THE 10 COMMANDMENTS FOR OWNER HANDLERS
Too much focus on tips and tricks has cost many exhibitors’ dogs a ribbon. Thou Shalt Not Lie About the Com- petition— It can sometimes be tempt- ing to trash-talk the competition, but be forewarned. This kind of behavior is more likely to reflect poorly on you—and on your dog. Why jeopardize your reputa- tion and your dog’s career by spreading gossip or telling tall tales? Lies and innu- endo serve no meaningful purpose, and they distract from what’s really important; like staying focused on your own goals and your plans for success. Thou Shalt Not Envy Thy Competi- tor’s Bitch— All show dogs (the good, the bad, and the ugly) represent someone’s breeding program. And although no dog is perfect, it can be hard to resist the glamor of an Afghan Hound, the physicality of a Doberman Pinscher, or the gentleness of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. However, don’t be dissuaded from appreciating the many charms of the dog on the other end of your lead. Those loving eyes and wag- ging tail are yours and yours alone. Thou Shalt Not Envy Thy Competi- tor’s Win Record— Let’s be honest. Every owner handler wants to win. But win- ning, as they say, isn’t everything. Win- ning is simply the reward for showing up and being prepared when opportunity knocks. Winning is the result of years of dedication and an unfailing devotion to your dog. Winning is the acknowledge- ment that your efforts to preserve your breed and promote your dog have not gone unnoticed. So, celebrate your dog’s wins, but don’t be led to distraction by someone else’s win record. Stay true to your dog and your day will come.
where breeding stock gathers to be evalu- ated. Getting dressed up and showing off can be fun for both dog and handler, but it’s your dog’s pedigree that’s really on dis- play in the ring. Be as competitive as you need to be, but don’t forget to celebrate those breed hallmarks too. Thou Shalt Not Kill My Chances for Success— As long as you’re in the ring showing your dog to best advantage, try not to throw away the win by thinking you’re in the big leagues when you’re not. Though it may be hard to stay focused on your dog when there’s so many distractions (bait on the floor, professional handlers, bitches in season) your job is to “look alive” and be ready when it’s time for the judge to select Winners Dog, Best of Breed, or Best in Show. Stay focused! Thou Shalt Not Allow an “Oops” Breeding— All the careful planning in the world can’t account for why accidents hap- pen… but they do happen. Mother Nature and Father Time have their way of getting what they want, including the arrival of unexpected litters of puppies. To counter the often-unpredictable forces of nature, careful monitoring of a bitch in season (and management of a willing or willful dog) is essential. With care, unplanned pregnancies can be prevented. Thou Shalt Not Steal the Spot- light— They don’t call them dog shows for no good reason. While you’re competing head-to-head with your fellow exhibitors, don’t throw away your dog’s chances of winning by thinking the show is all about you. One of the biggest pitfalls an owner handler can make is to lose sight of the fact that it’s the dog that’s being evaluated, not the handler’s skillset (or lack thereof ).
Thou Shalt Have No Dogs Before Me— It should come as no surprise that your dog thinks you’re the center of the universe. So, maybe it’s only fitting that you return the favor by extending your undying loyalty, obedience, and respect in the ring. Though you may be tempted at times to idolize the competition’s pretty face and glorious figure, your adoration (both external and within) is best reserved for the only dog at the show that loves you unconditionally. Thou Shalt Not Say My Name (Unless a Treat Is Involved)— Isn’t it amazing how quickly your puppy learned its name? Even more remarkable is how reliably your pup responds to the sound of its name when there’s a piece of freeze- dried liver in your hand. With all that enthusiasm on display, you’d think that every treat was a last meal. However, don’t think of the exchange of food as a bribe. Instead, think of it as the easiest way of reinforcing the bond the two of you share. Remember to Celebrate My Birth- day—Every Day— You might like to think that your dog is happy to receive all those birthday gifts on its big day… and you’d be right. After all, what could be more fun for your BFF than rolling around in a pile of perfectly plush play- things? (Maybe a custom-designed confec- tion from the doggie bakery?) Actually, as much as your dog appreciates your once- a-year effort, what’s really expected is that same level of attention 24/7/365. Thou Shalt Honor My Sire and Dam— Although your dog enjoys being the center of attention, your participation in the conformation arena signals your understanding that dog shows are the place
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.
130 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022
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