Show Handlers - Page 1

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by ghost on 08 August 2003 - 18:08

In the July/August 2001 USA magazine, an article from Johannes Grewe recapping the Sieger Show, this stood out to me: "A situation that we must change is the handler factor. A large number of dogs have been handled by handlers from Europe. Are we not able to do this ourselves? I do understand that every owner would like to have his or her dog shown in the best possible way. However, the majority of the handling should be done by our own membership..." How can we accomplish this goal if the top places always go to dogs handled by European handlers? Join them or loose? Even the top breeding kennels in the US bring European handlers to the Sieger Show. You can't tell me that these kennels don't know HOW to handle a dog. And how do the politics figure into this scenerio? The judges know the handlers from Europe, are they playing favorites? What can or should be done to even up the scale?

by Kougar on 09 August 2003 - 01:08

well - I "followed" from the other thread as per your remarks - however, :) :), you may have noticed, I am pretty much into the other side and don't plan on showing in a Sieger Show ... I have only been to one confirmation show and thought the whole thing - from my perspective - was not handler oriented...my working bitch went SG1 and KKL1 with me sharing the handling with another working person. And a well known breeder from Europe was behind her in the confirmation class, so it sure wasn't politics that gave her the ratings. I had requested some assistance in finding a handler from a show breeder but was told my dogs would not be good enough for any professional handler to want to take them in the ring - I was not embarrassed by my dog's performance in the protection phase or in the confirmation portion.

by Sue DiCero on 09 August 2003 - 02:08

"with me sharing the handling with another working person. And a well known breeder from Europe was behind her in the confirmation class" I have a photo of both handlers (both european, by the way) in the working female class - show ratings based on the dog and definitely not the handlers...:-) But, if the well known breeders/owners/handlers for both National shows always do bring in the well known handlers from Europe and consistently place well/win, what precedent does that set? What is your suggestion for increasing the training for show handlers? It is not as easy as one thinks (I think that you already know that)and it is an "art" to a certain extent. Some people are talented and some people just like to do it.

Dog1

by Dog1 on 09 August 2003 - 02:08

OK so I have a nice dog. Where do I go to learn to be a handler? The opportunity is difficult to find in this country as evidenced by the other thread. Until we know how to train to handle and can do a decent job of it. You may want to have your dog presented by someone that knows how to present a dog. National competitions are a little different than local shows. Local shows are a great place to practice. The judges often comment on the handlers abilities.

by ghost on 09 August 2003 - 02:08

You are absolutely right on that Sue. It is not as easy as one thinks. But it makes a big difference for the working dogs to take a little time to polish the show presentation "art" to get the best for your dog. I don't believe that you should have to pay a European to show your dog. I do believe that you should do your homework and prepare your dog to look its best. Make sure that the teeth can be checked without resistence (many German judges take offense to dogs that fuss when checking the teeth. That should be something you can easily do). Stack your dog correctly. Your dog may not be totally anatomically correct but learn to present the dog in the most flaterring stand. And most of all, learn to recognize the difference between pacing and gaiting. Whether you are handling or calling, recognize the preferred movement and work as a team to attain it. A great working dog should not be slighted on his show rating because of poor presentation. It takes only a little more effort and understanding.

by Kerry on 09 August 2003 - 02:08

It's hard to find a SchH club to work with, some clubs aren't into conformation, let alone putting on a show. Conformation training is easier in Europe, just as there is a club in almost every farmer's field. Especially in Northern California, where SchH is perceived as a blood sport by the humaniac groups, liability with GSDs are an issue with property owners. Try going to a doggie park with a bunch of intact dogs and bitches! I'd like to find someone near me who would like to get together and practice conformation training regularly. ALSO, I hear that German handlers are VERY much aware of the perception that they are going place higher than Americans, and that some of them charge placement fees of $500 or more if your dog places 1-3 or 1-5, and $1000 if it's a Sieger Show, in ADDITION to the handling fee, which is at least the entry fee or more. Pretty soon, it's going to be another "Rich Man's Sport"! I'd prefer not to pay some fussy primadonna handler that kind of money! I've always marvelled at the way that SOME of the German handlers smoke and drink til 3 AM, get up at 5 AM, run all day and do well! The only way to do it is to learn to do it ourselves, and well.

by ghost on 09 August 2003 - 03:08

Not so Dog1. It just takes time and diligence. If confirmation is not a biggy in your SchH club, try to establish a "show" contact. Go to any/all of the confirmation shows that you can go to. Watch. You will see the end result that you must attain. Handling (the guy holding the leash) is not what makes the presentation a success. It is a total "team" effort. Communication, signals and practice. I would hope that every club training director would recognize the need to train for show ratings and add that to the training program.

by Sue DiCero on 09 August 2003 - 03:08

We are training and showing our young working male (with a v structure...:-) ) with someone near us. Jeff does an incredible job of the show conditioning and training, showing people how to work on getting the dog to pull out, etc. and the double handlers.....Am lucky that noe of the dogs (1 show and rest working) do not need the DH. I have been fortunate from the show aspect (with working dogs) to be in areas (both in CA and in TN/KY) were there are talented people that want to work with you. That is also a key point - some that are good do not want to take the time. And some that want to learn do not want to put in the time and effort. And where to go to learn? Take the time to go to shows (local, etc) and ask. You have the background as well and contacts to boot.

by ghost on 09 August 2003 - 03:08

Kerry, that is exactly what they want for you to think, that you have to pay or you won't get anywhere. Nonsense. And every SchH club should offer confirmation training as it is all a part of the total "dog". And it has nothing to do with dogs intact or in season. That is a behavorial issue. It is the same for SchH. It is a discipline and training. Once we realize this, we can compete.

by Kerry on 09 August 2003 - 03:08

I meant trying to set up a little ring for practice at a dog friendly park. I've not had a warm reception there doing bitework, even behind a building. I don't think it would be any different with conformation training, at least in my neck of the woods.





 


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