellow would laugh, and complete the scratch for us. Finally, on their turn to scratch, their dog got romantic, and was counted out, much to the chagrin of many of his backers. The only true bad call made that night was he giving us a win that we wouldn't have gotten any other way.

    So, when a person decides to select a judge, or even decide that he or she wants to be a judge, they should take into consideration the examples I've given. Many factors can go wrong, and only by knowing the rules, inside out, can a judge correct them. A blatant foul that is not called, is a total disrespect, and outright cheat to the receiver of the foul. I have seen judges "pick up their flag" in order to appeal to the masses, and this is a sign of a weak judge. It takes a person longer to become a good judge, than to become a good handler, so you should do a lot of watching, looking, and learning. A dog man should also watch, look, and learn, so he'll know who are the good judges.

    ~ Lockdown

    YIS
     
  2. Gamepit69

    Gamepit69 Pup

    A good read as always. ¡Thank you!
     
  3. Dr. Lector

    Dr. Lector Big Dog

    No problem bro....

    YIS

     
  4. Dr. Lector

    Dr. Lector Big Dog

    Any amusing stories regarding judgin'....?

    YIS
     
  5. JamesT

    JamesT Top Dog

    Another good read Doc,keep'em coming.
     
  6. blackcloud

    blackcloud Big Dog

    Thats wild, game dogs in a show licking each other, too strange not to be true!

    Great post as always.....thank you!
     
  7. benthere

    benthere CH Dog Staff Member

    it happens alot more than you think. i always explained beforehand that the tongue IS part of the mouth.
     
  8. Tiznow

    Tiznow Big Dog

    That IS kinda strange! But is it any stranger than the manipulation of genetics it takes to make a dog "game"? (messing with basic instincts as in SURVIVAL instincts; or turning off the whole social signaling abilities of dogs -- whatEVER it is that provides for "gameness"). I mean when you manipulate genetics THAT MUCH, who knows what else gets genetically "changed"?
     
  9. benthere

    benthere CH Dog Staff Member

    no, its much simpler than that.
    in many dogs the instinct to scratch is stronger than the instinct to fight or finish. alot of times if one would let it go on it would turn into a humping contest, hence the need for the strict definition of "mouth" as both a noun and a verb.
    noun=mouth, as in that part of the dog, which the tounge is part of.
    verb=mouth, the act of using or touching with the mouth.
     
  10. Tiznow

    Tiznow Big Dog

    Okay, I see what you're saying... I was just coming from the angle of trying to explain what might CAUSE the humping, licking, etc at inappropriate times....times when you would never expect to see it..
     
  11. benthere

    benthere CH Dog Staff Member


    what many don't realize is just because a dog is a winner doesn't necessarily mean its worth feeding. alot of times, as in conformation showing the judge is looking at shit and worse shit. somebody has to be the winner and someone has to be the loser, neither may be worthy.
     
  12. JamesT

    JamesT Top Dog

    Ain't that the truth...good post benthere.
     
  13. blackcloud

    blackcloud Big Dog

    I've been around awhile and I've nerver seen this, box jumpers yes, licking a fallen yes, humping in the box NO!

    No matter, it has to be a strange thing to witness!
     
  14. miked

    miked Pup

    i did a matter of fact it was with lockdown watching a vid of one of his he named the dog fag he come from behind 2 win then started stroking he was also a fair judge from what i heard but only witnessed 1 he judged and the outher camp 1 aganst 1 from his camp going 4 ch he called it straight
     

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