Archive for Judging Agility Articles

Me, Myself and I Syndrome

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (2)
Monday, January 23rd, 2012

iStock_000013606999XSmall

Today I reached my tolerance limit pertaining to those who want, want more, fail to appreciate the time and effort donated, tell you how it should have been done rather than admiring what was done (although they failed to show up when you were asking for their advice)  and overall, choose to criticize what they received for FREE because it isn’t perfect for them or done to their ideal.


I’m going to call it the Me, Myself and I Syndrome. And I’m certain it has reached epidemic proportions and unfortunately, has spilled over into Agility.


Rather than focus on the two incidents that got me started on this topic, I’m going to focus on a few guidelines to help people avoid the Me, Myself and I Syndrome. So here they are:


If You Didn’t Help Build It, Keep Your Opinions To Yourself!

  • This should be obvious, but if for whatever reason you weren’t a part of the project, the sharing of unsolicited opinions will more than likely come across as criticism.
  • This may come as a shock, but please consider that you may not know it all. For example;
  • Each project has a path of development and there are generally reasons why things are the way they are. If you weren’t a part of the project’s creation, you probably weren’t privy to the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’, which means your opinion may have some big holes in it. There’s nothing worse than a know-it-all who doesn’t actually, know it all.
  • Hindsight is revealing, so what may now seem obvious to you once the project is completed, may not have been so obvious during the project’s creation.

FREE Means You Get Whatever Comes Your Way
  • Contrary to popular opinion, criticizing FREE things (work, volunteers, materials, etc.) will NOT make for better or more FREE things to come your way.
  • In fact, it’s been proven that in the future you’ll receive less and will more than likely not even be aware that you inadvertently insulted your FREE resources.
  • If you want it done your way, either 1) do it yourself or 2) pay to have it done.
  • FREE does not create a contract of servitude.
  • FREE is not an indicator that it is appropriate to request more.
  • FREE should not trigger an invitation for unsolicited criticism.
  • FREE means it’s NOT about Me, Myself and I, but rather about Them, Those Guys and Everyone Else.

I’m sure there’s more to be said, but I’m feeling much better for having shared some thoughts on avoiding the Me, Myself and I Syndrome. But I do want to share some great advice.

I’d like to encourage each of you to see and THANK those around you who give even the smallest of efforts. Technically those folks owe you NOTHING, Nada, Zilt, Zilch and therefore anything they do is truly a blessing.

 

 

 

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Categories : Agility Reality, Club Articles, Daily Life and Agility, Featured Posts, Handler Articles, Judging Agility Articles, Things To Know
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RUN! From Curb to Airplane Seat in 19 Minutes Flat

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)
Friday, November 11th, 2011

For those of you who follow my judging adventures, here’s another for the books.

 

This one occurred as I was traveling back to WI. Being a diligent judge, I had made my flight reservations few months prior while the fares were low. In the usual mid-week craziness and pre-flight, Dan was kind enough to check me in the evening prior and print off my plane tickets. As my itinerary said, my flight left at 7:00 a.m.

Being a responsible flyer, I arrived at the airport at 5:25 a.m. which is plenty of time for a 7:00 a.m. flight. The hour is way too early and I find myself staring at the departure board trying to determine what gate I’d be flying out of. I stare for several minutes and am still unable to find a 7:00 a.m. flight to my location. However, I do see a 6:00 a.m. flight.

I don’t worry, sometimes these things happen so I pull out my ticket to check the flight number and am SURPRISED to find that my flight number matches the 6:00 a.m. departure time. It’s now 5:27 a.m. and I quickly realize that I have less than 20 minutes to get through 2 security check points, a potential mini-molestation by TSA, run to the tram which will take me to the remote terminal and from there I get to do more running to my boarding gate. DRAT!!!!

First order is to run to the security area I know generally is the quickest. Second, I beg and plead my way into the first class line as the regular line is far too busy and moving way too slow. Next I score when some nice passengers allow me to move ahead of them at the first TSA checkpoint. Once through, I beg and plead my way to the front of the baggage & pat down line. Amazingly, this all comes together better than I could plan, although I’m certain most people could see the wild look of pure desperation in my eyes. It was probably smart that they chose not to get in my way.

 

I run on off to the tram, run to the gate and barely make it on board. I look at my watch and the entire ordeal was complete in 19 minutes flat. Miracles do happen!

