Handlers - Page 1

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by HOWDEDO on 24 March 2004 - 00:03

I have a few questions 1. Approximately what percentage of 'serious' GSD owners handle themselves(or immediate family)? Is it typical to hire a professional always? 2. Those of you paying for handlers, how do you choose one? what parameters do you use in selecting who will take fido into the ring? How long would you stick with your handler before you decide to fire him/her for incompetence? 3. What are the prevailing rates?

by Jman on 24 March 2004 - 02:03

Hello Howdedo! A friend of mine is just getting started with a young puppy and this is what I know. 1. He has not handled his puppy himself. Although I am going to try and handle him in some upcoming shows to test if he will show well with someone he knows behind the leash. We have been working with him and it seems to be working so far. 2. He has paid handlers in the three shows he has been in so far. We were told that the fee is usually the entry fee for local shows and that handlers expect a tip if your dog places in the top three. We were also told that the fee for handling at a Sieger Show is double the entry fee and then a tip if you are in the top. 3. As far as deciding how long to stick with a handler before firing him/her for incompetence, that a tough question. As new people to the show world it takes some time to observe the more seasoned handlers before getting the "eye" to judge if they handle well. Sink or swim, I believe we should all learn how to handle and help each other handle our own dogs rather than importing the handlers from Germany. IMHO if the judge is more worried about the person at the end of the leash more than judging the dog and the movement then "Houston-we have a problem." Hope this helps. Happy Training!

by HOWDEDO on 24 March 2004 - 02:03

Thanks Jman. Mostly I handle myself, or let someone I and my dogs know well handle them. However, my tight schedule on the workfront prevents me from doing more justice . I have shown dobes with professionals for a flat rate to make them champions and that worked out pretty well for me. I personally feel that a lot of judges - not a majoriy though- are influenced by the wrong end of the leash. Otherwise, some decisions I have seen are inexplicable!!

Fokwulfe Kennels

by Fokwulfe Kennels on 24 March 2004 - 02:03

I myself handle very well and condition dogs too if possible. I also properly groom the dog so it presents itself as well as possible. I am offering my services to anyone that needs it. I truly enjoy being in the ring. As far as costs go, I can assure we would both feel as if it is fair. And the SV ring is very diffrent then an AKC ring.

Fokwulfe Kennels

by Fokwulfe Kennels on 24 March 2004 - 02:03

I forgot to mention, you should not handle your own dog.

by Kerry on 24 March 2004 - 04:03

I'm in the position right now where I must evaluate the most appropriate handler for my working male. One handler's ability may be better than another's with the way a certain dog shows BEST. It takes a lot of skill, intuition and finesse. The ideal handler will FIGHT for placement for the dog he/she is showing, and not just lope along at the end of the leash. With the best matched handler, my male is an automatic dog in the ring. I have been asking for recommendations from knowledgeable friends as to whom would be the best for him. For the handling fee, I pay the same as entry fee. I don't think that this applies to any late fee charged by the club for day of show entry, which is usually about $10 more. Certainly a Sieger Show would cost more for an experienced handler. Whatever it is, it should be discussed before the show. Re: tipping, as in a restaurant, I don't like to be REQUIRED to pay a tip greater than my level of satisfaction. However, if it's just about the dog, then why SHOULD a handler be tipped for a 1-3 placement if a fair price has been agreed upon? I have never been asked to give a tip by handlers that I have used, but have been encouraged by some acquaintances NOT to offer a tip if my dog places in the top 3 places, to avoid setting a precedent. That's not right, either. After the show, I usually ask the handler what they think of their performance handling my dog, and if they come to me with ideas to improve the next performance, then this tells me that they're interested in improving their own technique, not blaming poor placement on the dog, the judge, club politics, and even if it didn't go as well as expected, I may use them again. I wouldn't use a pouty, primadonna handler who blames everybody else, or shows poor sportsmanship, more than once.

by Kerry on 24 March 2004 - 04:03

As an afterthought to Howdedo's question above: "Those of you paying for handlers, how do you choose one?" Actually, Howdedo, it's more like "PRAYING for handlers!!" There aren't that many any more!

by Obican Kennels on 24 March 2004 - 07:03

Hi, I also have just recently started handling some what 4 months ago and have already handled a few dogs at several shows for other people. Into reply by Fokwulfe Kennels about you shouldnt handle your own dog, some dogs are better being handled by their owner as one of my dogs is that case, but then some dogs are better handled by other people. If people are starting out handling i would advise them to ask people how they handled that particular dog so then you can find out what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong.

by M.Carter on 24 March 2004 - 09:03

If your dog is trained correctly, there is no reason why the owner shouldn't handle their own dogs. A friend of mine handled her own bitch to SG-3 in Germany, young dog class a few years back. If the dog is very correct and trained well, it doesn't matter who is on the end of the leash. Most "professional handlers" do a horrible job presenting the dogs to the judge. I'm talking about most German handlers as AKC handlers are at least educated on how to best present the dogs to the judge and take great pride in their craft.

by DKiah on 24 March 2004 - 14:03

I think most AKC handlers are not well suited to the German style conformation ring. It is a whole different game.... you need somebody who can run and last the whole class, however long that might be... It has been my experience that owners should double their dogs outside the ring and that will help the handler present the best picture to the judge. I happen to have 2 very good friends who are excellent handlers, they are very busy at any show they go to.... he is very aggressive and actually my little girl took SG1 her first time out with him in a good sized class and she was 1/2 American lines. But he will yell at you and I don't care for that much..... his significant other also does a super job - they do handle much better if the dog is conditioned and I had worked very hard on that. Found out later, if they had other dogs to handle, it was hard to win against them!! They are very good and are in the Kentucky area.. they probably don't need much extra business but if you'd like to contact them you can get me off list... they are super at teaching you how to get your dog ready, that is SO important!!





 


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