Wondering if anyone on here has every advertised for a trainer / handler for any of their show dogs ?
I have a beautiful home bred boy at the moment hes 11 months old and due to other commitments  I just can't get him trained and out. Its such a shame. I had him entered for Birmingham this week but again haven't had the time to do any lead work or anything with him so another wasted entry. So I need to know how to go about getting someone to do this. I think whoever took my boy on would have to either live very local or he would need to live with them for training purposes at least at first.
Anyway any feed back if anyone knows hows best to find such a person will be  appreciated.

Do you have a local ringcraft class where possibly someone could help you out?

Over here it's not as big as in america, there are afew professional handlers around so you could possibly contact them?  It will be a long shot and will be expensive.

Maybe there's someone local to you who would be willing to learn to show?  Maybe an owner of one of the littermates?

Thanks for the reply.
I have thought of paying a pro handler and although I am willing to pay a good amount for the right person I feel its going to be to much to employ the help of a pro especially as I will need the dog training as well as showing. I know many pro's just meet the dog they are going to show ringside. This is out of the question for me at the moment I am to busy to get to the shows. I do get to odd ones but its not good enough to campain him like I want him to be. He is to good to be put in a novices hands, When he goes out I want him out there to win if you know what I mean. It's very difficult, I may just have to get used to the fact hes not going to get out there until I have more time.
Our breed in the ring is small , numbers ok but not that many exibitors so hard to find anyone within to show him.

I would think that a partnership with someone within your breed might be the best idea in this case.  If he's as nice as you think he is, you should have no problem to find an experienced partner. :)

Hi Val.
I know what your saying but the number of exibitors in our breed is small and many of the exibitors are actually breeders !!!
There are a few people that would if they could take him on but coming from pet homes they already have their quota so to speak.
But you are right there still maybe someone out there interested. Also in our breed as it seems in most , its very political sure I don't need to elaborate. I bought in a puppy last year and have put him in joint ownership with a young girl in the breed he was best puppy at crufts this year so I do know it would be the way to go if only I could find the right person.

Put the word out!  Most people would like to handle a dog who can win! ;)  And if his pedigree fits their lines ................ :)

Your probably right, I will do that and see what response I get. Of course its not a one way street the person getting their hands on him will get themselves a good name for showing a good dog.

Thanks for your time

The piece they did on pro handlers I think in one of the Crufts programs (was it Geoff Corish and his partner) showed that the dogs lived with them and were groomed and trained by them, like the true pro handlers they have in Europe and USA.

The kind of handlers you are referring to that just meet you ringside tend to be in breeds that need to be moved too faster long for many people (GSD's come to mind), and these are paid by the class, and get extra for a win etc.

In my own breed we just help each other out and ask a friend to handle when needed.  Again a fellow exhibitor in bitches might be happy to take your boy along to show for you, you would pay toward their fuel costs and meet them at a services convenient to you both.

Theres nobody lives near me that I could drop the dog off with other than people that would be competing against him ...
If there were I would have been happy to pay expenses and a fee. Also hes not trained for the ring and our breed don't swap handlers just like that, they can be hard work.
I actually phoned Geoff Corish a couple of weeks ago and he said I could take my dog down to see him but I am trying to find another option first as I am sure although he would get the best out of my dog it wouldn't come cheap . Maybe an ad in Our Dogs !?

At least you would know that the dog had reached his best potential - I'm sure that he wouldn't take on a dog who he thought that he couldn't win with????  Maybe the better option than wasting money.  I've always said that a good handler can make an OK dog look brilliant and a bad handler can make a Champion look like a Grobag - me!! :D

Of course your spot on, and that's why I'm not just throwing my dog at anyone who is willing to take him round the ring.
I would rather he stay home than be shown to his disadvantage although it would be hard to do this dog can't stand wrong. and he moves like a train. This is why I am so frustrated about my inability to get him out at the moment. I suppose it won't hurt to query cost  

And see what he offers for it? ;)  Sometimes, just sometimes, you get what you pay for and you can't find everything that you want at a car boot sale. :D

Not for sale at any price wouldn't sell this dog if I were offered £10 000. Well actually most things do have a price so won't lie £20 000 and he can go  LOL.

