Joseph Washnesky
1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How long have you been a Professional Handler? How did you get your start? Who are/were your mentors and with whom did you apprentice? Hi, my name is Joseph Washnesky. I currently reside in Hous- ton, Texas. I have been out on my own for three years now. I have assisted professional handlers in my career and have worked with some great handlers, such as Mr. Wood Wornall, Carlos Carrizo, Bruce and Tara Schultz, David and Jennifer Harper, and last but not least, Mike and Linda Pitts. These han- dlers taught me a lot about conditioning dogs and 101 on tak- ing care of dogs. In my career, I have won five BIS on (Ameri- can) Cocker Spaniels, which I love to show. 2. As a Professional Handler, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? Has judging changed since you first began showing dogs professionally? What do you think about the number of shows today? Is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful? I started showing 20 years ago, and judging has changed some just like in any other sport. I do enjoy this sport and showing to some great judges every weekend. I enjoy showing to Harold (Red) Tatro and Mr. Dana Cline, and many more. Social media is good and bad for this sport. It’s very easy to read how some- one says something on a social forum and take it differently. 3. Have the changes made to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows been good for the sport of dogs? Any thoughts on Reserve Best in Show? What about earning points through a Group win or placement? Do you agree that Reserve Winners at a Specialty should earn championship points? I think by going Reserve Best in Show, the dog should receive all-breed points, as they defeated the same dogs as BIS did. I think AKC was smart to award majors for a class dog to win the Group or even place in the Group. I think it’s a great idea for Reserve Winners to get a major at a Specialty, as it’s hard these days to find majors in most breeds . 4. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed? What are some of the positive changes you've seen in your profession and in the dog show community over the past decade?
I think seeing some new judges lately is good for the sport and it gives a different eye and perspective on new dogs being shown. Seeing handlers become judges now is amazing because they have worked hard breeding and showing and campaign- ing dogs in their career, and I enjoy showing to them—either I win or lose. At the end of the day, it’s just a dog show and people need to hear that more often. 5. And finally, do you want to tell us anything else about yourself or do you have any messages for the rest of the fancy? As for hobbies other than showing, I really don’t get out and do much because while at home I’m taking care of dogs and con- ditioning them for the next show. Something I want to say is for the Juniors who are coming out and starting to be a profes- sional handlers: Please take the time to work for a few handlers and get some real knowledge of how to run a business and how to properly take care of the animals and be able to see signs of what’s going on with the dogs. It’s not all about winning. It’s about being the best and taking care of client dogs at the end of the day.
90 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2024
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