 

Now that I’m safe on board, I can investigate what the heck happened. Did I completely misread my itinerary? The short answers is NO! It seems the airline changed the flight time and neglected to notify me. No phone call, no e-mail, no notice when Dan checked me in, nothing!

Oh well, at least I made it and the weekend judging was fun. Dang air travel!

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Categories : Judging Agility Articles, Judging Stories

Agility Judging and Who Our Customers Are

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)
Thursday, August 4th, 2011
As an AKC Agility Judge, I have the pleasure of traveling around the country and judging dogs of all shapes and sizes. Since I’ve been doing this for a decade now, I took a moment to share some of my thoughts on the AKC Judge’s List. Here they are:
****************** 

Over the last several years, I’ve heard and seen quite a few “stories” from judges that made me proud to be a part of this group. I’ve also heard a few that had me shaking my head in disbelief too.

I know I’m from the old school where I see judging as a profession while others see judging as a hobby – that’s okay. I think that we can all agree that the impact we have on a trial can either ease or add to the stress of those volunteers/clubs putting on the show. With that said, I would like to encourage all of us to take a moment to remember who our customers are (the one’s who pay our fees, expenses & compensate us for our time) and that would be not only the exhibitors, but also the Club.
One example is that like it or not, we find ourselves in the role of helping Clubs keep costs down. Some of the things we can do is:
  • Make our air reservations in a timely fashion. Presenting the club with a $1,200 airfare bill for a flight within the US is generally over the top (even for today’s standards).
  • Be realistic on rental cars. Sure you may drive a $45,000+ vehicle at home, but you can find reasonable cars/prices without having to revert to a Geo Metro. Folks, a $500 car rental bill for a 3 or 4-day show is excessive (unless it’s Hawaii or Alaska which can reach the $175 a day range).
Also, Club members/volunteers are not our servants. Sure, they kindly help us out to keep the show going and most of us are very appreciative of the little things (like when they have lunch at our table at a specific time, get snacks we like, etc.), however, unless it’s specifically written in your contract, all “extras” are above and beyond the call of duty. If your lunch or soda doesn’t show up at exactly the time you specified or if your empty hotel-provided papercup ends up in the garbage by 2:00 p.m. – don’t yell at those kind folks around you. Also, those putting on events are not our chauffers, laundry maidens, tourist guides or other service providers like we might expect on a personal vacation. Again, if they provide these items to you and it’s not in your contract, it’s an EXTRA, not a right. Lot’s of people/clubs, love to do this and I’ve had some of the best times/experiences thanks to them. Rather, I’m talking about the expectation that this type of item be provided when the Club/volunteer hadn’t planned on it or worse yet, volunteer it.
I truly believe the vast majority of us are reading this and thinking “Dah!” but I did want to throw it out there as a reminder.
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Categories : Judge Resources, Judging Agility Articles
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Friday Night in Casper, WY

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)
Friday, April 8th, 2011

This post will be funnier if you read about Thursday Night in Casper, WY first.

After returning from the dog show, I stop in the hotel lounge/restaurant to grab something to drink to take back to my room before heading out with the club to dinner. I notice a band is setting up and it appears to be just a few locals hanging around so far.

After routine ‘Hello’s’ and she takes my drink order, the bartender asks, ”Are you with the event?”

After last night’s lingerie show I very hesitantly ask “Which event?” After all, I have no idea what’s in store for tonights entertainment at this establishment!

She perkily replies”The animal thing”. Oh, she must mean the dog show! So being relieved, I happily chirp up with a very enthusiastic “Oh YES!” and she says “Wow, that’s great! At first I thought you guys were a Taxi convention.”

I have no idea what the hell she’s talking about. What does a taxi have to do with a dog agility trial?

As I’m walking away and I see several men in camoflauge at the check-in desk and a few redneck-types (like my husband) hanging around in the lobby, it dawns on me…She thinks I’m a part of what appears to be a Taxi-Dermy convention at the hotel. After all, what other animal ‘activity’ has anything to do with taxi’s, camoflauge and rednecks????

As I pass a conference room, I peak in and see hand-drawn carcass diagrams on the white board and my Taxi-Dermy conclusions are confirmed.

It’s only 4:00 p.m. here in Casper, WY and we haven’t even gone to dinner yet. What else is in store for me in this cute, crazy and fun little town? : )

copyright Lisa M. Selthofer 2011

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Categories : Judging Agility Articles, Judging Stories
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Thursday Night in Casper, WY

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)
Friday, April 8th, 2011

After arriving early in Casper, WY, a nice hotel employee is calmly driving me to my home for the next 3-nights.

