Dog Handlers for Dog Shows: Developing Skills and Growing a Business

Developing skills as a dog handler for dog shows requires a lot of practice and patience.

To start, you'll need to learn about different breeds and their characteristics, which can be found in breed standards and online resources.

Understanding breed standards will help you choose the right breed to handle and show.

For example, some breeds require a lot of grooming, while others are more low-maintenance.

As you gain experience, you can start to develop your skills in handling different breeds and preparing them for shows.

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The dog show community is known for being welcoming and supportive of newcomers. Smith and Wernicki, for example, found the Erie Kennel Club and a local community that was eager to lend a helping hand.

Having a strong support system is crucial for new dog handlers. They found that people were willing to answer their questions and provide positive criticism to help them improve.

The couple met a lot of great people who were willing to share their knowledge and experience. They learned that having people to hold their hand and guide them through the process made things much simpler.

Newcomers can benefit from seeking out mentors and experienced dog handlers. These individuals can provide valuable advice and help them avoid common mistakes.

Feeding a dog before a show can actually be beneficial, as a hungry dog is more likely to perform well. Smith and Wernicki learned this from their peers, who recommended feeding Reign hours before or after the show.

Daily practice routines and proper grooming are also essential for a dog's performance in a show. Smith and Wernicki make sure Reign is fully groomed and well-practiced before each show.

The community's support and guidance have been a key factor in keeping Smith and Wernicki involved in dog shows. They enjoy the experience and appreciate the people they've met along the way.

Developing your skills as a dog handler is crucial to success in the dog show world. You need to have all the necessary skills to show dogs, so start by networking at shows and events to raise your profile among owners and other handlers.

To grow your business, you'll need to develop a good setup of kennels, grooming, and exercise space for all the dogs you're working with. This can be expensive, but it's essential for increasing the number of clients you have. Consider hiring an assistant to help with grooming and preparation, or to assist with administration and finances.

Here are some key steps to take:

Learning about the job is a crucial step in developing your skills as a dog show handler. Research the job thoroughly to understand its demands and requirements.

Being a dog show handler is not just about showing dogs in the ring, it's a job that requires a lot of time on the road and on your feet. You'll need excellent knowledge and enthusiasm for every aspect of showing and caring for pure breed dogs.

Assessing your qualities is essential to determine if you have what it takes to be a successful handler. You'll need strong interpersonal and communication skills to work well with people as well as dogs.

Observing professionals at dog shows can be a valuable learning experience. Arrive early and stay late to observe how handlers work in and out of the ring, as well as how they conduct themselves around the show.

Joining your local kennel club is a great way to get involved in your local dog community and learn from experienced people. You'll get tips, learn about upcoming shows, and develop your skills by watching other handlers.

Estimating basic start-up costs is essential to plan your finances and make informed decisions. As a dog show handler, you'll need equipment such as Kennels or crates Grooming tools Show leads and halters Show attire and grooming equipment

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Developing your skills and business is crucial to success in any field, and dog showing is no exception. To grow your skills, you need to focus on building your client base.

Word of mouth and reputation are vital in the dog show world, so networking at shows and events is essential. This will help you raise your profile among owners and other handlers.

Developing your physical infrastructure is also key to growing your business. This includes setting up kennels, grooming, and exercise space for the dogs you're working with.

Applying for official recognition can give you added prestige as a handler and potentially enable you to charge a higher rate. This can be done through the American Kennel Club's Registered Handlers Program and the Professional Handlers Association.

As you become a successful handler, you may need to consider hiring assistants to help with grooming, preparation, or administration.

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If you're serious about becoming a skilled dog handler, it's worth considering becoming a handler's assistant. This role gives you hands-on experience with dog grooming and preparation for shows, which is essential for developing your skills.

Working as an assistant will also give you the opportunity to learn from experienced handlers and gain a deeper understanding of the dog handling process. You'll be able to see firsthand how to prep dogs for shows and how to handle them in a professional setting.

Ask the breeder for advice on show poses and grooming techniques for your dog's specific breed. This will help you understand the unique characteristics of your dog's breed and how to showcase them effectively.

Applying to the AKC Registered Handlers Program or joining the Professional Handlers' Association can also boost your professional handling credentials. These organizations offer valuable resources and networking opportunities that can help take your skills to the next level.

Here are some specific requirements for joining these organizations:

To become a dog handler, you must be willing to put in hundreds of hours of training, conditioning, grooming, and showing dogs.

You should also consider whether you have the personal traits possessed by most successful show-dog handlers, such as a love for working with dogs and excellent interpersonal skills.

You'll need to enjoy frequent travel, as you'll be spending a lot of time on the road attending dog shows, and be comfortable dealing with people in various settings.

You should also be in good physical shape, as you'll be working outdoors in all types of weather.

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