The concept of handling has appeared in our country relatively recently. Today, not a single dog show in Moscow and other large cities can do without these specialists. We will figure out who the handlers are, what they do and where you can learn this unusual profession.
What is handling and who is handler
The name handling itself comes from the English word “hand” - a hand, and stands for control. This concept has already been firmly established among dog handlers and breeders of thoroughbred dogs. Thus, a handler is a person representing a dog at a pedigree show in the exterior ring.
Why hire a handler
Many dog owners believe that there is no need to hire a specialist in order to exhibit a dog, because they themselves can demonstrate their pet in the ring. But an inexperienced amateur will never introduce and prepare his dog in the way a professional does. Handler is not only a person walking next to a dog. He is well versed in the breed and can demonstrate all the beneficial features of the animal, hiding minor flaws.
Just bringing a beautiful thoroughbred dog to the show is not enough. Most of the success depends on how she will behave and how the specialist will be able to present her. Handler is a professional who can establish contact with the dog and help him to prove himself correctly.
Handler should be well aware of the standard of the exposed breed, the best pedigree lines, and their best representatives. In addition, the handler is a person who takes into account all the individual qualities of the exposed dog. Specialists often deal with only one or two breeds.
What is included in the handler's services
A puppy can begin an exhibition career at the age of 3-4 months, and even then he may need the services of a specialist. Preparation begins long before the exhibition. First of all, the handler must establish contact with the dog, because they need to act harmoniously in the ring. The animal must be obeyed by an absolutely stranger, and the owner may not even be present at the exhibition. Amid the hustle and bustle, the dog should be focused and not show aggression towards people and their pets.
The calm and confidence of the dog is not all. She should know the team well and understand what is required of her - to trot, show her teeth on command, stand still in the correct stance. The handler will teach all these tricks of the dog. He is also responsible for the appearance of the dog - brushing his teeth, cutting his claws, cutting.
To learn how to properly prepare a dog for an exhibition, experience and special knowledge are needed, which is why many owners hire handlers. In some cases, the owners do not engage in the exhibition career of their pet, completely trusting this matter to a professional. Accompanied by a specialist, an animal with good exterior qualities will be able to do both a dog show in Moscow and an international show.
Handler Dress Code
At the exhibition, the uniform of the person exhibiting the dog is also important. It should be neat, not restricting movement, because in the ring you have to move a lot. Clothing is needed in contrast to animal hair, so that the dog can be clearly seen. The shoes are comfortable, without heels, dangerous for dog paws.
You can’t appear in the ring in too wide or defiant clothes, with a high hairstyle or massive bright jewelry. The appearance of the handler should not distract the expert's attention from the dog.
How to become a handler
Typically, a handler’s career begins when a person successfully shows his own dog in the ring. He likes to participate in exhibitions, engage in ring training, his pet is always well prepared and shows excellent results. Over time, people who see talent in such a person ask for help in exhibiting their pets.
A beginner handler improves his knowledge of the breed, the rules that apply at exhibitions, and learns to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a particular dog. Gradually, a beginner gains experience, improves his skills by attending special handler courses, learns to perform more artistically and oversees the work of professionals.
Handler since childhood
There is another way that a future specialist can take - the section “Young Handler” at the dog training club. Experienced professionals teach in such sections, which allows children to avoid the typical mistakes of beginners and quickly raise their skills to a high level.
The first school of handlers for children was opened in Moscow in 1994 at the RKF, later a similar organization appeared at the Kennel Club in St. Petersburg. They act in accordance with international regulations.
Handling can be started at a very young age. Children can enter the section from 9 years old. The term of study is one academic year, from September to June. At school, children receive both theoretical knowledge about dog breeding and practical skills in presenting dogs at exhibitions.
Handler Skills
Let’s summarize what a beginner handler should know and be able to:
- Know the standard of the breed that is going to exhibit, its best representatives.
- Make contact with the dog.
- See the advantages and disadvantages of the animal, be able to show the dog in a favorable light.
- Know expert preferences.
- Choose the right clothes for the show.
- Competently communicate with an expert.
Bad handler:
- Does not control the dog, applies force to it.
- Unkemptly dressed, improperly selected clothes - for example, exposes a black dog in black trousers.
- Clogs a dog while jogging trot, stance.
- Noisily behaving, swearing with other participants and judges.
- Comes to the exhibition while intoxicated.