I'd be fascinated to know how much it would cost to place a dog with one of these handlers, not for any personal interest but just for pure noseyness!

Are there any good junior handlers at a local ringcraft class, perhaps, who have a dog of the same groups/same show days? The good juniors can knock spots of many adults, and would probably love a really promising dog to work with.

M.

I've also seen bad things with junior handlers.

Someone at the moment has a poor young dog that does breed class, two junior handling classes and at least one stakes class at a show :(  Poor thing is as flat as a pancake :(

Aah, that's why I specified a GOOD junior LOL. ;)

Assuming Kay would be doing the entries, she'd have control over what classes he was entered in anyway, surely?

M.

But what specifies a good handler?  one you like or one that does alot of winning? 

I'll shut up now... :D

A good handler is someone that knows how to work the dog to its best advantage, to get the very best out of that dog and at the same time make sure the dogs enjoying it. A good handler will alway turn out with themselves and the dog nicely presented , will be gracious in the ring to other exibitors etc. Will not let the owner of the dog down on the last moment and you get the idea of what I am saying.
I understand what your saying about getting someone who knows how to hide faults and win win win with a mediocre dog. No that's not the handler I'm after. I am a breeder and as a breeder I am not interested in hiding faults but correcting them next generation. I do have and have had dogs in the ring with a fault or two  but I wouldn't go all out to hide it, just to be judged with its faults. I play fair . This dog I have at the moment is bang on , of course he can't always win as different judges like different type but I am not after using a face to push past this. I only get a buzz from an honest win in competiton whats the point other wise. But on the otherhand I can't see the point in sending this dog in the ring with someone that isn't as good at handling as he is in construction etc. He deserves to be shown well.

Good comment though ..

From his photo it looks like it would't take a competent handler much time to show him to advantage as he seems a natural. :D

You just really spooked me !!! Haven't been on here properly for years, forgot about having a profile, soon remembered but for about 30 seconds I sat here thinking how the heck had you seen his photo  LOL .. Was very

I must admit I like being able to see what breeds people have in their profiles, which most don't.  After all in the breeding threads it isn't done on here to mention the breed when discussing litters etc.

I agree. I would not like to come on a group where people were only there to push their pups but it is nice to get to know what breeds others have.

Hummmm
Not good, I would not allow a dog of mine to be over worked in that way.
Are there many junior handlers get in the groups or best in show ? Do people think there can be some bias by a judge against a junior.
Sorry I know I'm answering with questions but just another thought about using juniors ..

There's not many young juniors who get into groups/BIS.  Normally the youngest is the 17/18 year olds however there are of course exceptions to this.

Very rarely anymore do you find a judge bias against younger handlers.  Back when I was under 14 there was alot of negative bias :(  I would often get knocked as would friends in other breeds however now that is not the case with those at a younger age.

The majority of judges will look at the dog, it's conformation and movement and it's resembalence to the  breed standard...rathe rthen the other end of the lead!

I'm not fascinated.... more scared !!! LOL. It might not be as bad as I am imagining , but if you think of kenneling fees as well as training fees and wages its not going to be a few quid is it.
The best junior handler in our breed has a dog co owned with me now and shes doing very nicely .. Unfortunately they are not ten a penny and many only ever do open shows so the chance of finding the right junior at a local training club that goes showing on the same day and whos parents are willing to cooperate !!! Well it could happen I suppose.

Worth a try, in the days I used to pay close attention to the juniors, there were certainly some talented ones out there who were limited to the pets they had at home and would have loved a quality dog to show.

If you don't mind, could you PM me if you find out about the fees for the professionals? As I say, purely for interest, my breed is thankfully largely owner-handled.

M.

Will do.
Our breed is very much the same, I don't think we have had any pro handlers so far, oh maybe one .
Its not out of pushing my dog forward I need to do this he is fab and will win on his own merit. Its more out of having to because I can't.

