Show Handlers - Page 3

Thanks, Sue. It sounds like you have a good support system.

kougar, I have a whole new respect for you. I too came up through the ranks that were not most favorable to me. I came up in a Working dog neighborhood with show dogs. They were good dogs, but black and red (you know what that meant). I got videos, went to seminars that I really couldn't afford and worked my dogs at he grocery plaza, and biked my dogs at the High School during Little League. I, my family and close friends have handled all of my dogs to their titles (we have done Regionals, Sieger Shows and TRIALS). We are fortunate to have dogs from very good breeding combined with a determination/stubborn commitment to succeed in Sch. Thank you for sharing your achievement.

Kerry, So what do you do if you think that your dog is Sieger Show material and you want to go into the ring but need a handler? Lets find a direction.

When I've shown in Sieger Shows before,(the show classes) and regular conformation shows I've set up handlers in advance. Most often, there was always somebody around when you got to the show grounds who could handle your dog(s)for the same as entry fee. Nowadays, it's different, and those folks aren't around anymore. My new dog was shown about a dozen times in Germany and Holland, and is V-rated. I found by showing him for the first time, that he is a VERY fast mover, and fortunately and unfortunately he has become so attached to me that he pulled the handler so hard that his topline became a straight, diagonal line, digging in too deep in the rear. So, it's been recommended by friends that I practice ring training with him, attempting to decrease his separation anxiety and get him to relax in the ring and gait comfortably and smoothly. I'd like to find a conformation training buddy in my area who can RUN. Good handlers EXPECT a Working Male to be ring trained. So, assuming that I got him more relaxed in the ring, I don't feel that I could just show up at some show and expect to stumble on a helper who'd necessarily fit the bill. If you look desperate, you're going to end up paying more. This is why I'd prefer a referral from friends, with the fee arranged IN ADVANCE. I would expect that the handler would work with me and my dog several times before the show, stacking and gaiting, . Perhaps we can network? I'll be looking for a handler for the Bakersfield, CA Regional as soon as I take a new picture of my dog, and will place an ad in the Marketplace.

Kerry, where are you from? Your dogs sounds ring trained if he had been V rated and shown in Germany and Holland. You need a stronger somewhat knowleadgeable handler. Kinda hard to explain in here but as referred above, Canine training system has a tape, 4 series on German Anatomy/Showing SV style which discusses handling as well. Most second handlers, including myself tend to get nervous during the show, and may forget the principles on second handling. This is team work. Sounds like your dog has very high drive. If you call too much or are too close beyond the diagonal positioning in the ring then the dog may tend to pull harder. Be careful of being over charged. If money is no object then use the Germans brought in by the "Big kennels". However, an untrained, dog and second handler may not do well regardless of who the handler is. In Bakersfield you can contact Mr. Johaness Grewe I am sure he will be more than happy to refer you to somebody. J my 2 cents. Roger.

Thanks, Roger. I'm in Northern California. The biggest problem seemed to be that my dog is SO attached to ME. I COULDN'T call him during the gaiting and had to hide the whole time. Geez, I'm telling you that this dog loves me more than life itself--he worships me. I'd had him 4 months before the show . Maybe he was kenneled a lot in Europe, but he is right by my side, day and night, if possible and paces when I have to leave him home. A handler friend of mine suggests the ring training so that he knows that he doesn't need to be so DESPERATE to get to me. I need another person for that. I think that networking for show handlers is a good idea.

I see. Correct you need not call the dog as he has too much drive to go to you. Kinda strange that he was supposedly shown in Germany. Yes you will, need to recondition him. Buy the Canine training system tape just on the handling. No need to buy all 3 tapes. It helps. Now the handler, when you practice has to be patient and strong to hold the dog back. When it gallops he should be able to time the pull back or even stop. Only allowing the move when he trots. Meanwhile you have to be really far. Just walking, not stimulating. You now need a professional. Not just any handler unless both of you have the time. Is your dog able to stack at least? Anyways, there are a multitude of breeders, handlers, etc. in your area. Johaness is in Bakersfield. If you have the USA magazine or you know of anyone you can check or look up the USA web site. Good luck! Your dog is lucky, from kennel to inside your home, Wow!. Roger.

Thank you, Roger for your input. I'll look for the handling tape. I don't know how he could be V-5 over there, and have "performed" this way, either, so it must have to do with a long vacation, and a new handler relationship. He's SUCH a loving dog, we joke that he'd polish my toenails if he could!! I'm going to work to calm him, as has been suggested in gaiting. Oh, yes, he can be stacked, and it's best if I'm farther away, rather than closer. Keep me in mind if you hear of an experienced, lithe handler for Bakersfield.

Kerry, What part of N Cal and what club? Am from the Bay Area and there are a few handlers up there that have shown at National shows, training and competing here and I think in Europe.. And they do handle well.

Hi Sue, I'm up in Sonoma County, and don't have a club. There is a club very near me, but they won't accept someone who only has time to train and that's it; they want full participation in all the club stuff. So, I trained privately to get my dog ready for his Breed Survey For Life. I can continue to work with him in bitework and obedience. This is the BIG BUT--I have very, very limited time away from my self-employment-- so I can't travel far.