.com Forum · Beginner Forum

I'm returning from a two-year hiatus and I've been testing a dog in the ring (not fully sessioned in case it matters, I'm just playing around with him) and I can't help but notice how much more difficult it is to get the top handlers on the judge's list.

It used to go by what the other competitors of the same breed have chosen (example: if a male and female dog of your same breed both already have Roxanne Leatherwood, then she's booked and you have to move to the next available one). But now the top several handlers aren't available in shows with no dogs entered for my breed.

Why is that? How is handler availability determined now?

Its probably because your dog isn't sessioned all the way. Some handlers will not take dogs under a certain condition or number in any of the 4 training categories.

Really? o:
I dug through the showing/handler portion of the FAQ and still had no idea that was a rule. Guess I'll have to keep sessioning him up.

Definitely good to know, thanks!

You have also noticed some judges prefer owners to handle the dog, right? Some also prefer males over females and vice versa.

Peace, what a cool banner you have there!

And the missing handlers would most likely be because of the unprepared dogs (sessions). The top handlers will not take dogs that are not trained, groomed, fit, and conditioned. The higher their standing, the more particular they are.

Welcome back!

This is in the FAQ under the "Using Handlers" heading.

www.showdog.com/help/topic.aspx?id=89

"If your dog's condition is too low, you may not be able to choose the handler you want. Top handlers will not handle a dog in poor condition (includes Show Obedience, Muscle Tone, Condition, Coat Condition) and these handlers will not appear in the list of handlers to select for that dog until their condition is high enough."

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Last edited by swale on 10/21/2014 10:19:25 PM

Oh wow I had no idea about these changes either XD thank you so much for clearing this up

Also where does it say that a Judge prefers the owner as a handler? Is it on the same page where you select a handler? I haven't been able to find it

Lindsey

Click on the judge's name in the show entry page, or at the upper left corner of your screen under "Tools & Stats" then "Judge List".

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posted by Clay Creek Falls
Oh wow I had no idea about these changes either XD thank you so much for clearing this up

Also where does it say that a Judge prefers the owner as a handler? Is it on the same page where you select a handler? I haven't been able to find it

Lindsey

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Click on the judges name for the show you want to enter, there is a little "blurb" about the judges likes/dislikes and requirements.

with a family account and multiple breeds in each kennel, it's nice that i don't always have to beat the rush to get the best handler. .

Rachel, Bruce Bass, George Hunter,& Rosevelt B are the 4 i can remember off the top of my head that prefer the owner.

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Last edited by Dream What May on 10/22/2014 4:56:36 AM

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posted by Treestand Kennel
You have also noticed some judges prefer owners to handle the dog, right? Some also prefer males over females and vice versa.

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I have noticed this, I'm very excited about it. Definitely means less work when you're running multiple accounts with lots of dogs in the ring.

Thanks for all the help everyone.