Page 167 - ShowSight - June 2020
P. 167

                What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I have zero problem competing with anyone. In the horse world, I compete in the amateur/non-pro divisions, but I also com- pete in the open divisions, and I am proud of a win in either divi- sion. Being an owner-handler should be something to be extremely proud of! We are going out there on our own, and when we win, we know it is truly because of the quality of dog we are showing and no other reason. In all honesty, I find that wins by my fellow owner-handlers are much more significant to me than those by the professionals, because you can set politics and other factors aside and know that the win by an owner-handler, for the most part, is earned strictly by the quality of his/her dog.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? It is hard to pinpoint specific role models, as each person I meet has something different to offer. I respect many different people for their quality of training and handling of their dogs, and I also respect many others who may not have the huge successes to put on their resume, but have loads of class and good sportsmanship. Some of the people I consider my best role models are other success- ful owner-handlers who work hard to develop a bond with that one special dog, and take that dog as far as they can go. There is some- thing to be said about a person who doesn’t have a string of dogs to choose from, but can take their own personal dog and be cogni- zant of the faults or issues needing improvement, and work to make them better.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I love specialties because I love watching lots of great examples of my breed. However, I find most all-breed shows to be a bit more fun to compete in.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I think the future looks like it will remain status quo for owner-handlers. There will always be a group of people who prefer to pay a professional to show their dogs, and there will always be a group of people that take pride in the satisfaction of showing their own dog. Policies may change, but the basic nature of being an owner-handler remains constant. We love our dogs, work hard at creating the bond between ourselves and our dogs, and nothing satisfies us more than being able to do it on our own.
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? Having been a marching band director for 25 years, I have a little bit of hearing loss. I was in the ring and the judge mumbled directions to me. I asked him politely if he could repeat himself as I was hard of hearing, and he snapped at me that if I had a little less hair dye in my hair, I could hear him better. It’s one of those moments where at the time I could think of nothing to say, but afterwards I thought of at least 100 responses. We all laugh about that today, as my hair still has dye and my hearing has not improved—maybe because of it? Who knows?
I also would like to share that I don’t get upset about trivial things, but one thing that does bother me is the dismissive attitude some people have about owner-handlers. To those people, let me tell you this: We are just as serious about our dogs and our breeding/ training programs as the professionals, and just because we do not make a living at it doesn’t mean we are not as dedicated. We provide competition, points, and a lot of income for the clubs. We are all trying to learn and improve!
MEGAN HUNTER
I live in Yelm, Washington. My breed is Rottweilers and I’ve been involved with them for the last seven years. I grew up my whole life with farm dogs running around. My uncle always had working Australian Shepherds, which really gave me a love for working breeds.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? Definitely! One of my main passions in life has always been horses. We had them around from the time I was born and I grew up riding. I was fortunate to have some really amazing trainers take me under their wing. Over the years I learned more and eventually became a horse trainer and riding instructor. It’s still something I love to do. Outside of horses and dogs, I have three boys (ages seven, six, and three) and family is my life. We are very much an outdoorsy type of family; camping, hiking, hunting, fish- ing and the works.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? I have been competing as an owner-handler for just over a year.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? I have. I had a great training facility just 20 minutes from my house that held weekly handling classes that were fantastic. I also have a really awesome friend who has been an owner-handler for several years who is always happy to help me and give feedback.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? I am eligible for it, but have yet to compete.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? Honestly, competing with professional handlers is something I have mixed feelings about. On one hand, it is super intimidating going up against people who do this for a living, and sometimes I feel that certain judges pay more attention to dogs that are with professional handlers than new faces. Definitely not all of them, but it does happen. On the other hand, I absolutely love the competi- tion. I also really enjoy watching them in the ring as we are going. If you pay close attention you can learn small techniques they do with their dogs that can be applied with your own.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? Actu- ally, the good friend I mentioned earlier, Allaina Robinson, has been a huge help to me getting started in showing. She is definitely a role model. She works and trains her own dogs for the ring and watching them work so cohesively as a team is a huge inspiration. She has a Bullmastiff and a Standard Poodle. She grooms her Poodle herself too; the hours dedicated are intense.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I don’t have a strong preference. Because I have three young children, I try to compete fairly locally (within a three-four hour drive). I end up entering any shows I can. I will say that all-breed shows seem a bit lower key, but there is also a large local Rottweiler community, so even all-breed shows around here have a good turnout.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? Speaking for my breed, most definitely. The Rottweiler community, at least in my area, has been pretty welcoming to a newbie owner-handler. After seeing the same people by the third show or so I started making connections. I have gotten some really great feedback from judges on how I can improve in the ring—things I could have done better. Though showing dogs can be disheartening at times, the support you get from the community brings you back. It’s great having a nice dog, because I know sometimes it’s not her that screwed us up, it’s me!
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? So far the funniest thing that has happened was in a Beginner Pup- py Class. Barkley (Von Hunter’s Bold as they Come RN TKI) was 4.5 months old and absolutely loved the show ring. She was doing amazing, acting like a seasoned pro. The judge sent us for the down and back, she gaits down perfectly! Then as we turn, she launches herself into the air like a kangaroo and bounds all the way down the aisle to the judge where she proceeds to stand herself up with- out putting her front paws on the judge to say “hello.” She was so happy, there was no way to be upset, and the best part was the judge laughing out loud as she came hopping up to her. She really loves the ring. After that she went back to acting like a perfect angel who has been shown for years.
OWNER-HANLDER Q&A
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020 | 165
















































































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