THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE UNSPOKEN MAGIC BETWEEN TOP HANDLERS AND THEIR DOGS LOVE, RESPECT & ROUTINE
BY LEE WHITTIER
T here is an unspoken energy, a type of vibration or magic, that is pal- pable amongst the top handlers and their dogs. Consider the bond as a deep, personal commitment to a dog’s emotional and physical well-being—a “Love Connection.” This approach is sometimes experienced as a pal- pable energy or “magical moment.”
“THERE IS AN UNSPOKEN ENERGY, A TYPE OF VIBRATION OR MAGIC THAT IS PALPABLE AMONGST THE TOP HANDLERS AND THEIR DOGS. CONSIDER THE BOND AS A DEEP, PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO A DOG’S EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-
One of the building blocks that both establishes and strengthens the connection with your dog is respect. Mutual respect between the successful dog and handler is essential. And a practical way to accomplish this is by creating structure and, specifically, routines that lead to the ring. THE LOVE CONNECTION Regardless of how dogs are raised, they are almost always responsive to one thing. I call that one thing “The Love Connection.” Have you ever noticed how the best exhibitors have a love connection going on with their dogs? These handlers are completely immersed in the dog world and are really in love with dogs. Whether you’re a professional or an owner handler, you have to be in love with dogs to be an elite competitor, week in and week out. There are no casual affairs here. As I watch exhibitors, I notice the connection—or the lack thereof—that they have with the dog on the end of the lead. Sometimes exhibitors love their dogs, but forget to connect with them while they’re in the ring. In these cases, the bond is not tangible and seems like an afterthought.
BEING—A ‘LOVE CONNECTION.’”
150 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SEPTEMBER 2021
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