Who's at fault with the Measuring?

[SouthernBeagles]

I always pre-measure a borderline 13 inch dog in SPO. So many factors can effect how a dog measures on a given day. I have seen dogs puff up like porcupines just by walking him into a group of other males and have seen dogs belly crawl at the sight of a large crowd. The temperature effects the height of a dog, a dog that has already ran in the field will generally measure smaller than he will first thing that morning, nerves, aggression and judges themselves.
As for judges, they aren't consistent. A beagle should be measured with all fours under him; he shouldn't be leaning or pulling back or squatting. His head should be in a natural position out in front of him (Not jacked up like you are stacking him on the bench). I have seen it all, lol. There are so many dogs being measured usually the judges just try to get it done and don't take the time to calm the dog and get him into position. As soon as he is still they drop the bar. Heck my dog alone as measures anywhere from 13 1/8 to 14 and 7/8 at "licensed" trials. His "true" measurement is approx. 14 1/4.
I witnessed and participated in measuring the same dog by several people in the judges seminar. Every time the dog was measured he was put on the stand and adjusted by the new pair of judges. Only TWO people got the same exact measurement out of I am guessing 20 new judges.
My point is there is no exact science in measuring dogs. We are measuring living animals PLUS there is the human factor. QUIT jacking their heads up! Give the dogs a time limit to relax for a measurement. Quit measuring squatting dogs!