I’m sitting in the press box for tonight’s Group showing. This means I have a clear view of the ring, right from the floor. As I sit and watch the groups, I can see the handlers keeping their dogs occupied. Some of them are feeding the dogs treats; some of them are tossing toys for their dogs. Others just sit and furiously groom their dogs getting them ready to for the judge.

During the Hound Group, we watched and laughed as a Harrier (it looks like a large Beagle) barked and howled while the first breeds were showing. His handler was trying to calm him down, but the audience was loving it.

The crowd went wild during the Non-Sporting Group when the French Bulldog was almost done showing. Suddenly, he stopped and laid down like a brick. He was either trying to get a treat or he was just tired of walking and wanted to rest. Either way, the crowd suddenly roared with laughter and the handler worked to regain the dog’s attention. He succeeded and the Frenchie went back to his spot.