Advice for a Brand New Handler?

NKlein

NKlein

Member
Hey, all,

I took my first handling class with Boatswain last night and am feeling a little overwhelmed. I don't feel like I have an experienced handler to show me the ropes (our breeder is four hours away, which isn't too far, but not close enough to really lean on). I really want to give this a fair shot, but right now I'm wondering if I'm just being naive by thinking I can do this. For a handler who is just looking to have fun with her dog and get some experience in the ring what should I expect? What should I be doing? Should I be reading certain books? Should I be taking some grooming classes (I'm only half joking about that one! :)

With Byron I was much more focused on obedience and that seems to be my comfort zone. Showing is very different, at least from my very limited experience, and I feel like a fish out of water. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.
 
janices

janices

New member
Good beginning book on conformation showing is 'Raising A Champion: A Beginner's Guide to Showing Dogs'
http://www.thewelltraineddog.com/
Goes through all the basics from how to fill out an entry to counting points, etc. Talk to your breeder about having them show you show grooming and what supllies you will need or have them point you to somebody that may be closer who can go through show grooming with you and mentor you. Most of all go out and 'Have fun!'
 
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Ginny

Ginny

New member
AKC introduced a new class in January called amateur/owner/handler. It's for those who own their dogs and have never been or worked for a professional handler. I entered that class at the Louisville Cluster, not knowing if it would be the kiss of death or not. My mentor advised that I give it a shot. She felt that the judge would look more carefully at the dog and forgive some handler errors. The show prior to this, I had Jill in the open class and before that she was always in the puppy classes. Well, she won her class (we were the only ones in it!) and went on to take Best of Winners and Best of Opposite. She finished her championship that day, so it wasn't the kiss of death for me.

If you're looking for gaining experience and having fun, I'd say go into that class. It's an optional class so not all shows will offer it. From all I've heard, Am Bred tends to be the kiss of death unless you're at a specialty.
 
BluwaterNewfs

BluwaterNewfs

New member
I think before you go entering any real shows, you need to attend some more handling classes. This is something new for both you and your puppy. You are both learning and it is not something that can be mastered in a class or 2. Then I would do a few matches (practice shows), many clubs, regional and all breed, hold them as a fun event.
 
Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
When Evan came here at 4 mths I decided to show him.
I found some good handling classes and did about 8 of them, learning as much as I could.
He was shown by his breeder in the CA National at 6 1/2 mths, this gave me a great opportunity to learn about grooming from all the "pros" there and how to conduct myself in the ring by observing!

Back up in Canada Evan and I ventured forth to get a Can. CH. It was a new situation for me, I have done obedience, draft etc for 20+ yrs, never conformation.

In 4 shows we achieved our goal, Can CH Evan:dance01:
I do realise that it is easier to get a Can Ch compared to an Am one, but the showing principles are the same.

I am writing to tell you this because at the ripe old age of 65 yrs I got in the conformation ring AND achieved my goal!!!!!!!
So, take lessons, study shows, ask for help etc and you CAN do it, (just like Ginny)
 
NKlein

NKlein

Member
This is all very encouraging, thank you so much!

Janice, I'm going to order that book right now--thanks for the recommendation! Also, great idea to spend a day with our breeder so she can show me how she prepares her dogs. I know she's busy, but I think she'd be happy to do it.

Ginny, thanks for letting me know about this class, it sounds perfect. I read on the AKC website that the class is open to dogs who are 6 months or older which is nice because it gives me 2 more months to continue the handling classes (Boatswain turned 4 months yesterday). I found an AKC show that is relatively close at the end of June, how do I find out if they offer that class? Do I email the Kennel Club that is hosting the event?

Joan, I definitely want to keep going to classes--I'm committed to going to this handling class for at least five more weeks and then I think I might take the next level of obedience so I can break it up a little. We just came out of an obedience class, though, and I don't want to overwhelm Bo. For now I'm going to stick with handling and re-evaluate in another month. I do want to go to more shows--I've been to a few to meet the parents of potential litters when we were still deciding on a breeder, but I wasn't as focused on the handlers. I volunteered to be a steward at a show and go last week and hope to keep doing those types of activities.

Angela, congrats on really going for it and doing so well! That is very encouraging!! Go Evan!!
 
Ginny

Ginny

New member
It'll be listed in the premium list that comes out prior to the show. You can access them online if they're not yet getting to you via snail mail. Once you enter a few shows, the Premiums will find their way to you! You also can contact the various superintendents and ask to be on the mailing list.

Joan's idea about the puppy matches is great. The judges often will guide you through those and offer suggestions.

Also, watching the pros in the Group Rings was very helpful to me.
 
