how do you go about finding someone who will handle dog for you at shows? really want to show but have two very small children and although going to ringcraft i just don't see how i can do shows with them at the moment but would like to get my girl out there. ideally would like someone who can handle to start with then further down the line when children are older and can bring along extra set of eyes, arms etc. i can do it. p.s. how do you do those smiley faces?

Does the breeder of your dog show? Maybe he/she would be happy to do it. :-). (Colon, dash, close bracket, no spaces)

She doesn't have enough hands! And she is lucky enough to have someone else show my girl's litter sister for her. :-) thank you :-)

How about asking people at your ringcraft?  At least they are in the same area as you. :) As you are looking for someone to take your dog, show her and bring her back that could  get quite costly.....

If you can get to shows, try to make friends with others in your breed, they may well be willing to take your girl in, or at least keep an eye on the kids while you do! I always enjoy handling other people's dogs, but most of my friends of course like to show their own. :-)

You do not say which area you are living. Just a rough idea, nearest major town or similar. Then someone may be able to give you more specific help. Be careful though, don't get talked into paying a lot of money for help. Sometimes there will be an excellent junior who could help if their parents are going on the same day. As others have said one of the best plae to ask is at ringcraft, but I would suggest you ask the trainers first, as some people may not be quite as good as they think they are. Get second opinions. Maybe try yourself at a few more local shows that the children can go with you ( not allowed to run riot as some do, though I am sure that would not be so for you)

mayebe a competant and older JH would be interested?

> You do not say which area you are living. Just a rough idea, nearest major town or similar. Then someone may be able to give you more specific help. Be careful though, don't get talked into paying a lot of money for help. Sometimes there will be an excellent junior who could help if their parents are going on the same day. As others have said one of the best place to ask is at ringcraft, but I would suggest you ask the trainers first, as some people may not be quite as good as they think they are. Get second opinions. Maybe try yourself at a few more local shows that the children can go with you ( not allowed to run riot as some do, though I am sure that would not be so for you)

thank you everyone for your ideas, will try at ringcraft - only just started and don't know any one! we live in fife and could probably travel to Scottish/borders shows to meet someone. In time we would like to go in the ring ourselves but at the moment beginner leading beginner doesn't sound great to me! Our wee ones are 7mths and 2 and at the moment I wouldn't know if OH could come and help until the week of the show. This is why we haven't shown her so far because OH's work changed and I'm not wanting to be one of the people who lets their kids run free at shows. :-)

Just a little note.

I myself handle many different breeds for many different people at shows all over the county. To name a few, American Cocker Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, German Spitz, Papillion, Chihuahua, Whippet, BMD, Estrella Mountain Dog, Labradors, Curly Coated Retrievers, Border Terriers, Shetland Sheepdogs, CKCS, Tibetan Terriers and thats just off the top of my head!! As you see some are free standing some are staking some are table dogs, etc... there are many other handlers my age who have been taken on my big names for their talents and do NOT charge for it... unlike some of the BIG names in the world of dog showing!!

I adore it and I am sure there would be someone out there who would love to handle a new breed! You don't necessarily need someone who lives near you just who is going to the shows that you are, I have handled for people who live 200 miles away but were going to the show that I was :)

I have handled many breeds and been awarded high placements, CC's RCC's BOB's etc. Look outside of your breed aswell and if you see someone who you would like to show for you then just ask.

I do not ask people to handle their dogs I have them come to me and ask me to handle, I feel this way that they have seen how I can handle and have appreciated it and also I have not put the owner under pressure to let me show because I am younger.

Plus many of the younger handlers put the older ones to shame!! Sorry but we do!

Hope this helps, but there are people out there who are very willing and be very happy to show for other people!!

> mayebe a competant and older JH would be interested?

I agree with Sam, a good enthusiastic Junior handler would seem a good bet for you.
If you have a GSD... around the ring you often find handlers toting their wares. All asking for money of course.

Plus many of the younger handlers put the older ones to shame!! Sorry but we do!

There are also alot of competant adult handlers!  You only have to go the the adult handling finals to see that there is even quality in the older age group! 

Also the quality of the juniors is nothing like what it used to be.  To even look at getting a place at champ shows you had to be the most polished handler especially in the 12-16 group.  Nowdays the quality isn't as strong but I would like to add....It's coming back!!!!!!!! :-D

I was asked the other day if I would show someones dog, the dog would live with me for 4 months of the year and in that time I would do the show circuit in the UK.  The owner was offering all expenses paid for all shows (entries, petrol) plus basic keep of dog (food) and for handling and "kenneling" £200 a month!  I turned the offer down as I can't bring a male dog into the house at current.

Please note this was an offer, not what I asked for.  I infact don't charge anything for my handling (although donations towards uni book (beer) fund is always appriceated!