AKC PILOT NOHS REGIONAL EVENT PROGRAM: IT’S ALL ABOUT RESPECT
“The AKC’s pilot program for owner-handled dogs represents a significant development in the world of dog showing, with the potential to bring about profound changes in how we compete, celebrate, and care for our dogs.”
The possible glitch for owner handlers is that the clubs are “urged,” not “required.” This criterion should be required for NOHS, particularly where a fee is charged for the entry. Many owner handlers feel that, under these circumstances, they do not want their dog’s future to be determined by a permit judge. MINIMUM ENTRY LEVELS When you enter the Breed in Orlando, only the Top 10 are eli- gible. There are no Selects, just BOB and BOS, which will apply to the Regionals as well. In Orlando, you don’t get a single point for winning anything; not for the NOHS Breed, the Group, or Best. However, the Regionals have no qualifications, and double points apply at all levels. This is the same reason many people like it: they don’t have to win anything to qualify. It’s an opportunity for everyone to compete, not just those who rise to the NOHS Finals. SUPERINTENDENTS & THE NOHS REGIONALS AKC rolled out this program and a superintendent is required for each event. With the cost of superintending, plus the cost of fully approved judges and the site, this event will be expensive
to produce. The superintendents already have conceptualized sev- eral ways that this pilot program will work. The systems they have are already in place; it’s just a matter of applying them to the days and number of events within the day. While contemplating these Regionals, we’re reminded of the essence of showing dogs, captured by Dog Show Mentor’s quote of the month: “This is the only sport where people take their dogs off the sofa with no experience and no training and expect to win.” Didn’t you start out this way? This sentiment underscores the unique blend of hope and aspiration that defines our sport, even as we confront the realities of competition and change. The AKC’s pilot program for owner-handled dogs represents a significant development in the world of dog showing, with the potential to bring about profound changes in how we compete, celebrate, and care for our dogs. As we explore this uncharted territory, our collective dedication to the sport, its traditions, and its future will guide us toward making decisions that honor the spirit of competition and the well-being of all human and canine participants.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lee Whittier has over three decades of experience in the world of purebred dogs as an experienced breeder, exhibitor, and internationally recognized judge. A former AKC Executive Field Representative, Lee now judges multiple Groups at prestigious shows worldwide. As the founder of the Dog Show Mentor program, she empowers owner handlers globally with strategic approaches to showing dogs. Lee currently resides in Vancouver, Washington, where she enjoys her Tibetan Terriers, gardening, and hiking. If you want more information about how to expand your dog show horizons, contact Lee@DogShowMentor.com At Dog Show Mentor, we make winners.
130 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2024
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