THE OWNER HANDLER
LINDSEY NICHOLAS
5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you? I do!!! Yes, rankings are important to me, and as of now, Vivian sits at #1 NOHS GSP Breed. 6. In which class(es) are you most likely to enter your dog(s)? Why? BOB, and anything for class dogs. The more I’m in the ring, the happier I am!
7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed(s) as an owner handler?
Yes. I feel our breed is full of so many lovely dogs. As an owner handler, I always try to bring my “A” game to show that we belong in that ring!
8. Are you intimidated by the professional handlers? By the judges?
No. I admire them and feel that I can learn a lot from them. When they reach out to help you as an owner handler, it is so appreciated. I always present my dog to the best of my ability, but every judge is different. So, they don’t intimidate me; they just make me want to show better. 9. Who have been your mentor(s) as an owner handler? Nancibeth Clements of Legacyk Kennel has always been some- one I have respected and have learned so much from. She made it possible for my success, entrusting me with her breeding line of amazing dogs. 10. How important is the owner handler to the future of the dog sport? VERY IMPORTANT!!! We are the future; to keep breeding and showing our dogs! 11. What are your goals as an owner handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you? I have achieved a goal of two Bests in ShowOwner-Handled that, in itself, is a dream come true. We hope for many more Bests in Show; maybe we’ll win big in Florida at the Royal Canin? 12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experi- ences as an owner handler? When Vivian was a puppy, we were in the breed ring. All was going well, but then she decided that she didn’t want to do it anymore. Well, she pranced, hopped, pulled, and then just flopped on her side. She laid there, wouldn’t move. I tugged. I tried feeding her treats. Nothing. She just laid there. I picked her up, legs dangling, and placed her on the ground. She looked at me, and then she “shot off ” like a rocket, pulling my arm with her. Needless to say, the entire ring and crowd (as well as myself ) was laughing. The judge said, “I really like her, but it’s hard to judge them laying down.” We laughed, and yes, I’ve got it on video.
1. When were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed? I was introduced about 10 years ago, when I was in search of a fun all-around dog that I could show, dock dive, and hunt. 2. How many years in dogs? How many as an owner handler? I have had dogs all my life. I started pushing hard showing about six years ago. 3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended any handling seminars? I do attend handling class, and I watch and learn from the professionals at shows. I’ve never attended a handling seminar. 4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Classes? Videos? Websites? Social Media? Of course! I feel the more you watch, the better you can be. My name is Lindsey Nicholas and I’m the proud owner of “Vivian,” BISS GRCHB Pretty Woman On Rodeo Drive JH CGC. We are small town girls with big dreams, traveling together for the last couple years, accomplishing so many great things in such a short time. Vivian can go from being a show dog to point- ing a bird in the field. At a young age, Vivian was Best in Sweep- stakes at the 2019 German Shorthaired Pointer National. She’s gone on to win multiple Group placements, Best in Show Owner- Handled, and earn a Junior Hunt Title in one weekend. While at home, Vivian enjoys chasing the ranger, swimming in the pond, and coming to work with me at my boarding facility, Waggy Tails Resort and Spa. In the show ring, she shines, and being at the end of her lead is such an honor. I couldn’t be more proud of this girl.
236 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2021
Powered by FlippingBook