As frustrating as it is, if he were mine I would leave him at home untill you do have time to show him. I must confess to not seeing the point of pro handlers, the joy of showing a dog yourself and getting a ticket, making it up, winning the group whatever is what showing is all about. I'm not sure you'd get the same buzz just hearing your dog had done well?

I understand what you mean but actually I don't get that much of a buzz from showing but I still want to show my stock off and prove their worth in the breed. I love to breed these dogs and hopefully better my stock each generation which can only be proved in the ring I suppose.
Hes a grand dog and I believe if you have a really nice example they should be shown in the ring for other fanciers to see.

Fair enough, it's interesting to see it from the other side. I think I would rather try and find someone local, who was competent, that would be willing to take him out and train him and then campaign him - but again thats just my slant on it as I wouldn't want my dog to live elsewhere.

It will be interesting to hear how you get on, please post when you do choose a handler :)

Thanks for understanding another side to all of this.
I really do get a buzz from any dog I bred winning , if I still own it or not but If I just owned a dog I agree pointless exercise to have it shown for me. My dogs are kennel dogs so although I love the bones of them and all dogs come to that it is easier to have them live elsewhere but preferably I would like someone local to show him and he can come home after the shows and training sessions etc.
I would even go part ownership to make it more interesting for the handler if I found the right person. I will let you know what happens.

Hi, well for a price I would handle him for you!!! Just kidding! There is a lady called Lisa, I won't mention her second name as she might not like being bandied about CD! But she handles a veteran Newfie, who interestingly only began winning when he was a veteran...talk about slow starter! Lisa handles him, even though his breeders and owners are some of the top breeders in the country! She developed a special relationship with him and he shows his socks of for her! She does handle her own breeds, but also handles for other people too...I don't know how much she charges though? When I first started showing again, she said I needed handling lessons! She's very abrupt! Thankfully now I have progressed enough to show Storm and the boys off all by myself! (I've got a link on my info page, where some of the pics of my bunch are) If you want me to pass on her full name and address I will, she might be able to tell you how much, over a show season, it would cost, all the best, and your boys a little cracker! Dawn X

Its worth a go , please do pass her info on to me. Thank you I'm off to have a look at your lot now !

OK soon as I get a chance later I will dig it out and PM you, cheers, Dawn

Chaumsong I feel the the same as you - when you get handed that card and you know you have put the work in with the dog and trained it/groomed it etc. it is wonderful. 

But maybe just like a breeder is proud to see a dog they bred doing well maybe it is the same for watching someone who is handling your dog?

Although I do understand that some people aren't able to handle their dogs (health reasons etc.) and also the dog doesn't do as well for them - i.e nerves, too playful or even over protective etc. 

But for me I would prefer to do it myself (even if I am rubbish LOL!!)   However, I know it isn't possible for everyone to have the time/option or even they may not enjoy it.

As you pointed out in your post rachel, there's a difference between someone showing the dog you bred and showing the dog you buy in....

If you buy in a dog, whats the point in giving it to someone else to show?  However if you breed a dog and yoru focus is in breeding then why not get the buzz of something you bred doing well. :)

Surely there must be people that only have bitches?  I handle people's males as I don't own any girls, thogh I will ahdnle any dog if I am not in the same class, except the challenge.

My best one was when I handled my Open bitch and having one PG with her daughter had to get someone to handle and she beat her mother for the CC.

They are both in Open now so definately have to find someone to take one in if I want to show both.

As I said unfortunately its not just the showing its the getting him there, the whole deal.

Tell me about it I can only go to shows if I can get a lift. 

It means I rarely ever do Open shows now as I save my begging and pennies for the shows that matter more, where there will be representative competition, and hopefully a knowledgeable judge.

If you drive at all then you can at least meet another exhibitor on their way to a show, but to be honest if you went to that much trouble you may as well go all the way to the show with them.

