Owner/Handler Class

I have been watching a discussion on Facebook about  this class.  So many of these classes are being offered for the simple purpose of increasing entries.  I have no real issue in finding ways to increase entries but I think it needs to be a worthwhile class.  If it were up to me, we would not have Top Dog, either but that is a discussion for another day.   I can hear the readers clicking off my blog as I typed that. 

How can owner/handler class be defined?  Is it for all owner/handlers?  That would include Professional Handlers that also own their dog and show it.  I can think of many Professional Handlers that have breeding programs and show their own dogs.  Is it for newbies, amateurs, or  those that  picked up a puppy and a lead and showed up?   Is it a source of pride for those that have never had a professional on their dogs and it's a way to make a statement?  Was it designed to stop all the whining about Professional Handlers always winning against Owner/Handlers? 

 

Well what's the point of this class?  To me there is NO POINT!  We have well established classes that serve the same purpose.   I will list them here:

·         Baby Puppy

·         Junior Puppy

·         Senior Puppy

·         Open Class

·         Bred By

·         Specials

·         Veterans

·         and for fun and in my opinion a good test of temperament and movement:  Brace

Conformation doesn't need a class that makes Owner/Handlers look like second class citizens.  Owner/Handlers are 95% of the entries.  Owner/Handlers need to do their work, stop whining and have pride.

Owner/Handlers need to be sure they are doing the following things:

·         Bring your best at their best to show (bathed, groomed, trained)

·         Make sure you have made yourself an expert on your breed's standard, structure,  and movement (read, ask questions, spend time talking with successful breeders)

·         Take handling classes and perfect your techniques

·         Watch the pros.  Learn their handling style.  What are they doing that you can learn from.   When do they arrive to the ring.  What are they doing in the ring.  Are they keeping their dogs relaxed and enjoying the experience.  Are they relaxed.

·         Many  Owner/Handlers work full-time jobs that helps to support their dog showing, but you can't be a slacker when it comes to training your dog for the ring or yourself for handling.  That can't be an excuse on why you aren't winning.  No one is holding a gun to your head making you show your dog, so it's your choice on how prepared and polished you and your dog are.  If you want to compete, you must be competitive!

·         Dress for success in the ring.  If you show up with a  short tight skirt, low cut top, frayed jacket or clothes you would do yard work in, don't expect to be taken seriously.  You should be dressed comfortably, but in neat, pressed, and well fitted clothes.  Your shoes should be appropriate for walking briskly or running around the ring.  Why do I constantly see sandals in the ring?  How are sandals sturdy enough for ring work?  Make sure your hair and nails are neat and clean.  Don't wear excessive jewelry that will jingle and jangle all around the ring and be a distraction. 

·         Remember that the judge has the responsibility to manage the ring time. A cheerful hello is appropriate.  But unless you are asked a question, keep conversation to a minimum.  And remember to give short, clear concise answers to questions and listen for your ring instructions and follow them.

·         Remember, it's not good enough to only have  an understanding of your breed, you should have some all around knowledge of what meets the standard in the other breeds in your group.  I have Standard Wirehair Dachshunds, but I should know if the Irish Wolfhound in the group ring with me is meeting that standard.  I should appreciate that if all things are equal, the judge's decision if they don't place me, I can be proud I competed against some of the best.

·         Good sportsmanship.  I see so little good sportsmanship, it is shocking.  The behaviour I have witnessed and the things I've overhead being said is ridiculous.  All the stomping off, jerking your dog's neck out of joint and cursing and swearing does nothing but make you look childish and undeserving.  You should take a loss with as much dignity that you would a win.  If you are so affected by a loss, you may never be a real winner.

·         Find a mentor if you are new.  Don't be afraid to ask for help and suggestions on how to improve.  Get help with grooming. 

·         Be a mentor.  We all know what a newbie looks like.  We have all been a newbie at some endeavor.   Extend a helping hand.  Offer a smile and an encouraging word.  Let them know they have found a friend among the crowd.

·         If you do most of these things, if you make a handling mistake in the ring occasionally, it will be forgiven.

I want to talk about Professional Handlers, now. 

Yes most have spent their entire lives in dogs, learning their trade, honing their skills.  Yes, due to the fact this is how they make their living, they are going to be seen more by judges at more shows and over many more years.  Some Professional Handlers started in Juniors when they were very young and they have come up through the ranks with many of the judges.  They have slept in their vans, made sure the dogs in their charge ate before them and many times better than them, and they have bathed in many a show venue bathroom, before they made it as a professional handler.  They could not walk into your place of work and perform your job without study, practice and instruction from more experienced persons. 

Lyle and I have taken other people's dogs with us to shows in the USA and shown them as a favour.   No offence to anyone we have done this for, but it's a pain to keep up with all those dogs, worried something may happen to them while in our care and worried we won't show them well and we will disappoint  their owner.  There is absolutely nothing glamorous about being a Professional Handler.  To me it seems like their day is never done.

