Handlers ... just a thought

[barongsd]

How many of y'all use a handler to show your dogs? How many of those handlers are also showing their own dogs at the same shows? Has anyone had a problem with a "conflict" of interest with that? It seems that most all "professional" GSD handlers are also breeders and are showing their own dogs at conformation shows. We have had problems lately with our handler and what we precieve as a lack of interest when showing OUR dog but more intensity when showing their own dogs. Just curious if it is just us or is this a growing problem? Especially with the money handlers are getting now.

[gsdoglady]

Randy, many handlers are also breeders and this happens all of the time. The way I deal with it is to discuss it openly with the handler. Good communications is a key here. I know a handler will be showing more that just my dog. That's what a handler does. My handler will be out there working for my dog when in the ring, and will work equally hard for the other dogs when they are in.

I also remember that showing is a team effort. I use the handler's knowledge of judges and their likes. I also make sure the dog is ready to show - properly trained, conditioned and groomed. And I do my part double handling.

If any part of this effort doesn't happen, the whole thing falls flat.

[Currmudgeon]

I have never had that problem with our handlers, particularly the regulars. They're pros. Now, we've had some pretty dead handlers. We don't use them again.

All our regulars also breed, and sometimes show "competing" dogs in our shows. Obviously, they can't handle our dog when theirs is being shown, because they are otherwise occupied.
It doesn't bother me unless they clean our clocks.

Maybe I've been lucky, but haveexperienced superb professionalism from the people we regularly work with.

[barongsd]

Personally I would think a PROFESSIONAL handler would/should show whatever dog he/she is handling at the moment to the best of their ability. But I have seen instances where that just is not true. Both of y'all are right, and I agree in what you both wrote. I guess it comes down to the fact, if you don't think your handler is doing the job, find another handler. Sometimes easier said than done tho. GOOD handlers are at a premium .... at least around our area. I sometimes get so frustrated with this conformation showing I could just scream ........ YEEEAAAAAAAAA .... whew ... now I feel better ...... ;D

[freundhund]

Hi barongsd

Just to be cheeeky you need to breed your own handlers.

My current handler is 17yrs old and in training. What I did was take him to Show training then put him on the lead behind a trainned dog who knew what to do. also asked the ring steward if he could go into the ring last so he didn't foul the other handlers up. Other handlers appreciated this and didn't foul him up. He's now willing to handle again.

Randy, try seeing if there is a teenager or something in your area who would like to learn and train them up. Sometimes you can get a puppy buyer who only wants one dog but has a teenager interested and who will help. I had a teenager for 5 yrs before who was the daughter of a puppy buyer she ony stopped helping once she started vet science at Uni.

Good Luck with finding a handler, you realize unfortunately it's a sign of our age using a handler.

Regards

Freundhund

[SkyeGSD]

I have heard of quite a few handlers run into the same problem! For me, I have aged out of the Junior Ring just about a year ago, and have since started handling professionally. I dont think you will run into problems if you are completely upfront with your clients from the beginning. At the next show i'll be attending, I will be showing one of my own females against 2 of my clients bitches as well. But I have told them that my priority will not be my bitch and it definitely would not be a problem to throw another handler on my girl last minute to go back into the winners ring. I guess it's different, as in my area we are EXTREMELY limited to the number of shows we compete in, and don't really have the "option" of deciding between show weekends. It pays to be upfront and honest ;D