The following article was printed in the July-August 1999 issue

of Domestic Rabbits magazine.  The author was not given.

Following is a list of tips to make showing a more enjoyable time for other people and yourself.  These tips may be what you already know, other things are pretty simple but we tend not to think of them or we forget.  And for some of the new faces at the shows, here goes...

    *Please do not put your rabbits directly in front of other exhibitors' rabbits, leaving no walkway or causing people to jump over carriers to get by.  Be considerate, they were there first.  Likewise, don't place carriers against another exhibitor's.  Animals can spray, chew fur, fight or sneeze, putting yours and theirs at risk.

    *Don't set drinks or food on top of other peoples' carriers.

    *Unless you are sitting in it, leave the lawn chair folded and out of the way.  People can easily trip over them.  Wire carriers do not make a very good landing pad.

    *Don't put your animals on a grooming table that isn't yours.  Also, try not to ask to use someone else's grooming table unless you at least have a rug to place on it.  Animals can pick up diseases and fur mites too easily.

    *Judges should not know who owns what rabbit and generally a judge prefers not to know.  Discretion is golden.  Do not point or ask out loud who owns which rabbit .  Step away from the table if you need to know.  Otherwise, you put yourself in the position of having your entire entry axed or put the judge in an uncomfortable position and allow for other exhibitors to question his decisions.

    *When you are finished loading or unloading the vehicle, please move it immediately.  Allow others the convenience you've enjoyed.

    *When the show is over, try to remember to thank the judge and show secretary.

    *When someone is trying to get by, especially if they are loaded down with carriers, please move over and let them pass.

    *Please move aside or back from the show table completely when exhibitors are bringing rabbits up.  If you aren't watching the judging, stand aside so that someone else can watch.  If you are close to the table, pay attention.  Watch out for the safety of the animals.  If rabbits are hopping out of the boxes, hold them in.  If they are trying fight or breed each other, keep them apart.

    *Do not show a rabbit that is known to bite.  Someone is bound to get hurt.  Don't expect the judge to put up with a biter.