UKC Judging Thoughts

Having just gone through the UKC’s process to become an obedience judge, I thought I’d note a few things that helped along the way.

First of all, do your homework. The process isn’t impossibly difficult, but at every step being prepared helps. Read the rules, practice calling commands, etc. The horror stories I heard from judges about unqualified judge candidates all tended to be about people who assumed their license would be handed to them with no effort on their part.

Secondly, be willing to go the extra mile, particularly when you apprentice. You may only have to do the official classes, but be willing to help with whatever else is on offer. I judged a fun match at my first apprenticeship and at the second when a courtesy dog was needed I jumped in to offer Molly. In other words, plan on being around for the whole day and make yourself useful.

Finally, make and use personal contacts. Even before you start the process talk to the judges you show under, get their advice and support. (Of course you are actually showing in UKC, right? ;-) Established judges have a lot of great advice and when you get to the point of setting up apprenticeships, it’s much easier if the judges you are asking know you and have a sense that you are serious about it.

OK, so nothing too surprising, I admit. But it worked for me.