Has anyone ever used a professional handler?? Is anyone on here a Handler?? Just wondering if it would be worth looking into, I work full time and really struggle to get to some shows, but I really want to "campaign" one of my girls....just not sure whether it would be feasible, would it be better to go into partnership with a new hound with someone who goes to all the shows etc...but not really sure if I'd be happy with that - I'm a big believer in my hounds being part of my life etc......any advice would be welcome...

Must admit me for me it wouldn't be the same someone else handling my dogs and winning, much prefer to do it myself.  Though with costs these days for entries, petrol etc. I can't afford to go to many shows.

I must admit I don't like other people handling my dogs (even though I'm sure someone would make a better job at times).  Then I have no one else to blame except myself.  I like the bond I have with my dogs.  I often handle for other people & have done so from a young age but I'm certainly not a professional (as Perrodeagua will assure everyone ;-))

Having said that, there are days I dearly wish I could just drop all my responsibilities & travel across the country to all the shows I want to enter.  I'd love to go to Ireland but committments & money sadly mean not.

Have been in partnership with someone whereby the lady kept the dog & I handled him - she then gave him to me when I made him up :-).  That was slightly different though as my mum bred him & we had a reasonable bond to start with.  But to be honest we did far more winning once he actually lived with me.  Also I trusted this lady, partnerships are always very hard on friendships.

I like to handle my friend's dogs occasionally, either if she's entered 2 in a class, or with one of my friends as she can't get her youngster to behave, whereas he knows he can't play me up! But I don't think I'd like to do it professionally. I've also had other people handle my dogs occasionally, but I do prefer to do it myself. :-)

I would always prefer to handle my own dogs, but then I wonder if it's me letting them down in the ring?? And maybe a professional would be able to get the most out of them?? Just one of the fleeting thoughts that skit across my mind sometimes.......