Thousands of people will attend a dog show on any given weekend.

Although the dogs provide the entertainment, two-legged visitors are known to perform impromptu Stupid People Tricks by letting kids run loose, sticking hands where they don't belong and doing stunts with food and drink in the presence of canines who must be coifed to perfection.

Since the role of Goofy is better left to the Disney character, here is some advice for meeting the furry guests of honor, learning about the breeds from their owners and navigating the hall.

There is no Emily Post guide to dog-show etiquette. This advice comes from breeders and handlers:

Ask permission before approaching the stars. At a bench show -- the dogs are required to stay in cubbyholes when they're not competing. That gives visitors the rare opportunity to see the dogs up close, pet them and ask their handlers questions.

People have a tendency to take babies in strollers and shove them face-first into the dogs, Kids often sprint for the object of their desire and execute a bear hug. People of all ages smile and stare the dogs in the eye. If you've leaned in to a dog, that's a sign of dominance. If you've made eye contact and smiled, those can be signs of aggression. You never know how the dog will respond.

Don't open cages or crates, or stick fingers in them. It's the dog's domain. Most of the dogs are quite socialized and trained, but it's always best to be careful. Keep cotton-candy-sticky hands off the fur coats. You could ruin someone's day. Avoid petting dogs in the grooming area. You'll know the widespread pooch salon by the blow dryers buzzing, powder flying and manicures going on.

Don't feed the animals. Not with dog treats brought from home. Not with people food. Avoid eating or drinking close to ringside or strolling the aisles with hot dog in hand. A dog's sense of smell is many times greater than a human's. Combine that with a show dog's expertise in bait training, and the snack is more likely to wind up in the dog's stomach than in yours.

Leave the dogs alone while they're trying to do their business. The dogs have to relieve themselves in fenced areas called pee pens. Give them privacy.

Watch your step. Remember those pee pens? Well, dogs don't always hold it until they get there. Or they refuse to go there. Accidents can happen anywhere.

Don't bring your own dog. As much as you love your dog, it's not likely to be as well-behaved as a show dog.

Be nice to breeders Be patient. Often there are lines of people waiting to speak to breeders. Their conversations are usually in-depth. Make sure it's a good time to ask questions. A scolding could be in the offing for those who attempt to quench their curiosity while the dog is in the ring. The best time to ask a question is while the breeder or handler is sitting with the dog in the bench areas. The worst time is just before the dog enters the show ring. Often it's OK to ask questions while the dog is being groomed, but ask first.

If you're shopping around for a dog, do some research. Dogs can't be bought at the show, but you can meet prospective sellers. The best shopper is armed with information for a more meaningful conversation with breeders.

If you're allergic or sensitive to cosmetic products, avoid the grooming tables. Otherwise, watching a dog undergo a beauty treatment is very entertaining.