Many may wonder who handlers are and what they do at dog shows? What is handling, who are the handlers, and what do they do for success?
In our article, with the help of 3 junior and show handlers, we would like to introduce handling and the handlers.
Handling
Handling has two main branches, junior handling and show handling, which should not be confused with each other.
I suppose many beginners and inexperienced exhibitors might wonder, what is the young handlers' competition?
We handlers call this junior handling, and the young handlers participating in it junior handlers.
In the junior handlers' competition, the judge does NOT decide who is best based on the same criteria as in a judging ring for show handlers leading dogs. In the junior handlers' competition, it is not the dog that is judged, but the handler and their work. The most important aspect is how the junior handler can cooperate with the dog they are showing.
The junior handling competition held within the framework of various dog shows' Best in Show programs takes place in two age groups: the 9-13 years old and the 14-17 years old youths' handling styles are evaluated by the judge.
In this event, it is not only necessary to be able to pose the dog, but also to pay attention to every move of the judge as they circle around the handlers and their dogs. The handlers, so to speak, must be the judge’s shadows and must not block the dog.
According to the judge’s task, handlers are judged individually. The job of the young handlers is to take different formations and present the given dog as precisely and accurately as possible. The most common formations are the “T” and the triangle, but with foreign judges it is not uncommon for the older age group to be asked to do a figure eight.
In many countries, it is a common practice that junior handlers are scored by the judge and receive a judging sheet. In these countries, the junior handlers' point competition is announced every year, as it is in Hungary as well. The winner of the junior handling point competition earns the right to participate in England at the renowned Crufts dog show and represents their country in the junior handlers' competition there.
Real show handling is no longer about the handler, but about the dog. Here professional handlers work who do everything to show the dog they lead in the ring in the best and most beautiful form possible.
Here the dogs receive descriptive judging, in which the dog is compared to the breed standard taking into account the following aspects:
- teeth
- anatomy
- proportions
- movement
The handler must know not only the dog they are handling very well, but also the breed of the dog, know the standard perfectly to be able to present the dog to perfection, highlighting its advantages and hiding its flaws. Those who cannot do this only lead the dog. Those who, despite every fault, present the dog based on the above-listed criteria can already be called handlers!
Author: Kata Baranyai
Handlers
We can easily recognize junior and show handlers by the fact that they pay great attention to their appearance, as it is important to be in harmony with the dog they are leading.
- It is not a disadvantage if the handler is dressed elegantly (not in street clothes), thus showing respect to the conformation judge, who always appears elegantly dressed in a suit or jacket in the judging ring. A skirt suit is appropriate for female handlers, and a suit for males. It is important to bear in mind that our attire should not be dangerous either for the dog or for our own physical safety. Our clothes should preferably not blend in with the color of the dog, as this makes the presentation less striking.
- For leading, do not use a simple walking leash and/or collar, but a leading leash suitable for the purpose. There are several types among these as well, choose the one that is most comfortable for your dog. Preferably get a thin, not too long leading leash.
- Before entering the ring, take the dog out to let it do its sanitary needs, and ease any tension it may have.
- Groom its coat, if it requires more serious grooming, do it in time.
- Behave politely and courteously in the ring, also with our opponents – because they are not enemies, only competitors.
- Do not chat with those outside the ring, and preferably do not use motivational tools that could disturb other dogs.
- After the individual judging has taken place and we have received what we deserve, leave the ring in a manner befitting a good handler, do not insult or make loud remarks about the competition or the judge.
- Follow the further judging attentively, as you may be called back at any time.
Herend CAC – Junior handling
Author: Fanni Tóth
The work and activity of handlers
Based on experiences, it can be said that handling is not for everyone. In fact, it can be said that very few people are suitable for it. Handling is not limited only to leading in the ring. It is a very hard work that involves early rising and late going to bed. It is not about you shining brightly, but about the dog in your hand being perfect. Achieving success together, with your help and expertise, making it the best. This is a relationship that the judge also sees in the ring.
Charisma matters a lot. And for this charisma to be convincing, perfect harmony is needed. The dog in your hand is a living being. It is not an object or a robot on which you can impose your will. The dog you lead has free will, and it should not be forced violently to run nicely, stand and show its teeth. The leading leash that you bring into the ring is not meant to control it, pull it, or set it right so it "does its job." The leading leash is like a connection through which you feel every move and heartbeat of the dog. You feel its will, and it feels yours. To achieve all this, hard work is necessary. And it’s not just about half-hour practices before the show, but real hard work.
The human character is also very important. A handler must not be nervous during leadings, as this also transfers to the dog. And for the handler not to be nervous, solid knowledge and great routine are needed. This knowledge and routine can be acquired through lots of practice, learning, and experience – but this not only applies to leading, but also many other important aspects.
Grooming and ring training are also very important. Many professional handlers also have cosmetology qualifications, and they usually groom the dogs they handle themselves. Because the dog's appearance always matters a lot! The dog cannot be dirty or uncombed. There are many breeds that require serious grooming before leading so their coat shines perfectly according to the standard. This does not apply to junior handlers, but in their case it is important that if they lead a grooming-demanding breed, they do not ruin the overall appearance, for example by smoothing the dog's coat inappropriately.
Many handlers undertake the training, teaching, and preparation of dogs for shows as well. It is a long and exhausting job, but I believe this is where it truly shows what a handler can achieve with a dog, how they can bring out the best in it. Most of us take on boarding training, where the owner or breeder brings their dog to us, and lives with us for a while. This way we have the opportunity to bond and the dog can experience and learn many new things, so during the judging there will be greater harmony, and the dog will also listen better to its handler.
Author: Kocsis Kinga
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kutya Portál editorial team for giving us the opportunity to write this article, and we hope we have answered all questions! If not, we welcome any questions and comments that remain unanswered.
