BREEDER/OWNER HANDLER: JENNY HENRY
10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)? I suggest to do as much research into your breed as possible, and learn which genetic influences you need to watch or breed for. Be responsible and make edu- cated choices. If you decide to breed, know what you’re looking for and why. Look at your dogs, know their faults, and breed to dogs that will result in improvement towards the Breed Standard. 11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you? My goals are to see my young GSD grow up and continue to stay competitive as he matures, and also to produce my first Redbone litter. I will continue to show my two boys and see what we can achieve next! I would love to celebrate the victory of finishing my first home-bred champion! 12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler? As I was just learning to show, I had a great mentor tell me, “Quit running like a girl!” I was taking little bouncy steps as I ran around the ring, which caused the dogs I was handling to also run with little bouncy steps. So, I worked hard at watching other handlers in the ring, and I practiced taking longer, smoother strides. I repeated that in my head until it helped to change my running style. To this day, I hear that comment in my head! That one funny comment has improved my skills as a handler much more than I ever imagined it would!
“I SUGGEST TO DO AS MUCH
RESEARCH INTO YOUR BREED AS
POSSIBLE, AND LEARN WHICH GENETIC INFLUENCES YOU NEED TO WATCH OR BREED FOR.”
7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler? German Shepherds can be a challenge for an Owner Handler, but Redbones tend to be pre- dominantly owner-handled. However, I enjoy the challenge to push myself! 8. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? I’ve had a few great mentors in the show world who have helped me, from grooming to pre- senting. But the two mentors who have helped me the most have been Kathryn Taylor and Pat Jenkins. They have both helped me grow as a confident handler and feel like I belong in the regular Group ring. As a breeder, I talk to many other breeders within my breeds and try to listen and learn what I can to make the most responsible choices. 9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed? Breeder/Owner Handlers are critical for the sport to continue.
142 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2024
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