The difference between handling and showing
I’ve been ask to explain the difference between showing and handling, and trying to find the best way to start and finish this blog is proving difficult. Firstly I would like to note that these are my opinions and each handler/judge may not agree with what I look for in a good handler.
Showing your dog and handling your dog are worlds apart, yet so similar!
When you judge a breed class, you have a breed standard, a blue print of the perfect dog that each judge looks for and while a judge will look past the handler’s skills, a skilled handler can make an OK dog look good, while a bad handler can make a great dog look poor. Handling classes is where you are judged on your skills while remembering some golden rules such has never getting between the dog at the judge.
What I look for in a good handler is one who stand their dog correctly and be aware if it moves, they can move the dog at the correct gait and keep the correct movement while performing the patterns asked, one who encourages their dog, talks to their dog, is a sympathetic handler to the dog and polite and considerate to other handlers, the judge and other officials in the ring.
A good handler will blend into the background so the dog stands out, they move at one with the dog and the bond can be seen between the dog and handler. A polished performance. This is everything that makes a good handler in the show ring and in the handling ring.
All clear as mud isn’t it!
Remember: Handling classes are about showing off your handling skills, not showing off yourself and although it’s deemed you should present yourself well with your attire, this does not make you a better handler than someone who maybe isn’t dressed as well. (I have beaten competition, including my own father, when wearing jeans and a hoodie!)
If anyone wants to learn more about Junior or Adult Handling, Marina Scots website juniorhandling.co.uk has some great hints and tips. There are also a few books available
Junior Handling the White Way by Marina White (now Scott)
Junior Handling by Felix Cosme
Junior Handling by Jacqui Hurley
There’s also Jacqui Hurley’s DVD on Junior handling and Marina Scott’s new Junior Handling DVD
Take a look though the Our Dogs and Dog World shops for lots more books and DVDs too.
There are many ringcraft classes up and down the country that offer handling training and of course you can always contact Winning Paws for private or small group sessions for either improving your handling in the show ring, or for handling classes.