Hints for the Chief Steward in Obedience


© Geoff Stern 1996-2001. This document may not be copied, reprinted, or distributed without the permission of the author. Thanks for the advice and expertise of many instructors and trainers including George Hanson, Linda Holway, and Ruth Ivers of NEW ENGLAND DOG TRAINING CLUB; Fran Boyle, Rena Fucillo, Wendy McNaughton, and Betty Belliveau of CHARLES RIVER DOG TRAINING CLUB; and several members of the OBED-COMP and OBED-TEACH electronic mail lists. Special thanks to Roseann Mandell (as always) and to Pat Scott (of Fido Flats in Fremont, NE) who’ll recognize some of the wording here as her own. Errors, however, are mine. sternmandell@worldnet.att.net


The chief steward is a member of the match/trial committee and in charge of recruiting and assigning stewards. Depending on how the committee is organized, the chief steward may have some other logistical duties, such as setting up the rings, preparing the ring signs, organizing or coordinating a cleanup crew, and so on. (For example, at large shows, the chief steward usually has a walkie-talkie for paging the cleanup crew and show photographer.)

Here are some helpful hints in case you’re the chief steward for the club’s match or trial — especially if it’s your first time as chief steward.

Recruiting stewards

Assigning stewards

Getting the stewards ready

At the show

What You’ll Need …

At the chief steward’s table…

In each ring…

After the show


Order of Exercises — some "cheat sheets"