We’re chatting nicely and I’m learning about the town. One comment in particular that stood out was “Casper is no small town…” and having come from the likes of Chicago and Seattle, I look around and realize I can pretty much see from one side of town to the other. Hum, I wonder…

Later I decide dinner in the hotel lounge/restaurant is perfect. I have courses to work on and this will give me a chance to relax over a glass of wine.  I’m deep into my computer screen when I swear I see a scantily clad woman walk by. I must have been mistaken and continue working.

About 10 minutes later a lady stops by my table and asks me a question. I look up, but I don’t hear what she says because all I can register is that she is wearing only a garter belt and stockings, a thong and a very sheer full-length black robe. In other words, she’s just about naked, is leaning in to me and I’m praying she didn’t ask me if I’m looking for company!

All I can say is “Pardon me?” and even the second time through, I still can’t comprehend her words. I have to ask again and the unmistakable sentence “Are you here for the lingerie show?” hits my ears. My back is against a wall (literally) and she’s blocking my path to the exit and I’m still deathly afraid there’s an unwelcome lap dance in my future so I find myself stuttering…”Ah, no. I didn’t know…oh yes, you are wearing lingerie…well, that explains a few things…um no, no I’m not here for the lingerie show.”

To which I’m in luck, as she just smiles and walks away and I’m off the fear-hook that was brewing in my head.

But now that the immediate danger is over and I know what’s going on, I get my head out of my computer and start watching my environment. Actually, it’s kind of funny! The best part is the reaction from a few of the men at the bar. I’ve never actually witnessed a real person’s jaw DROP at the sight of a nearly naked woman, but that is exactly what is happening and I can’t help but laugh out loud. After all, the poor-sap is just as surprised and shocked as I was a few minutes ago.

The remainder of the evening was harmless and upon sharing my story on Facebook, several of the male judges are privately asking me if I’d be so kind as to give them their name and number for next year’s show. Someone even suggested putting the ‘event’ in the club’s premium as a ‘special attraction’ : )

But what I can’t get out of my mind is the earlier comment “Casper is no small town you know!”. Well, they were right. I haven’t seen this kind of event anywhere else.

copyright Lisa M. Selthofer 2011

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Agility Celebrity!

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (2)
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

This past weekend I judged my first movie star, Gabe.

When I started the weekend, I didn’t know Gabe was a star, but I certainly noticed what an amazing Bulldog he was. He was energetic, listened, was obviously trained well and clearly  enjoyed his agility gig.

Later, as I was sharing my thoughts on how amazing he was, Gabe’s story came out. Turns out he’s a real celebrity and was in the movie The Dog Father (which I now plan to rent soon).

When I was done judging on Sunday, Gabe’s owner was kind enough to give me an unsolicited autograph from Gabe. It’s AWESOME (picture attached). I have to admit, I’ve already shown it off to a few people and plan to frame it as one of my judging momentos.

There are always some really neat and unexpected perks of judging and getting to know those who are showing under you is definitely one of them.

Thanks Gabe for the great picture and for being a real pro out on course!

Lisa

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Agility Judging & Forest Fire

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)
Friday, February 4th, 2011
Midwestern Girl Meets Forest Fire…Part I
During one of my judging excursions to the western part of the country, a very large forest fire had developed the evening prior.  So that you can understand my background, in Chicago (the city that almost completely burned in 1871), we made it a goal that all fires be extinguished almost immediately…so I just figured forest fires were handled the same way (here’s where you start to chuckle at my ignorance…).
The next day was fairly cloudy and the air was thick (unusual since they had predicted clear skies…).  Yeap you guessed it.,  The forest fire was still going and I was completely clueless.  As is my job, I was diligently concentrating on each dog’s performance (see picture to the right) – but there’s a problem.  First, I was from a time zone that was two hours ahead and it was lunch time in Chicago.  Second, I could smell what I thought were big juicey burgers simmering on a grill, and my stomach was begging to be fed.
Later, as I’m doing paperwork, I mention how great the burgers smell…and that’s when I’m informed that it’s not a grill I’m sniffing, but rather an entire forest burning!  So I think about that for a few minutes and then ask “How far away is the fire?” to which I’m told “Far….”  Now my question is, if I can see the smoke and smell the fire, “How far is far?” (hey, a fair question since this is my first forest fire experience) at which they indicated that they didn’t know.  Not know?!?!  But they just told me it was far….so in trying to assess if there is a potential emergency, I notice that all of the local folks were very calm and didn’t appear worried.
Then it hits me, of course they’re calm, they all have vehicles to evacuate in and they know how to get out of town…but I dodn’t. So I struck up a deal with the trail secretary and told her “I’m counting on you to tell me when I need to worry. Until then, I just want to know where your car is parked so I can keep an eye on it!”
Coming from a city that almost completely burned because of a cow kicking over a lantern, I was perfectly happy with our little agreement (and I had a ride out of town if needed…)
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Judging – UKI Trial, Wilsonville, OR (Sunday)

