I have a secret to share with you: I dress for success. Those who know me know that I really dress up when I exhibit in both conformation and obedience. Some people may think that I do this because I am trying to promote a positive image of the dog exhibitor, or because I put so much time and energy into training and conditioning my dog that I am proud of him and want to show it. Another reason some think I dress up is to show respect for the judge, show-giving club and the sport. These are all excellent reasons, but they are not the main reasons why I dress up for exhibiting.
I learned years ago that by putting a lot of time and energy into my personal appearance I could overcome shyness, a lack of self confidence, and an absolute horror of drawing attention to myself in public situations. For me, dog exhibiting is a stressful activity; and anything that I can do to alleviate the anxiety is well worth the time, energy and money involved. Let's face it, when we feel good about ourselves we project a positive image to others, and many times we will in turn receive positive feedback which helps to make us feel even better. The good feelings which result from this feedback help to create more self confidence. However, this upward self-image effect can also work in reverse. If you don't feel good about yourself and dress accordingly then you are more than likely going to receive the feedback to support your negative self image. People who feel like winners are winners! People who feel like losers are losers!
In stressful situations like job hunting, public speaking or dog exhibiting, I have found that I can make it through these occasions without fainting, standing frozen in time or speaking a language unknown on earth. I have found that the more frightened and anxious I am about an upcoming situation the more I need to dress up. For example, I was asked to appear on a radio talk show in this area to speak on Basset Rescue. Since no one else was willing to do this and I really felt that Rescue could benefit from the free publicity, I consented. The prospect petrified me and I found myself growing more anxious as the scheduled time approached. However, when I was trying to decide what I was going to wear (even down to the color of my nail polish), I was less anxious. Another technique I often use is to carry a briefcase with me on these kinds of public outings, even if the only thing I have in it is a candy bar. For me, having my briefcase gives me a sense of power and confidence. For the talk show, I arrived at the radio station holding my briefcase and dressed for success. This gave me the self-assurance needed to face this terrifying situation. Many times I have heard people crucified by radio talk show hosts and I was terrified that this would happen to me. However, the talk show host treated me and my subject matter with respect. I really do believe that my confidence and business-like appearance were the reasons that I was taken seriously.
When I arrive at dog shows all dressed up I am telling the world and myself that I am a winner. What I am saying about myself with my appearance is that I believe that I should be considered for either a conformation win or obedience placement. I have seen the expression on judges faces' in obedience when an exhibitor enters the ring dressed inappropriately. I think subconsciously the judge is prepared to be somewhat more critical of the exhibitor who is not showing the judge the respect to at least dress as nicely as the judge. I know there have been times when my dog didn't work as well as I thought his score indicated. In some cases, I really believe that the judge wanted my dog and me to do well and was somewhat more lenient than with an exhibitor in jeans or shorts. Even though I exhibit a very difficult-to-train breed in obedience I have rarely had a judge give me the impression that he thought I was wasting his time. Often, I hear comments from exhibitors who are not dressed appropriately about how a particular judge had it in for them. Put yourself in the judge's shoes and think about how you would feel about an exhibitor who entered your ring dressed in nice well-fitting slacks and a blazer with a clean well groomed and conditioned dog. Now think about judging the exhibitor who enters your ring dressed in old jeans and a T shirt with a dog in poor condition. I know how I would feel and I also know which exhibitor would be given the most consideration.
The next time that you are anticipating a stressful and frightening situation try my secret of dressing for success and see if it works for you.
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