I have long had an interest in becoming a handler. I am having a difficult time finding out how to start or get a leg in the door to becoming one. Any help from breeders or handlers to becoming one would be useful and appreciated. Particularly in the state of Michigan.
2006-11-09 07:02:02 · 6 answers · asked by eshamn 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Hello fellow Novice wannabe! Just 2 years ago I had the same passion as you. I have an AKC registered Boxer and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I started by attending local kennel club classes. The first thing you need to do is attend a dog show, talk to people & network. A book that was helpful to me was the book, "Show Me" a barron publication.
Show Me! by D. Caroline Coile Ph.D. (Paperback - Jan 1, 1997)
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/103-4746703-8116600?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=show+me
Anyhow, being a handler is great, you can go all the way! It is like being a celebrities right hand man! Some handlers have all expense paid travels through the states. They spend long gruling hours on the road all for 5 minutes or less in the ring, always looking for that best and show and few points away from a championship on a new dog.
I would recommend handling your own dog at first, but gain as much insigt to breed standard, confirmation and showing as possible.
http://www.akc.org/
Best of wishes to you!!
2006-11-09 07:20:55 · answer #1 · answered by Tenners 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many handlers start in junior showmanship and then work as an assistant to a handler. It can be hard to get into, but if you are good, and become known, you will get work.
There is much more to show a dog than running around a ring. Have you taken any seminars? Read books? Shown many dogs? Met any handlers?
Get out there and start learning and showing.
2006-11-09 15:13:04 · answer #2 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you know a handler, see if you could possibly apprentice for them. Duties would probably include: grooming, getting the dogs ready to go into the ring, loading and unloading supplies. You'll get a foot in the door, and see alot of behind the scene activity that is involved.
2006-11-09 15:18:46 · answer #3 · answered by Pam 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd recommend attending some of the dog shows and talking with the other handlers, breeders, owners, judges and get to know the breed of dog you would like to handle and show. I've never met anyone I didn't like or who was not friendly and helpful to me at any of the shows I have attended so far. Remember to ask lots of questions while your there too!
2006-11-09 15:14:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pretty easy really, join an All Breed Dog Club (they are the clubs that host the shows in your aria), and participate. Go to every function they have, especially their handling classes. The rest will fall into place as you gain experence.
2006-11-09 15:35:27 · answer #5 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to EVERY show you can get to!
Be DRESSED & clean & QUIET.
Pick your breed & TALK to the owners/handlers-AFTER the classes! FINISH your OWN dogs!
Offer to hold,clean-up,reach for the catalog,fix the rubber band on the armband.........TAKE handling CLASSES!!!
ENTER JUNIORS!!!
Do SCUT-WORK for YEARS!!!!
2006-11-09 15:16:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