Page 202 - ShowSight - August 2019

THE
JUNIOR HANDLERS
1. What breed do you show in Juniors and why did you pick that breed?
2. What do you feel is the most difficult aspect of handling your breed in Juniors?
3. Who is your mentor(s) and what do you feel is the most impor- tant thing they have taught you?
4. What have you learned from participating in Juniors that has helped in you both dog show activities and non-dog
show activities?
5. If you could pass along any advice to the next generation of Juniors what would it be?
6. Will we be lucky enough to see you working as a professional handler down the line?
7. What outside interests do you have?
8. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a dog show?
HUGH GARNER
What breed I show in Juniors and why picked that breed? I am a “Ter- rier Man”. I mainly show Airedale Terriers. While they can be challenging to show, they are also smart and very loyal. I have also shown Russell Terriers, Lakelands, and the occasional Westie. I don’t know if I picked Airedales, or if the breed
picked me! I am a 4th Generation Airedale owner. My great-grand- father owned an Airedale in Holland. When he came to America he bought one for his farm in upstate New York. My grandparents, Dr. Hugo and Joanne Nykamp breed and showed Airedales from the 1950s through the 1980s. And my mom, Nancy Nykamp shows Airedales. My current show dog, “Berry”, is an 18 month old Aire- dale who I met at a Puppy Party (Puppy Parties are when we all get together and assess a litter for show, and then have cake and ice cream). Berry’s name was “Pink” back then, and she stood out as the one who came running right up to me. She sat on my lap, nibbled
on my ears and nose, and we played together. It was as if we were always supposed to be together, like Strawberries and Shortcake!
What I feel is the most difficult aspect of handling my breed in Juniors? Terriers in general can be challenging to handle. My mom says they are like teenagers (my older brother and sister are teenag- ers). As a handler, I have to convince them dog shows are their idea, and that showing is fun! I am glad though. It makes handling more challenging, rewarding, and exciting. In addition to the challenges associated with handling, there is a ton of grooming on an Airedale. I work with my mom, carding and conditioning Berry, but it takes a lot of time, and an Airedale’s hair grows much faster than a Russell or a Westie.
I am lucky because I have a lot of super mentors. My mom and sister, taught me the value of training my puppy at a young age and then continuing to train. My puppy’s breeder, Dr. Rickard empha- sized the importance of always striving to present my dog to look her best. Lastly, my handler friends, Sarah and Ariel Cukier taught me that some days you win and some you lose, and that it’s impor- tant to do both in a respectful and dignified way. I should also men- tion I took mentoring tips on fashion from my teenage brother who approves of my bow ties.
What have I learned from participating in Juniors that has helped in both dog show activities and non-dog show activities? Junior Handling Competition, as well as Breed Judging, Owner- Handled activities, Match Shows, and handling classes, have taught me to never pass up the opportunity to get experience. This is true of life. I want to always open the door when opportunity knocks.
If I could pass along any advice to the next generation of Juniors what would it be? That’s simple. Have fun! Enjoy the time with your dog and the friends you meet in the ring. I have dog show friends from all over the country and of all ages.
Will we be lucky enough to see me working as a professional handler down the line? As a fifth grader, it’s hard to know exactly what I want to do when I grow up. But I do love showing, and think I will always be involved with dogs, maybe as an owner/breeder handler and then a judge. For now, I sometimes help out my profes- sional handler friends when they need help getting a dog ready for the ring or taking a dog into the ring. I like doing this. I feel like it’s being part of the bigger dog show family. A lot of handlers (and judges) have been really, really kind to me in the ring, giving me tips, thanking me for exhibiting, and extending sincere congratula- tions when I win.
What outside interests do I have? Well besides handling, I like to help my family with raising puppies. Getting the whelping box,
“Junior Handling Competition, as well as Breed Judging, Owner-Handled activities, Match Shows, and handling classes, have taught me to never pass up the opportu- nity to get experience. This is true of life. I want to always open the door when opportunity knocks.”
200 • ShowSight Magazine, auguSt 2019