Gun Dog Forum

I was watching the Euk. Dog Show last night and it seems like most of the dogs are handled by Professional Show Handler's. I would like to know if you use a Pro or if you do it yourself?

We have recently ventured into Field Trialing and we are using a Pro to train and handle the pup. It's a new game and with him doing it, it is cheaper as he has the horses and the time. Time being the key word.

Pat

I have shown dogs before, but feel like a fish out of water doing it. I feel like I am getting much more done for the money getting someone on the lead that does it much better than I do, and loves doing it. I can run dogs in the finals in a Nat`l Trial and not be near as nervous as I am going in the show ring. But that is just me...

Brenda,
I agree with you 100%. I feel more confident with the pro doing the trialing.
Pat

Pro for the dog shows, because I hate even going to them...

Trails, hunt tests, NAVHDA and NSTRA I handle myself.

Jon

Selfish at this point as doing whatever it is together is all the fun. Maybe the dog could do better w/o me but we really have fun and the breed will do fine w/o us showing off

I have been in the dog show world for far to many years and just HATE it. there is way to many politics at them. Most of the time it's not what is at the bottom of the lead it's who is holding the lead. And it is not right. But there is really nothing you can do about it. All my dogs are champions or going to be. I like to have titles at both ends. Pretty dogs can hunt too. Gunner will be my 2nd generation bench champion Master hunter. But I still HATE the show ring. And yes I do use a pro handler She is a life long friend. I train her dgs in the feild and she shows my dogs It works well for both of use.

occasionally for training problems or to take my dog out west for wild bird experience on the prairies

uplanderkennels@sympatico.com ( ca?)

Ontario, Canada

Depends.
When I used to compete in Shows, I would do it myself.
I always do any kind of trail however.

I use a professional trainer for field stuff but he doesn't handle my dogs in the field....myself or a friend (also an amatuer) does.

As for shows, sometimes yes, sometimes no. I co-own my girl with her breeder, who is every bit as good a show handler as the pros who do nothing but show for a living, so when he offers to handle her, I don't say no.

I hired a Pro to do the Show side of my Dual. I did the field side.

I like to equate it to hiring a plumber. Some things are best left to a professional.