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)
Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Today was Day 2 of the UKI trial and today was GREAT!

First, we got the whole jump height movement thing worked out and it was so nice and orderly! My feet were so happy

Better yet, today we had AWESOME courses (thanks to my hubby Dan) and we added Gamblers to the mix.

Oh and did I mention the weather was sunny?!?!

Yes, it was a great UKI trial and something worth checking out.

Enjoy the attached courses.

Lisa

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Categories : Course Maps, Judging Agility Articles, UKI
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Judging – UKI Trial, Wilsonville, OR

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)
Saturday, September 18th, 2010

Today I judged my first UKI Trial.

UKI is a new agility organization that is geared to be more European in course design.

Here are the pros and cons of my first experience with UKI:

Pros:
* Love the courses. The main thing that attracted me to UKI was the difference in course design. I like a bit of challenge since I think this creates better handlers and more experienced dogs.
* I love how Novice-friendly UKI is. There is a nursery class and even better, you can call “Not For Competition” or NFC, which means you can use a toy during your training time and you’re not judged on performance. It’s a great way to get ring experience.

* I love a good strategy game and UKI provides those. Today we had Snakes and Ladders and tomorrow we’ll have Gamblers.
* Thanks to nesting, easy course changes.
* Love the relaxed environment.

Cons:
* Well, it’s a new organization and they have a few bugs to work out. For example, the Snakes & Ladders written guidelines are missing a few important details. (The good news is the exhibitors were all easy going and we figured it out)
* Holy cow, with all of the classes running similar courses I think we were changing jump heights continuously! I’m positive I put more miles on doing this than actual judging.
* I felt like a lump of coal when handlers called NFC since my sole job was to stand there and be sure handlers weren’t mean to their dogs. Ah yeah, since they were coming in with toys to play, that wasn’t an issue (an nobody beat their dog with an udder toy ).

Overall, it was a positive experience and I would definitely consider entering a trial with my own dog.

Enjoy the courses everyone!

Lisa

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Gearing Up For Colorado

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (1)
Monday, July 12th, 2010

I’ve had a small bit of time at home to re-energize and focus on several of the fun projects evolving in my life.

First is the Spot-On 2-on-2-off contact DVD which is coming along nicely. I’m working with 5 new people at varying skill levels and dogs from puppy hood up to retraining an Excellent level dog.

We’re a couple of weeks into filming and I’m currently working on written material to accompany the video portion.

But more importantly, I’ve been spending great quality time at home in the garden, taking pictures and with my pups.

All of the dogs have been so happy and actively playing with each other when they’re not hanging with Dan and I.

Rylee’s agility training is coming along great. She’s a unique character in that she really needs to think something is her own idea. So in keeping with her wishes, I haven’t pushed her to do anything. In return, she offers me a heck of a lot more each time we work together.

Rouge has made it a daily habit to offer me toys to entice me to play. Today it was a large piece of wood from the yard that she brought into the house. I have to laugh because she was so proud of herself! As I write, she’s sleeping next to me.

Zulu just celebrated 1 year with us. I can’t believe how fast time has gone! His latest thing is that he has made it his place to lay on the back of my chair to look out the window or place his head on my shoulder to sleep. I love the fact that I can smother him with kisses and he comfortably lays there and then returns a few when I’m done. Yes, he is a Momma’s boy!

Well, Dan and I leave for Colorado in a few days for a judging assignment. I always miss my dogs when we’re gone and I’m hoping to use my plane/hotel time to catch up on some courses that are do in a few months.

Oh, I have peaked at my courses for this weekend and I’m excited to see them run! As is typical, there is a challenging part on each and I’m very interested to see how handlers work through it. While I’d like to go into more detail, sorry, there won’t be any hints : )

Colorado, we’ll see you soon!

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Categories : Agility Reality, Judging Agility Articles, Our Dogs, Yeah Moments
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