professional handler to keep things moving correctly in the ring and a well experienced handler trainer. If a few seasoned participants start to reach out, many more newbies can have a positive experience and learn to love to show. In summary, everyone can choose to help make conformation showing friendly to new participants or continue to face the declining numbers. This newbie’s final thoughts on how everyone can make a difference at little to no cost, other than a few kind words and a little time: Breeders – when a novice is inter- ested in your pups, evaluate interest and educate client about conformation show; introduce them to sports avail- able to registered pups; encourage participation; when possible, help new owners with identifying people in their area with the same breed; and finally, patiently answer the questions to the best of your ability. Conformation Show Partici- pants – be friendly, we are all people first; if someone is struggling, ask if you can help; embrace good sportsman- ship attitudes—win or lose with grace and class. New Owners – social media can be a good sounding board and way to iden- tify local people with the same breed; look into a mentoring program; check out shows and talk to people; check out local kennel clubs; form a support team include breeder, mentor, professional handler, trainers, other show people both within and outside your breed; most important—Don’t give up. Mentors – reach out, be encourag- ing, make the time, facilitate introduc- tions and a big thank you for volunteer- ing your time. Professional Handlers – under- standing this is your livelihood, a few kind words and tips can go a long way, you don’t have to give away all your hard-earned secrets to make a difference. Trainers – just do your thing and help prepare the newbies for their successful showing. Suggestions to AKC – reach out to those that have never registered a dog by sending them a package including dog standard, local contacts for kennel clubs, registered mentors, summary of activities to consider (i.e. conforma- tion, obedience, agility, scent work, barn hunt, etc).
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judge, though he was kind, suggested handler training. This judge was not the only one that noted my short comings in the ring. Set up next to me was Shelly Juden of Elitist Papillon & Whippets, waiting to show her Papillon. She mentioned that she saw us in the ring and wanted to know if I was looking for handler training. She knew of a very good handler train- er and introduced to Arvilla White of Whitestar Papillons. Arvilla confirmed she does training at her home and only takes on a few students at a time that are committed to learning, willing to spend the time to learn and willing to put in the practice time with their dog. I was asked to call her the following week. It took most of the week to make the call. We worked out a schedule for the initial training session. Arvilla’s training is very straight forward and full of all the insight of her many years of show- ing and raising different dog breeds. Not only has Arvilla trained on what to do in the ring, she has made sure I understand the “code of the ring” including how to dress, responding to various judge instructions, how to be a courteous handler. Every training
session, I learn more and build my con- fidence. This training was so valuable and successful, that after two sessions, Kekey and I completed two back-to- back 3-point majors. During one, I had become confused about when to re- enter the ring and Allan had my back and made sure that I was in the ring when required. Ed and Carol, Wendy, Susan, Allan and Arvilla became my teachers, sup- port team, cheerleaders and most importantly, my friends. I was very for- tunate to establish this solid support team early. Surrounding yourself with a well-balanced support team, including breeder, mentor, professional handler, trainer and friends, will help build your confidence, answer your questions, validate your readiness and celebrate your successes. I have been told over and over that my experience is not the norm for most new participants. It is like the “stars aligned” for me from the breeder hon- oring his commitment to selling Kekey even knowing I most likely would not show, happening upon someone who previously had been a success- ful newbie, gaining a mentor, having a
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