AKC Ramp Etiquette

Author: Meesha Van Etten

In-Ring Ramp Etiquette:

• It is up to the judge to decide if they will use the ramp, not the exhibitor.
• Do not stand behind the ramp (or table) and stack your dog. Leave a good amount of space when you stack while judges are doing first impressions, while you are waiting your turn on the ramp for exam and as you stack your dog for placement decisions.
• Stacking your dog on the ramp: Stack your dog as close to the front and to the judge’s side as possible to make it easy for the judge to examine your dog.
• Some exhibitors choose to turn the dog around and back them down the ramp, while others allow the dog to jump of the end of the ramp. Some exhibitors lift their dog onto and off the ramp as they would a table breed. There is no hard and fast rule about how an exhibitor should do this so whatever you choose, make sure the dog is familiar with the routine and your transitions are quick, smooth and non-distracting.

Group-Ring Ramp Etiquette:
Everything above plus -

• Before the group goes in, make sure the ramp is in the ring and down – even if you aren’t going to be using it, other breeds in the herding group do use it and it shows you are looking out for others.
• If the judge is not a judge you had previously shown to:
  • It would be wise to ask the steward if the judge would like the Buhund shown on the ramp or on the ground.
  • You may default to using the ramp in groups for ease of judging.
• If it is a judge you had previously shown to, tend toward whatever the judge had you do for breed (ground/ramp) or ask the steward kindly.