“AS AN OWNER HANDLER I’M COMMITTED TO HELPING OTHERS ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS OF SUCCESS. EVERY JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP. Take that step!”
©Krista Droop
be prepared to show your best? Are you paying attention to where your steepest competition may be arriving? Are you prepared to travel? Traveling outside of your backyard is a wonderful experi- ence. You’re able to meet fellow exhibi- tors from all over the Country and are seen showing your dog at wonderful circuits! Watch the Groups! There’s so much to be learned by sitting ring- side through Best in Show. Advertising your dog is an excellent way to celebrate your accomplishments as well as make themknown. It can be challenging as an Owner Handler who may not be able to show every weekend to become known based on STATS and win photos alone. It’s not about ‘Playing a game’ but cer- tainly about ‘Doing the work.’ Another important suggestion I would make is ‘Trademark’ yourself and your dog. Dress the part and show up pre- pared to give your best. Have an unde- niable ‘Look’. The ‘Look’ encompasses much more than a beautiful suit. There are quite economical ways to present yourself and your dog magnificently on a tight budget! The handlers I admire
most have an undeniable appearance and style of showing their dogs. Your dog’s showmanship MUST be excep- tional to catch the Judge’s and specta- tor’s eyes! If successful professionals can fine tune their talent.. So can the ambitious Owner Handlers who strive for excellence. The relationship with your dog may perhaps be one of the most personal suggestions I can offer. The relation- ship with your dog should shine bright. Every time you are in the ring with your dog is a blessing. Dogs will give every- thing they have for you and they have not signed up for your personal endeav- ors. Feel gratitude for your dog in your heart and soul. The love and adoration between you and your dog will be felt by all. For me, there’s no ‘Means to an end’ when showing. I can not emphasize enough how important this has been for me and my journey with Tiffany and will be with other dogs in the future. As an Owner Handler I’m committed to helping others achieve their dreams of success. Every journey begins with a single step. Take that step!
IT CAN BE DONE! So...What does it take? I feel there are a few major factors that are essential. First of all, one must have a truly ex- ceptional dog which represents the breed. Study the breeders of the breed you want to represent and be patient as you wait for an dog you’ve bred or has been entrusted to you. In the All breed ring and the Owner Handled ring. The BEST dogs WILL be found. Possibly equally important is DO THE WORK . This is a loaded sugges- tion. What it means to ‘Do the work’ may not mean the same from one per- son to another. Have you studied the panels throughout the Country? Have you researched the Judges to under- stand what they’re looking for? Have you learned from breed experts how to groom and present your dog to its best? Do you arrive at the venue the day before if possible or hours before to acclimate yourself and your dog to its surroundings? Have you given yourself and your dog enough time to rest and
38 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2019
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