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KatieB

KatieB

New member
I am in the same boat as you :) Mojo is our first show pup and I had no clue what I was doing even though I'm kind of comfortable in obedience and draft. I have been in handling classes every week with Mojo since he was 3 months old. He is now 6 months old so we've had a little over 3 months of classes. I did not start feeling comfortable in class until the last few weeks. OUr class is taught by a professional handler who is wonderful and without him I would feel so much more out of place. We did two puppy matches last weekend and I thought we did pretty well. We're entered in our first real show this weekend so I'll let you know how it goes. I am just focusing on having fun with Mojo and making sure we both enjoy it. I did have his breeder help me with grooming and how to get him ready for the shows and she was fabulous to spend a whole day with me showing me things. I also have a friend who lives close and shows and she is going to help me get Mojo ready this weekend and get us through our first show. So I think if you can find a good handling class and go consistently and also find someone close to you who shows and can help you that would be great. I'd also visit your breeder for grooming tips and advice prior to your first match. Just have fun with it and it will come in time...just takes some practice like everything else.
 
NKlein

NKlein

Member
I can't wait to hear how you do, Katie! Good luck! It's great to hear stories of others who are in the same boat. Bo's breeder teaches a handling class and we're going to set up a time soon for me to come out so I can work with her on the handling and grooming. I hopy you have a fantastic time this weekend!
 
C

chris nanney

New member
I've only dabbled in shows with our Bernese, but here are my experiences. When I first started, I had a friend give me some lessons. She had shown Brittanys and GSD's. I got what she told me hands down and went from there.

Now that my son is showing in jr's, we went to a handling class. There, he learned some different things from the teacher.

At a show, I asked a professional handler, who has plenty of junior experience with Bernese, along with showing Newfs and other breeds, to give my son some quick tips. From her, he learned another tip or two.

A couple of weekends ago, another handler gave my son a few more tips which further enhanced his handling skills. This handler teaches jr. showmanship handling classes. I learned more once again.

My point. When you go to shows, ask advice from people who know. And from what I've learned most recently, people with experience in jr. showmanship and teaching juniors, can really help you hone your technique.
 
moonsailnewf

moonsailnewf

New member
First thing is just have FUN! That's the most important thing to remember. If you're having fun, your dog is having fun and a happy dog shows MUCH better than one that is feeling your frustration going right down the lead! :sunflower:

It sounds to me like you are attending more of a drop in class where everyone knows what they are doing and you're rather left in the dust.

I remember that overwhelming feeling as well. Until I found a class specifically for beginners. We were taught the very basics from how to hold the lead, to how to stack a dog, bait, ring patterns, etc.

If your class is not specifically set up for beginners, I'd look for another class. You'll be surprised at how much more at ease you'll be. There's still a learning curve, but there was in obedience too! Imagine jumping into a drop in Ob class without knowing what you're doing!

Another book I would recommend is "Show Me - A Dog Showing Primer" by D. Carolyn Coile - I bought several beginners books while starting out, but this one is my favorite.

If you're breeder is too far away to help, perhaps he/she can hook you up with an experienced show person closer to you? You may even want to consider a weekend trip to your breeders for some intensive handling sessions!

When you think you're ready, attend some fun matches in your area. The local kennel clubs put them on and many times there will be a match in conjunction with a dog show.

Here's something that came across a list I am on. Have not seen the video, and have no personal or financial interest in it, but do intend to purchase it as the proceeds go to a very good cause.

-----Original Message-----


I would like to make everyone on this list aware of a special handling
video which is scheduled to be released in late May featuring Bill &
Taffy McFadden, Valerie Nunez Atkinson, Marj Brooks, Laurie Jordan Fenner,
Amy Rutherford and Doris Boyd.

Handling Secrets Uncovered is being sold to raise money for the
Concerned Dog Owners of California (CDOC) Legal Fund. This legal fund will
be used to continue to pay fees for the lawsuit against the City of Los
Angeles and it will also be available for other legal action against
unconstitutional mandatory spay and neuter ordinance in California and
around the country. So not only will you improve your handling skills and
ring awareness you will make sure we have the funding to continue opposing
the draconian and over-reaching legislation backed by HSUS and other animal
extremists. So wherever you live, please make sure you order this two hour
plus DVD. This fund will be used to oppose inappropriate legislation
wherever it is
found.

The DVD will be sold for $50 plus tax/shipping but through May 10,
the DVD is available for $40 including tax and shipping. You can pre-order
by making checks payable to CDOC Action (include your Name, Address, City,
State, Zip, email address, phone number and mail to CDOC, 22647 Ventura Blvd
#108, Woodland Hills, CA 91364) or you can order via paypal
at_<http://cdoca. org/support% 20CDOC/handlingv ideohtml.
html_>http://cdoca. org/support% 20CDOC/handlingv ideohtml.
html_(http://cdoca. org/support% 20CDOC/handlingv ideohtml. html)

Permission to Crosspost.

Sharon Shilkoff

Good Luck!!! It all looks like greek right now, but you'll get the hang of it, just hang in there!!!! THEN you'll be addicted!!!! BTW, feel free to PM me, I'll be happy to help long distance in any way I can!!!! :nod:

Kathy
 
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