A PERSONAL BEST
“THE BOND THAT EXISTS BETWEEN HUMANS AND CANINES IS UNMATCHED IN THE UNIVERSE,
AND IT IS JUST AS EVIDENT IN THE SHOW RING AS IT IS ON THE FARM OR IN THE PASTURE.”
Owner-handled professionalism can begin at any age . Photo by Dan Sayers.
THE PRO OWNER-HANDLER A “professional” is defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as “someone who does a job that people usually do as a hobby.” Cer- tainly this definition aptly characterizes the members of the Profes- sional Handlers Assocation who are paid to present their clients’ dogs alongside dogs that are largely owner-handled. However, it is, indeed, possible for professional handlers to also be an owner of the dog on the other end of the lead. It’s possible, too, that they are the dog’s breeder. These breeder/professional owner-handlers are in a league of their own, presenting dogs that represent both their pro- fessional acumen and their individual breeding programs. Many of these pros have grown up in the sport, developing their “eye for a dog” at their mother’s knee while honing their handling skills through apprenticeships with many of the sport’s legendary icons. THE HOBBY OWNER-HANDLER For the owner-handler with a bit more talent than most, show- ing dogs can become a flourishing—if not lucrative—hobby. When amateur exhibitors are noticed for their “way with dogs” in the show ring, they’re often asked by friends and acquaintances to take a dog (or two or three) on a five-day circuit. Although the requests can seem flattering at first, the responsibility of caring for someone’s else’s dog while on the road should never be considered lightly. Owner-handlers who take up showing dogs as a hobby need to know what they’re getting themselves into. After all, showing someone else’s pride and joy isn’t exactly the same thing as show- ing your personal BFF. Your own dog will always forgive you if you lose, but will your human friends be as forgiving? THE BEST OWNER-HANDLER The absolute best owner-handler is the owner-handler who understands that showing your own dog is a way of celebrating the unique relationship that’s shared between friends of differ- ent species. The bond that exists between humans and canines is unmatched in the universe, and it is just as evident in the show ring as it is on the farm or in the pasture. Owner-handlers under- stand this, and they make every show entry with the knowledge that their dog will always be the “best” dog on any given day. This belief is held by both the seasoned breeder/owner-handler and the rank and file novice. And although everyone enters their dog with the goal of winning, only one lucky pair gets to claim the top prize. Everyone else (including the owner-handler) gets to contribute to the legacy of purebred dogs by simply showing up and achieving their own personal best.
Every AKC-recognized breed can be presented by an owner-handler. Photo by Dan Sayers.
The human-canine bond is celebrated by the National Owner-Handled Series. Photo by Dan Sayers.
130 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2021
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