Quote:
Originally Posted by chattiesmom 
Grooming for shows is serious business. You have your few minutes in the ring to exhibit the dog that you have spent hours, months, years growing, grooming, etc.
I guess the best way to approach an exhibitor is by admiring their pooch, asking if you can take a picture (shoot we all like to have our dogs admired). Shoot, I love the breed and will talk to anyone anytime, but that's just me. However, I will never ever disclose the little grooming secrets entrusted to me. Some of those "secret" techniques learned over the years by trial and error mean the difference between winning and losing in the ring and it took a long time to earn the trust of my exhibitor friends.
For many of us showing is a hobby, for others it is SERIOUS business, attaining the #1 Yorkie being the ultimate goal. The former are more likely to talk to you. Those in the latter group have so much time and $$ invested that they can't afford distractions that may cost them a class. |
If what has been told to you was told in confidence "ie never tell this practice" then of course you are honor bond to uphold the confidence.
But if not, then you share as you wish. I for one, even if it might mean my competitor could equalize an advantage I might have, will always share my knowledge, such as it is. There is so much to learn just watching handling from the ringside, of course that is not grooming, but it is a very important faucet of showing, that I have learnt and seen for myself some of the "tricks" of the trade.
For me good sportsmanship includes teaching those newbies to the ring and making them feel welcome. They are after all the future of our sport.