Page 244 - ShowSight - July 2019

Owner Handler Q & A
If the newcomer wants to be the next top professional handler, then take time to learn about the trade, learn the breeds they fancy, and then go apprentice with the top Professional Handlers. The best Professional Handlers know the in’s and out’s of the sport, are well- connected, and most important of all, they must have the dogs’ best interests at heart. The dogs’ welfare and well-being should always come first and be of utmost importance. If a Professional Handler has a tendency to badmouth their competitors, berate the judges when they don’t win, or neglect the dogs in such a way that they cause harm/death in their care, then those should be signs to stay clear. Learn from the true Pros who are the best in this country, and who understand the breed and know how to take care, condition and show the dogs better than anyone else.
If the newcomer wants to be a Breeder or Owner or Exhibitor, then they must do their homework on the breed, get involved with the breed clubs, talk to the pillars of knowledge in the breed, and seek out the breeders whose dogs they admire. Because the French Bulldog is such a popular breed at the moment, many are capitalizing on its popularity to make some fast, quick money. Hence, there are breeders whom are more brokers than actual breeders, and you want to steer clear of those and their Ponzi schemes. Remember that it takes time to get to know somebody, learn about their breeding strat- egies, and trust has to be earned so don’t be discouraged if the door is slammed in your face while you are trying because perseverance and determination do pay off in the long run. Really study the breed, its nuances and learn why some breeders are successful at producing quality stock, while others fail. Attend the big events and check out the top specials and see if they are truly as good as they are, or are they winning on politics, marketing and advertising than their true merits. Remember if a breeder is promoting a less than stellar well- known special (especially one with questionable health testings and pedigree), then more than likely, they are doing so to feather their own nest and bank account than for the betterment of the breed. Make friends, really get to the breed and its people, and soon, you will uncover the truth and decipher the real gem from the knock-offs, just like you would realize the truly good worthy dogs that win on merits and merits only. “Seek the type and leave the hype” is my best advice!
JULIE BUSS
I live in Denver, Iowa. We have a family farm and we raise row crops but raised cattle for almost 30 years. I (Julie) also run a mobile scrub truck that sells uniforms to nursing staff at nursing homes, assisted livings and hospitals. Our other passions are cooking, hunt- ing/fishing and gardening.
We have been in Ridgebacks for almost ten years. Weimaraners prior to them.
How has the NOHS program affected my view of the sport? I believe in the beginning it gave the owner handler an avenue to shine and be seen. Now I believe it has divided them more than it has risen up the owner handler.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? I do believe that an owner handler has a unique understanding and connection with their dog. That being said can work for or against you.
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? Both! Each have their own special meaning. You are being judged against many other breeds who are the top of their standard and type for an All-Breed win and to beat many of your own kind is also a great achievement as they are all being judged by the same standard for the Specialty win.
If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special? I do believe its harder for a breeder/owner/handler to get the recognition and that extra look from some judges so yes its extra special, especially if you are not a generational dog person in the fancy.
Is fitting the show schedule into my “regular” life a constant bal- ancing act? How do you manage? Oh my god, yes. I work a 40 hour week on the road three days usually. Plus the farm and regular life is in their someplace. I don’t know if there is a balance I just keep mov- ing and make a lot of notes and list!
Advice to a newcomer: research—don’t rush into anything. Stay true to yourself someone will always have something to say so be true to you.
I love being a breeder/owner handler but I feel the program had the greatest of intentions and has lost its way. Breeders are going to lead the way; the owner can buy a good dog but it was bred by some- one. We do all start somewhere I understand that. I know that may not be popular but I am being true to myself as a breeder.
CHERYL CALM
I live in Oregon City, Oregon and retired in 2016 after 17 years as a News Assignment Editor with KGW Television. Between family, Bouviers, showing and dog club work, there’s no room for any other passion.
I’m an official “old timer” in my breed at 44 years and counting. Bouviers have been an important part of my life since I graduated from college and bought my first show puppy in 1975.
NOHS provides a great opportunity for owner handlers to devel- op their presentation skills so they can compete with anyone. There’s fear that judges use NOHS as a consolation prize while they continue to hand the purple and gold ribbon to professional handlers. I’ve used NOHS for training and development until my current special was competitive in regular groups. Showing in NOHS can be frustrating as the knowledge level of some of the judges is also “in development.” I know there’s suspicion in the owner handler community that AKC started NOHS rather than dealing with the perceived “Judges’ favor- itism” for professionally handled dogs.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? I feel I have an advantage because I’m sensitive to how my dog is feeling on any given day and I have developed an arsenal of responses to try and bring out her best each time in the ring. I’m thinking about just one dog I love and understand—and who has my full attention day and night. Our bond means I also have her full attention which can be the difference between winning and losing. Professional handlers have to divide their focus and try to deal with dogs they might not know very well. The owner handler also has the advantage of training their dog the way they want. They’re not undoing and redoing training by others. So you better be a good trainer!
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? Being a breeder naturally puts my heart in the Specialty ring. I can’t imagine any win topping our American National Specialty Best in Show. Nationals are when the judging should be the most demand- ing, the competition the toughest, and often the longest! Bringing your best dog, then keeping your Bouvier looking worthy of a big rosette for 20-30 minutes in a Group ring is one thing. Keeping them showing and asking for the win in the Specialty ring can sometimes stretch over hours and multiple cuts til the decisions are finally made. But I do love competing in the All Breed ring where so many fac- tors go into Group and Best in Show wins. I feel strongly that in the All Breed ring we’re representing the Bouvier—and our wins are also wins for my breed.
If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special? Absolutely! As a breeder, I’ve formulated over generations my concept of the Bouviers I want to produce. I’ve researched gen- erations back and selected the dogs that fit my mental image of the standard. By time I’ve done whatever it takes to get the breeding I want, whelped and raised the litter and selected what I think is the best, I’m heart and soul completely invested in that puppy. Then it’s time to love, nurture, socialize, train, groom and condition before we
238 • ShowSight Magazine, July 2019