GROUP GAITING - THE GO AROUND
When moving the dog in an “all go around,” the handler should make certain to leave plenty of room between his/her dog and the dog ahead. Handlers should use the full size of the show ring. The handler should attempt to keep the dog moving at a suitable speed. The handler moves the dog around the ring, usually in a counterclockwise direction. Allow the dog to gait freely, with no jerking of the dog’s neck by the handler. If the dog in front is moving slowly and it is difficult to gait at the correct speed, the handler should hold back and make space. Then, when it is the handler’s turn to gait in front of the judge, there will be enough room to move. The group gaiting is normally at the beginning of a class and then the judge asks the lead dog to stop, and everyone will stack their dog. The judge may also ask the exhibitors to group gait at the end of a class for final viewing before results are announced. Dogs should be stacked around the edge of the show ring creating a curve in the corner so none of the exhibitors are blocked from the view of the judge.
STACKING ON TABLE
A dog should be placed with their front legs on the edge of the table with their head over the edge. The dog’s legs should be centered on the edge of the table (not at the corner of the table). Small sized dogs should utilize the table for judge’s examination. Exhibitors can check breed standard information to determine if their dog is placed on the table. Mixed breed dogs should follow the breed their dog most resembles. Exhibitors should practice lifting dog to the table.
STACKING IN SHOWRING
Exhibitors should avoid stacking their dog in the corner of the ring as the judges view of their dog will be obstructed. Exhibitors may create a curve around the corner so that all dogs are visible to the judge. Exhibitors should stack their dogs in a straight line. Exhibitors may kneel beside their dog as they prefer (to project the image they prefer to the judge) and go down on one knee with the knee down that is away from the head of the dog. Exhibitors may hold the dogs tail according to breed standards if the dog does not naturally hold their tail. Exhibitors may reach over or under their dog to set up the feet (at the choice of the youth). Exhibitors may consider the size of the dog and either way is acceptable. Move feet with smoothness and block judges view minimally.