Showsight - May 2022

"WHAT’S LACKING FOR MANY NOVICES ARE STRATEGIES THAT CAN SUPPORT THOSE GOOD INTENTIONS. THESE METHODS INCLUDE IDENTIFYING THE SOURCE OF

OUR FAILURES (LACK OF TRAINING?), REVIEWING OUR EXPECTATIONS (REALISTIC GOALS?), ACCEPTING FEEDBACK (CRITICISM AS WELL AS ENCOURAGEMENT), SEEKING SUPPORT (FROM BREEDERS, MENTORS, AND COACHES), PRIORITIZING (SHORT-TERM PLANNING), AND ESTABLISHING DEADLINES (A GREAT WAY TO REALIZE OUR DREAMS).”

‘ADULTING’ IS ALRIGHT Our journey “in dogs” often reflects our own life’s journey. Novice exhibitors can be like children in need of parents who can explain mundane tasks. Owner handlers are akin to middle school- ers who are just beginning to understand their capabilities (and limitations). Competitors in the National Owner-Handled Series are similar to teenagers and young adults who go to school, do chores, and have part-time jobs. And owner handlers wishing to move up in the rankings are like professionals within any com- munity that supports committed individuals and rewards high achievement. In many ways, our experience as owner handlers is a lot like “adulting,” which in many ways is the opposite of “parent- ing.” Today’s owner handlers can even be likened to millennials who are navigating a world that’s vastly different from that of their baby boomer parents or grandparents. All exhibitors, however, share a common love of dogs and a desire to do what’s right on their behalf. In this regard, everyone has the best of intentions. Aiming for a positive outcome is fundamental to our sport, but having good intentions alone isn’t a sure path to victory—particu- larly when everything seems to be going wrong. In times of trou- ble, it can be helpful to stop making excuses, become accountable, strategize, and seek the assistance of someone who understands where you are and wants to help you get to where you want to be.

power. Being fourth out of four with an owner-handled dog can be a game-changer, especially if we’re able to identify why we came up short and what we can do to improve our odds next time. Learning to win and lose with grace allows us to find our self-respect too. DEVELOP STRATEGIES For exhibitors who have only recently started showing dogs, the experience of being in the ring can be a real-world struggle. So many things can appear to be out of our control that it’s easy to consider staying home next time. But quitting isn’t an option if we’ve already established goals for ourselves and our dogs. What’s lacking for many novices are strategies that can support those good intentions. These methods include identifying the source of our failures (lack of training?), reviewing our expectations (realistic goals?), accepting feedback (criticism as well as encouragement), seeking support (from breeders, mentors, and coaches), priori- tizing (short-term planning), and establishing deadlines (a great way to realize our dreams). By developing strategies for becom- ing successful, we move beyond simply hoping and dreaming that things will go our way. Strategizing provides the essential tools that are tailor-made for ourselves and for our dogs. Formulating a solid strategy is the surest way to overcome obstacles and achieve our objectives.

BIO Dan Sayers has been an Owner Handler since 1985 when he showed his first Irish Water Spaniel (IWS) in Conformation. He’s shown a variety of breeds, and has handled IWS, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Sussex Spaniels to many Specialty and Group wins. Dan is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America and has contributed to a variety of print and digital publications, including the AKC Gazette, Dogs in Review, Sighthound Review, and Best in Show Daily. He is currently on Showsight’s editorial staff and is the co-host of Ring- Ready Live! with Lee Whittier. Dan attended Drexel University in Philadelphia where he earned a BS in Design, and he later received a Certificate in Graphic Design from the University of the Arts. As a designer and artist, Dan has produced dog-related works in a variety of media. He provided the artwork, editorial content, and digital page layout for the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America (IWSCA) Illustrated Standard, and his illustrations bring to life the words of the award-winning Encyclopedia of K-9 Terminology by Ed and Pat Gilbert. Dan has also judged at a variety of shows, including Sweepstakes at the Westbury Kennel Association, Morris & Essex Kennel Club, and two IWSCA National Specialties.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022 | 169

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