Fee to pay Handler?

[ZoomZoom]

I have someone handling my dog at this point. She refuses to charge me because she said she doesn't charge for puppies. I was just wondering if anyone could give me some pointers on what a reasonable fee is for a handler. I am sure there are a lot of things to consider, but I don't really have an idea of where to start. Thanks.

 

[dfwmiket]

I think it varies from handler to handler, but curbside drop and one show $50 is a good starting point. I imagine the top handlers command a lot more, but that'll at least give you some vague idea. I honestly would pay my handler whatever he wanted, 'cause I think he's the best.

-Mike

 

[Newfobsessed]

I just wanted to throw this out there - I would LOVE to find a good, reasonably priced handler - $50 would be wonderful.... so if anyone knows of one in or near MD, please PM me. THANK YOU!!

 

[BluwaterNewfs]

Ringside pickup varies tremendously depending on the handler and their experience. I have heard lately $65 to $100. Many also add in travel expensive. They divide it among the clients. There can also be placement fees - if you dog goes BOB and then group placement, the better the placement, the hire fee.

 

[Sun Valley]

Hey Mike, I'd like to use your handler...

Back on the East Coast you can expect for ringside only about $90.00 to $100.00, PLUS you still will split expenses. That is for a PHA handler...many people call themselves or are just starting to handle for other people and will charge less.

Lou Ann

 

[dfwmiket]

Hey Mike, I'd like to use your handler...

Back on the East Coast you can expect for ringside only about $90.00 to $100.00, PLUS you still will split expenses. That is for a PHA handler...many people call themselves or are just starting to handle for other people and will charge less.

Lou Ann

Oh, I didn't say ours charges that, I just said it was a good starting point.:lol::lol:
Like I said, I'd pay our guy whatever he asked...and he does charge more than that $50.(Of course, locally here he probably IS one of the best!) I've also decided this whole dog show business can be mighty expensive!!

 

[KatieB]

I am showing Mojo on my own...certainly a learning experience and it's not as easy as it appears to be for those pros!! We have taken handling classes from a pro handler and I am going to take a few more private lessons with another handler so I can better learn how to present and move my dog.

We did hire a handler for the National but she did not charge much because Mojo was a puppy. Given her talent she could've charged us a lot lot more...although she did keep the winnings from his sweeps placement which apparently is part of the deal. I have looked at rates for a few handlers in our area and seems to be $75 to $100 for ringside plus expenses and bonuses.

 

[ZoomZoom]

I am showing Mojo on my own...certainly a learning experience and it's not as easy as it appears to be for those pros!! We have taken handling classes from a pro handler and I am going to take a few more private lessons with another handler so I can better learn how to present and move my dog. .

I am preparing to handle Scarlet myself...I am just so nervous! First, there are the clothes...I will only wear pants, jacket must be closed so as not to flap around, color of outfit needs to highlight the color of the dog, shoes flat for running around, need a pocket for the treats, no place to put a comb....and that is just about me... :darn: She was in the ring for the first time last week and I thought I would throw up...and I had someone else doing the handling... I know it will get better. This weekend I need to be prepared to go handle her because the handler might have to work with a dog who could actually win their CH this weekend. So....I agree...it certainly isn't as easy as they make it appear and that is why I am convinced that I want to give her something for her time and talent. She has taught me a lot already and been very patient with my zillion questions. I can't just keep buying her gifts. I feel like I should give her some cash.

Thanks everyone for the information. As usual...you guys are right there when us newbie newfie owners need help.

 

[pecanpiepatti]

Plus there are some great books our there - we were given Raising a Champion - A Beginner's Guide to Showing Dogs when we picked up our boys. Loads of practical advice.

 

[janices]

Depends on area of the country probably. Last fees I paid were $75 for ringside pickup. I think it's up to around $80 - 100 or so for ringside pickup depending on handler.

 

[Ginny]

I guess I'm lucky, but I've never been charged travel expenses for ringside pick up for a regular show - for the National, yes.

George Alston runs a great 2 day handling seminar which I took a month or so ago. You have to have a thick skin, but his class was well worth the money.

A tidbit I learned at his seminar: amateur owner/handler, in his opinion, is not the way to go. My Jill finished her CH out of that class but that was shortly after it was first offered. At a show in the summer, I showed Addy out of that class and didn't get any points. The owner of the bitch that won, numerous people ringside, and a pro handler said Addy should have taken it. AOH class was the only thing we could figure was the problem. Who knows, but I'll not be entering that class again...

 

[Capri]

Probably a dumb question, but why don't you guys try showing the dogs yourselves? In Europe there is no such thing as amateur handlers for newfs (well there are, but litterally none are used). It can be fun in the ring with your dog, and it's not at all as difficult as it might sound at first (after you learn the few tricks). And you can be extra proud when your dog finishes CH, because you did it together .

 

[dee]

That's not a dumb question, Bettina. There are many reasons why folks 'hire' handlers--politics/influence, physically not able to handle their dogs and actual fear of the ring are probably the top 3 reasons--IMO. And some dogs actually 'need' a handler to finish to over come inefficiencies--kind of goes with the politics/influence thing.

I personally think the AOH class actually works against the AOH. Kind of like the novice class. Just the AKC --in their mind--trying to even the playing field between AOH and the Pro's. There was a lot of discussion on Showdogs-L when this was being initiated.

All of us who do handle our own dogs or have in the past have gone through the bumps in the road of learning to present our dogs and , too, also learn what judges won't judge by the 'other end of the lead'.

 

[Newfobsessed]

Plus there are some great books our there - we were given Raising a Champion - A Beginner's Guide to Showing Dogs when we picked up our boys. Loads of practical advice.

Thanks!! I am going to order it. Anything would be a help.

 

[dee]

That's an excellent book and is very easy to read and understand! You won't be disappointed. Enjoy and good luck!

 

[plafleursr]

When is Scarlet showing ? We have to go there to pick up food.

 

[Newfobsessed]

That's an excellent book and is very easy to read and understand! You won't be disappointed. Enjoy and good luck!

Thanks!! I certainly need it and so does my poor boy, who could most likely get points if he had a capable handler...well we'll see after I read this book. Thanks again.

 

[newfmom123]

That's not a dumb question, Bettina. There are many reasons why folks 'hire' handlers--politics/influence, physically not able to handle their dogs and actual fear of the ring are probably the top 3 reasons--IMO. And some dogs actually 'need' a handler to finish to over come inefficiencies--kind of goes with the politics/influence thing.

I personally think the AOH class actually works against the AOH. Kind of like the novice class. Just the AKC --in their mind--trying to even the playing field between AOH and the Pro's. There was a lot of discussion on Showdogs-L when this was being initiated.

All of us who do handle our own dogs or have in the past have gone through the bumps in the road of learning to present our dogs and , too, also learn what judges won't judge by the 'other end of the lead'.

Couldn't have said it better!!

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Mary, it probably is a good idea to pay your handler something now since she may not charge for pups since she figures she will be handling them as an adult. So this is somewhat of an investment in the future for her. But since you have your own plans to show Scarlet yourself one day, then it won't work out for the handler that way.
In the meantime, finding a good handling class will be the best way for you to gain confidence and experience.

 

[KatieB]

Well said Dee!!! I know I sure learned a lot this weekend and got some good tips on how to better handle Mojo in future shows. I personally feel it will be so rewarding to finish Mojo handling him myself much in the same way that gaining other titles (rally, obedience, draft, water) is so rewarding. So wanting to handle him myself is a bit for selfish reasons because I want that thrill in the ring with him when we do win and I also don't want to pay a handler for something I can do on my own...I'd rather go shopping