Junior handler is the next step up from Pro Trainer on Nintendogs- you need to get 5000 trainer points to move up to that level.
Oh did you mean real dogs? x
2007-01-18 02:52:17
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answer #1
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answered by Georgie 5
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Becoming a professional handler for the breed ring (and anywhere else) is a long process, time consuming and a lot of work. Figure it'll probably take 6 months or more until you find a handler that is willing to hire you.
First, plan on giving up your weekends. There are dogs shows all but about 2 weekends a year and professional handlers are almost always at a show somewhere in the country.
Second, you need to go to dog shows and just start watching...this will let you get a feel for the environment before you even consider it. Then you need to join a dog club as a plan old worker bee. Show up for events, do what everyone tells you and just learn. Nothing is beneath you at this point.
Once you figure out what breeds (i.e working, terrier etc) you are interested in handling, find out who the professional handlers in your area are and approach them. If you have no real experience showing and with dogs, you are going to have to be very convincing (and they may not even want to hire you until you do).
If someone hires you, be prepared to be the guy that pooper-scoops, loads and unloads the vehicles, does all the running around errands. If you have no dog experience, they may not let you start working with the dogs for many months to be sure you are serious and see what kind of work ethic you have.
Figure once you get to the point where you are actually walking the dogs you may not even get into the ring with one for 6 months to a year or more. This depends on the size of the string of dogs, the breeds involved and the temperments of the dogs).
Once you are actually a major component of the handlers operation, and you have learned how to groom etc, fogure on working for atleasts 7 to 10 years, before you can go out on your own.
If you were born into dogs or have been involved since you were a kid, or are currently involved in dogs, the process would be a little quicker.
I actually considered becoming a professional handler, and worked for somone (now retired) for about 5 years while I was in juniors (you age out at 18). Had i continued to work for him, I would probably have started my own business about 2/3 years ago (i'm currently 26).
Also keep in mind, that the majority of professional handlers also own and operate a kennel. This is actually where they make their most profit. This is a hard life, and not something one can go into half-asked. It's a lifestyle and one that I did not want to live.
2007-01-18 03:04:32
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answer #2
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answered by Lauren P 3
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If you're talking about conformation handling, most handlers start as junior handlers and work at it for years. You need to find a really good professional handler to apprentice with if you want to handle a lot of dogs. If it's your own dog, you go to handling classes to teach both you and the dog.
2007-01-18 03:05:07
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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If you want to be a show dog handler then I'd join a club or society that offers Ring Craft classes & get some training. You'll get all the advice you need there.
Most clubs or societies now offer a handling class in their show (both adult & junior).
I'd search on 'ringcraft classes' to find a club or society near you.
If you wanted to be a Police dog handler then you have to be a 'regular' police officer for two years - once this probabtionary period is up then you can apply to join the dog handling unit.
Oh - just found ths site listing careers that involve dog handling & advice on what to do - hope you find it helpful:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/profiles/profile644/
2007-01-18 03:03:13
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answer #4
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answered by Solow 6
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Handle a dog.
2007-01-18 02:49:45
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answer #5
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answered by Rental 2
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Get yourself a dog if you don't allready have one and find a local club to go to - they will teach you basic handling and will know where to go for further training.
2007-01-18 06:31:58
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answer #6
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answered by MyNutmeg 6
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For what - conformation or training?
2007-01-18 02:53:50
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answer #7
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answered by melissa k 6
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