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The Finer Points Of Dog Handling
from: Kyle BesserWhen it comes to dog shows, the "handler" is the person who actually shows the dog in the ring. A professional handler shows dogs as a profession and gets paid for being in the ring with the dog. There are good handlers who are strictly amateurs. One way to become a better handler is to watch the good ones and learn from them.
The two main mistakes a novice handler makes is holding the show lead in two hands instead of one and taking small steps when gaiting the dog. There are many small things that novices do which are not exactly mistakes but could affect the dog's presentation. Paying attention to some of the finer points to improve handling can be very beneficial to the successful showing of the dog. These is not any particular order of importance of the finer points because when it comes to fine points, they are all important.
When showing your dog, use a firm hand. Be firm but not rough. If you have a hardheaded dog, any rough handling should be done during the training but certainly not in the show ring. It is necessary that you acquire a firm hand so that the dog knows what you expect of him. A wishy-washy touch with a dog is as bad as a wishy-washy handshake. You respect a firm handshake and your dog will have more respect for a firm hand.
Occasionally it may be necessary to reprimand a dog in the ring if he seems to have forgotten all his training. When it is necessary, you should speak harshly to your dog. A few light taps where they will do the most good is preferable over a harder smack. A hard smack will give the judge and the spectators the impression that you do not love your dog, or worse, that you may abuse your dog and the win is more important to you than the dog. If you smack your dog in the ring, they will wonder how you treat your dog home or that the dog is not properly trained.
Don't get down on both knees when you pose your dog. To get out of this position you have to shift your weight to one knee while you bring the other foot into position to stand on it, and you can easily lose your balance and look awkward. Sitting on your heels during a large class seems better than having nothing to sit on, but in the long run the position has more drawbacks than comfort.
In showing a great many breeds you will have to stand upright all of the time. If you have to get down lower, try the squat, or try placing only one knee on the ground and just bend the other leg. Whichever way you choose, be sure to keep your back as straight as possible. Either of these two positions allows you to get on your feet quickly and gracefully with less risk of losing your balance.
When you are in the show ring, don't spend your time looking aimlessly around. Pay attention to your dog and the picture your are presenting. While waiting for the class to begin, glance at your dog frequently to be sure he has not assumed an unattractive pose and that he is not getting into some mischief with another dog.
While the dog is in a show pose, glance at him frequently to be sure he has not stepped into a less attractive stance. If he is maintaining the correct pose, don't fuss with him. Unless there is something that needs repositioning, don't spoil the picture your dog is making by nervously fussing with him, which usually accomplishes nothing anyway. You want the judge to have a good view of your dog every time he looks your way. If your are fussing with your dog when the judge looks your way, the judge will look to the next dog.
If you are showing your dog at a summer show outside on a sunny day in a very large class which will take the judge a long time to judge, there are a few things you might be able to do to help your dog. You, as the handler, are stuck there in the sun, but you might be able to try to cast a shadow with your body to give your dog a little shade and comfort while waiting for the judge. If it is a very large class, don't pose your dog until the judge is just two or three dogs away from yours. Your dog will be just a little less tired of it all when the judge gets to him. Every little advantage can count quite a lot in hot competition.
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