TOY TALK ETCETERA by Bonnie Guggenheim, TNT Advertising Director & Associate Editor
THINKING ABOUT A HANDLER FOR YOUR TOY DOG?
F irst and foremost, know what your handler charges for every- thing including travel expenses, bonus structure, phone call ar- rangements, who has priority in his or her string, grooming charges and anything additional pertaining to your dog and your bill. Remember to include fees to fly to shows and addi- tional hotel expenses or car rental. Know what area your potential han- dler shows in so you can have fun watching your dog win! You may also want to know if you have any input on where the handler exhibits and to what judges. Usually this is a handler decision. Discuss where your handler wants to show your dog, but remember he or she probably knows what a judge may or may not like, so allow your han- dler the liberty of choosing when and where to exhibit your dog. While itmaybehard tostayaway from your handlers set up when you are at a show to see your dog, know that see- ing youmay upset the dog. Thismakes
it difficult for your handler to show to your dog’s best advantage. Try and not hover at the set-up before or after when they are going in or leav- ing the ring. Showing dogs requires an extensive amount of time getting the dog groomed and in the ring—and getting them back to the set-up where they may need top knots taken down or wrapped or your handler may need to get to another ring quickly and an assistant may need to take over. When watching your dog in the ring, try and be out of the dog’s sight and do not talk as your dog will hear your voice and might not show well since he or she will be looking for you. Any stories you hear around the han- dler’s area should remain confiden- tial. Sometimes they are not true, but if they are you don’t want to be the one to spread the story. The majority of handlers like you to advertise important wins starting with majors up through Best In Show if you are that fortunate. Some have very definite requirements that are a
part of their contract. Ask questions such as where they want you to adver- tise. I hope Top Notch Toys! There are many rules of the road that will make your experience with a handler a winning one and common sense goes a very long way. Remember handlers are people who deserve to be treated with courtesy and no small amount of appreciation if you have big wins. They get excited too! Lastly and, maybe most important for a good relationship, be sure to pay your bill on time! Have a fabulous and winning month and remember…inquiringminds want to know. Email text or call me with your exciting new puppies or wonder- ful wins. Enjoy the shows and love your dogs. Bonnie bonnie@aramediagroup.com 863.738.8848
“REMEMBER HANDLERS ARE PEOPLE WHO DESERVE TO BE TREATED WITH COURTESY...”
24 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2019
Powered by FlippingBook