So You Want To Hire a Professional Handler?
Written by Shannon Scheer, published in CDF Magazine
My general response from people is that “HANDLERS ALWAYS WIN” . This irks me to no end. There is nothing more intimidating to a Pro Handler than to go up against a powerful Breeder/Owner/Handler. These are the true dog people of the Sport. They know their breed inside out and have hours to spend preparing their ONE breed. A Professional Handler must hone their skills and knowledge in readying themselves to take on the Professional Owner. This is why WE are called PROFESSIONALS. We have earned our name through many years of apprenticing with the very best before we ever decided to become a handler. Be wary of the “pop-up” handler that bought a van, and business cards and has therefore dubbed themselves a Handler without any experience of working hard in the trenches with those that could have taught them.
My criteria for choosing a Professional Handler is listed below:
- DON’T hire someone solely on the amount of ribbons they win in a day. Although impressive, it is more important to watch how the handlers set up is run during the day.
- At this point you have already made a decision on a few who interest you. Just because a handler is not in their set up all day, does not mean they are neglecting their charges. They are probably busy showing all of their exhibits. This is where the competent assistant comes in.
- DO take note that there is someone in the set up at all times. Are the dogs constantly crated? Not all shows are expen friendly but the majority are and the dogs should take turns lounging in expens. Are the assistants knowledgeable in the grooming and well being of dogs in the handler’s care? A handler is only as good as those that work for them. It shows the handlers ability to train and teach people that have the same values as they do.
- An assistant needs to have a take charge attitude which includes exercising dogs on a regular basis, following schedules, and maintaining a grooming schedule that allows the dogs to be ring ready ON TIME.
- Make sure for the number of dogs the handler is carrying that they have enough assistants to care for them. Twenty dogs and one assistant is not something that works well.
- If you are still questioning a chosen handler, try coming back to the building for last exercise. Do you witness handlers and assistants trudging outside no matter the weather to give the dogs some fresh air and play time? Its no fun for show dogs to be shuffled from crate to expen to grooming table day after day. Taking them for walks or playing in the rings with them late at night will keep your dogs mind in top show condition.
- Is the handlers set up kept clean and organized during the day?
- Do the dogs all have access to fresh water? Are their buckets cleaned daily?
- Will your dog be kept on his regular diet or will the handler provide their own brand of food to feed everyone because it is “easier”?
- If you wish to send your dog with a handler, do they have adequate kennel facilities in order to house your dog for overnight stays?
- What type of vehicle and what size crate will your dog be travelling in? Make sure these are up to your specifications.
- Is there a contract for you to sign stating the charges set forth and explaining any added costs the handler may have. Have they given you their contact phone number?
- Before you hire a handler, please ask if there will be any extra charges, because in most cases there are. Whether it is for expenses pro rated, special dietary needs, heavy coated breeds will have extra charges, do they charge bonuses and so forth. Know exactly what you are paying for BEFORE you send your dog on the road.
- DON’T ever shop for the cheapest handler. As with anything, you get what you pay for in the long run. Experience, longevity, cleanliness and basic common dog sense knowledge are the most important things to think of when preparing to hire someone.
- Does your chosen handler have a website that shows their credentials and facilities?
- Does your chosen handler have all the knowledge needed to prepare and deal with your breed? Most Professionals, if not comfortable with the type of grooming or breed that you have asked about will definitely turn you towards someone that they feel more qualified than they are. This is the way ETHICAL handlers respect and work with each other.
- Feel free to ask for client recommendations. It might also be to your benefit to run your choice by your breeder first. They have been in the dog fancy a lot longer than you have and might have some insight for you as well.
- A good Professional will always make time for you. If you are approaching a handler at a show and they are busy at that time, they will always give you a time frame to come back and talk.
These are just a few tips for those that are considering hiring a Professional Handler, whether it be for a weekend or on a monthly contract.