My experience has been, if you walk up to a Professional and ask intelligent, sincere questions, they are more than willing to help you.  Professionals are more than willing to give you handling  advise, grooming advice and they will even watch ringside to see if they can detect ways you can improve.

 

I don't think Professional Handlers are the enemy.  I think it is narrow minded thinking that is the enemy.

Now to talk about judges!

Do judges sometimes reward a professional handler when their dog is perhaps not the best?  YES.  Is this the Professional Handler's doing? NO.  The judge is assigned to make a decision that day. Judges on the whole try to get it right.  I don't always agree with the judge's decision, but I paid my money and willingly showed up ready to show to the judge to get their opinion.  Sometimes, I think I see something glaringly incorrect on a dog and the judge still rewards it.  Ok, am I fault judging and not allowing myself to see other attributes that may outweigh what I think is a fault.  Many judges will tell you that handlers many times don't do their dog justice in the ring by the way we are handling.  We move our dogs too fast or too slow.  We are stringing them up or we are allowing them to move on a too loose lead and don't have enough control over their movement.  They think we show our own frustration and take it out in rough handling the dog.  Judges complain about baiting a dog on the table when they are trying to examine its mouth.  Who wants to look into a mouth full of bait?

I am a believer that many times, Judges are presented with such average exhibits that they question themselves when they see a really nice correct exhibit.  I also believe that just as the Professional Handler had to earn their stripes and pay their dues,  we Owner/Handlers must do the same.  Unless you walk in the ring with what would be considered a world renown, breathtaking specimen of the likes the world has never seen, you will have to present your dog well and earn your stripes.  Also, there are other well groomed, prepared Owner/Handlers you are competing that are showing dogs that are older, more experienced and are deserving of the win. 

If you don't appreciate a judge's decisions or you think the judge is a complete moron, put them on your "Don't show" list.  It's your money and money talks and if that judge consistently does not get the entries they will get the idea.  If you decide to discuss with your friends or other exhibitors why the judge was wrong in their decision, you better be prepared to know what you are talking about and to be challenged.  You should be capable of stating clearly and correctly what was wrong with the winning dog(s).   You may be talking to a group that is nodding  and saying to your face that you are right, but unless you can demonstrate why you are right, they will not have much respect for you or your opinion.  Contrary to what you want to accomplish, you will just be considered a whiner.

 If a group of people stop you on your way out of the ring, saying you were robbed the win by bad judging.  You should be able to recognize those that really are ringside whiners and those that can really explain to you and be correct why they are right in their assessment.   There is a lot of fanny kissing and alliance building in this sport that if the same energy were to be spent becoming a real expert,  I bet everyone would find more enjoyment.

What I think helps you be a better exhibitor:

Patience, education, determination, thick skin and a charitable spirit will take you further in this sport than whining, gossiping  and bullying.

Now an Announcement

I have been working on a Canadian Owner/Handler Association for about a year.  We are in the process of getting ready to take our association to the CKC for their endorsement.

 I want to make this crystal clear......this association is not designed to be a bitch group, bashing Professional Handlers.  It is designed to offer educational seminars to Owner/Handlers in all things dogs.  It is meant to give a voice to Owner/Handlers with CKC since we are the majority.  This association is not meant to be a clearing house to mediate everyone's personal grudges, arguments or showing issues.  I am certain since there is a Canadian Professional Handlers Association, that the CKC will find value in our group. 

We need to offer some guidelines and code of ethics for the majority of exhibitors, which are the Owner/Handlers.  This is a national association and we plan to offer the latest in technology to make attending meetings, voting and having a voice as easy and convenient as possible. 

 If you are interested in being a member of this group, please email me your name, phone number, address and email address.  Remember as in all things to be successful, it will require you to offer your talents and time to the group by serving as a officer, board member, committee member or member in good standing.  I hope to hear from each of you requesting a membership application.  Email be at:  djenkins@shaw.ca

Reproductive Veterinary Service in Hamilton, Ontario Area

I am using a great young vet in Hamilton that I like a lot.  I have really put him through his paces and Lyle and I attended Cara's C-section and assisted with newborns.  He is very knowledgeable in canine reproduction and currently can do everything except freeze and store semen.  He has an interest in adding this to his practice, but it's very expensive to get started.  He would like to know if there is an interest in that type of service in the Hamilton, Ontario area. 

If you would like to have this type service available, please email me and let me know your thoughts.

djenkins@shaw.ca

The Canadian Dog Fancier Magazine is now offering  Dog Fanciers another excellent product.  It's weekly summary of dog shows is a budget friendly way to get your advertising out there without sacrificing quality of artwork or audience.  The ad prices are unbelievable.  It's a great way to supplement  your magazine advertising.  You get the same great service as you get from the magazine.  Plus it's a great way to keep up with who's who in the winning world of Canadian Dog Shows.

I'm sure Angel Wagner would be happy if you contacted her about finding you a great spot in the upcoming summary!  Contact Angel Wagner at  angel@canadiandogfancier.com

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

XXXOOO