No I don't drive so as you can imagine I'm in the same boat as you but with a kennels to run on top I can't leave the dogs.
I have worked hard with my breeding to produce this boy and really want him shown. Sorry you too have problems getting to shows
its a bummer isn't it

It's a shame - you do have a really good handler that used to be a junior handler in
your breed, got a Ch bitch and shows the daughter of the bitch..
But sadly for you she's down south...
Think you'll probably know who I mean :D

If I lived near you I'd love to have a whirl but I'm down south too.
He looks stunning.

For some reason the LH's don't like my Boxers, Jackie's boy doesn't like my girls either.
He wasn't too bad as a pup but he can't stand em now :D
Fingers crossed you find a solution!!

I think I know who you mean.
I'm telling you his photo isn't lying hes the dogs and its so frustrating not to have this lad out.
I have his sire here who was once again top stud dog LHC this year, his mother I bred she has been shown very lightly and only out once last year to qualify for crufts at the LKA she came away with res ticket. I 100% know with the right training and handling this dog has a very good future. I personally don't know a better example and I am no way kennel blind. I have run many on and let them go.
Anyway will have to see how I go but hes far to good to keep playing frisby here and nobody seeing him

Hi, have you thought about putting him into joint ownership with someone you trust?? Just a thought, you can retain control, but someone else has the joy of showing him with maybe a reward of a pup from him at some future date?? All the best, Dawn X

YES I would do joint ownership and have ..
I have given quite a few pups away to the right people , theres just nobody out there in my breed I feel could take him on at the moment.#
Our breed has entries of averaged out 50 at ch shows but exibitors take a few dogs to promote the breed !!! So I recon theres only about 100 max exibiting , think of that spread over the country and knock the breeders out who won't want to show my breeding plus their loyal followers !!! The folk I am freindly with have their quota of dogs or breed themselves.
It would be a lovely solution and if I had known this dog was coming I would have put him with people who have others from me but I didn't have a crystal ball..

Anyway thanks for the info Dawn will check it out tomorrow x

Kay, I'm wracking me brains and trying to think out of the box to find a solution!

Sure is as even coaches are no help as you still have to get to Motorway to use the few there are these days.  Thankfully I have only my little family of canines and either the kids are about sometime or a doggy neighbour will look in on the ones left at home.

I thought it said DODGY neighbour then!!! :D

You of little faith

I handle a dog for someone

She is the person who bred my pugs, and she said she liked the way i trained and handled my dogs (she had seen my gundogs too) and so she asked if i could take her crazy gundog which she was having trouble with, and train it and start it off showing.  She's absolutely mad, and needs a lot of walking around and watching before she goes in the ring, but she was very trainable when we found the right way of doing it!!  Her owner pays all of the entry fees and gave us some money for "expenses" but i just enjoy doing it, i love training puppies!!  So i was more than happy to take her on.

I personally wouldn't want a pro handler showing my dogs.  Having seen some so-called "professionals" hitting and pulling the dogs around at shows i absolutely would not let someone like that show mine.  Not saying they're all like that.. But i'd much rather let someone i know and trust show my dogs!!  Also, as so much of the judging is "facey" it'll be nice to know the dog is winning on merit rather than because it has the right handler on the end of the lead!!

Im no one in pugs, and i've had some unpleasant comments said to me when i've won at Champ shows, but i just remember that i have the best dog and it beat all of theirs :rolleyes: lol   But i digress.... :rolleyes:

Try to find a friend or trainer you trust to take your dogs to some shows would be my advice!  But i wouldnt let it go to a complete stranger with a record for winning...  Doesn't always mean its the best place for the dog to be...

I too Jess have handled in the pass for people.  One lady kept two pups from a litter so I trained the bitch whilst she took the dog.  The original idea was I would help her at open shows but champ shows she would take them both, that was untill she showed her once and relised the bitch goes better for me, mainly because of the way I train dogs and I use different commands.

It's a shame though because I can only handle for people I can get a lift to shows with because I don't show myself.  I've never wanted to do it professionally but like it to earn afew extra pennies :)  All added up to the money now in the uni bar!