How would one go about finding a handler?

[EmrldShdwQueen]

Just curious...I don't have any show quality dogs right now, but I am looking into it. How do you find a good handler? I've heard about many who don't treat the dogs well. I would of course be willing to pay someone more that I knew was well worth it.

[yorkiekist]

Do you subscribe to the Yorkshire Terrier Magazine? You will see alot of the really good handlers in there. Two of the best are Kirsten Mcgregor and Barbara Biessel. They are in your neck of the woods too. You may also contact you local kennel club. Go to shows and ask questions. Most of the toy breeders will know who to use. Watch the handlers in the ring and see how the dogs respond to them also. Good luck in your search!!! But do your homework!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sugar's Mom]

i saw Barbara in the ring at the AKC show this summer. I was appalled at how she was jerking the yorkie around in front of the judge because it didn't want to stack on the table. While she is supposed to be one of the best, I would never put one of my dogs under her. You can also go to the AKC. org site and there is a section to help you find a handler. You will have a lot more fun if you go to a few conformation classes and learn to handle your dog yourself.

[EmrldShdwQueen]

Originally Posted by Sugar's Mom

i saw Barbara in the ring at the AKC show this summer. I was appalled at how she was jerking the yorkie around in front of the judge because it didn't want to stack on the table. While she is supposed to be one of the best, I would never put one of my dogs under her. You can also go to the AKC. org site and there is a section to help you find a handler. You will have a lot more fun if you go to a few conformation classes and learn to handle your dog yourself.

See that's what I'm afraid of...I'm sure the best way is just to do it yourself, but I don't see how I'll have the time...who knows though...

Of course, I need to find a show quality dog first. Sophie has all the right features except a spot of pink on her nose (which I guess could be covered with magic marker or something), but I think she's too small to ever be shown. I was going to go for a pair of Biewers this spring, but I have decided I'm more interested in getting a show quality standard Yorkie first.

[YorkieRose]

You have to start NOW...go to every show you can and watch handlers..get referrals from breeders at the top of the game.
I picked a handler who showed for the Scott's, I saw how much Barbara loved and cared about her dogs. Thisandler only took out two dogs at a time. I would never use a handler who deals in numbers...

My friend used one of the handlers mentioned in this thread...her Yorkie died at the handlers home while she was away for the weekend showing...my handler always took the dogs with her in the RV and that is why she kept the numbers small....

[Yorkiekids]

I think you would want to go to as many shows as possible, so you can see first hand how your baby would be handled. Ask a lot of questions before entrusting you precious one to someone's hands.

[Mardelin]

As stated above, go to as many shows as possible.....subscribe to YT Magazine and Top Notch Toys.

I've only used a handler once, but he handled exclusively for my breeder/mentor....I wouldn't use an all breed handler.....would only use one that only handled toys and at best yorkies.

Kirsten McGregor is probably the top Yorkie Handler in the Country. She's handled and taken yorkies to the # spot several years running now.

Barb Biessel....is one of the best and Kirsten trained under her....

Trish Kuelessa- only handles yorkies....handles only 1 Bitch, 1 Dog and a Special. The only time she handles more is at a specialty. But, she does have an assistant and at times her granddaughter travels and shows.

There are several others...Molly is on the west coast, handles for Pastoral and Yorkboro

Tara Martin pretty much handles Maltese....but, also handles Yorkies.

Florida....Mark Chilcut.....breeder/handler.

You can also look on the AKC website for Registered handler.....ask questions, find out how how and where the dogs are housed, whether or not the use your dogs for fillers, etc. Ideally it would be best if you could visit their facilities.

[EmrldShdwQueen]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

As stated above, go to as many shows as possible.....subscribe to YT Magazine and Top Notch Toys.

I've only used a handler once, but he handled exclusively for my breeder/mentor....I wouldn't use an all breed handler.....would only use one that only handled toys and at best yorkies.

Kirsten McGregor is probably the top Yorkie Handler in the Country. She's handled and taken yorkies to the # spot several years running now.

Barb Biessel....is one of the best and Kirsten trained under her....

Trish Kuelessa- only handles yorkies....handles only 1 Bitch, 1 Dog and a Special. The only time she handles more is at a specialty. But, she does have an assistant and at times her granddaughter travels and shows.

There are several others...Molly is on the west coast, handles for Pastoral and Yorkboro

Tara Martin pretty much handles Maltese....but, also handles Yorkies.

Florida....Mark Chilcut.....breeder/handler.

You can also look on the AKC website for Registered handler.....ask questions, find out how how and where the dogs are housed, whether or not the use your dogs for fillers, etc. Ideally it would be best if you could visit their facilities.

Thank you to everyone, especially Mardelin, that is very helpful. I am looking into attending some shows right now. I will post as I have more questions, and I'm quite sure I will. Thanks again.