Selecting a Professional Handler - YorkieTalk.com Forums

gemy · 05-28-2010, 04:12 PM

I would like to poll the exhibitors here with their thoughts on how to select a pro handler, what questions to ask, what you as the consumer should expect, what training and affiliations you would look for in a pro handler, etc, etc.

I think that in this section once we come up with a whole lot of stuff, it can and should be edited into a "sticky".

There are many reasons why, we as exhibitors might not be able to show our dog on a particular day or for a particular show, we might even want to special our dog.

So scenario one; you are relatively new to the show world, your dog has gotten lots of good compliments from fellow exhibitors, but isn't winning, you consider a pro handler.. How do you go about this? What do you look for?

Well you've got your pro handler. How do you give constructive criticism, and how should you expect your pro to respond?

If you want your dog to only be shown for a particular day or show is a contract necessary?

Hope to hear from all

YorkieRose · 05-28-2010, 04:21 PM

I asked people I trusted and who they have used.
For a long time I watched handlers when they had no clue anyone was observing...you learn who loves dogs.

Quite frankly, I would never give a professional constructive critizism..the best knows exactly how to show your dog to it best ability and present it to perfection...if not find another...
There really is nothing you can tell them, good ones know there business..they know when the dog is not showing well and they know how to correct a problem. You do not need to stand on the sidelines and mention your dog dropped it's head or did not look at the judge..your handler is on it.
If you do not like the way it is groomed, again if the handler is a winning Yorkie handler, perhaps you are not grooming correctly...
If a handler consistantly finishes Yorkies in short measure as mine did, I kept my mouth shut..paid the bill and allowed her to call all the shots.

I never signed a contract for a few shows...she also checked me out to see if I was honest and kept my word.

topknot · 05-29-2010, 02:54 AM

You should know how your handler is before you would even place your dog with a handler. They (handler) should have such a great reputation by all, so you should feel very confident with them. I too would never give constructive critizism either, since they are the pros. So much can go on at a show that you might not know. On any given day it could be anyones picks and you never know for sure about the judges or how all the dogs will act in the ring. There is a lot that goes into the dynamics and critizism is just not one I would give. I may ask how the show went. So before placing your dog with a handler you should know your handler well.

I too place a dog with my handler till they are finished, which usually is not long. This way my dog gets better aquainted with them and does better with the training, so they do better in the ring.

A reputable professional handler will evaluate your dog too before they take your dog and let you know if they are finishable based on their guess.

Brooklynn · 05-29-2010, 07:38 AM

Like others have said know the reputation of your handler. With Toy breeds such as the yorkie make sure the handler you choose is a toy handler. I personally prefer a toy handler vs. an All-Breed handler as they know how to bascially keep coat ect. You want to build a good relationship in my opinion with your handler. I wouldn't crititize the handler but I don't think it's not a bad thing to say how your dog has been trained at home and how he has done for you as an exhibitor.
I do have a pet peeve when I see handlers string up a dog and not let the dog move out and yes then I might have to say something if it were my dog. I know it's their job but nothing I can't stand more than seeing a dog being strung up on the lead in the ring. If the dog is a mover move out with that dog. I think it's important to get the dog way before hand so that the handler can work with the dog unless you have that exceptional dog that doesn't care who's on that lead LOL.
The handler doesn't know your dog like you do so I would have to say it's ok to let the handler know how he was trained or how he does with you if you shown the dog in the ring. Then it's up to the handler to work with that dog and incorporate their skills on the dog. Me being someone that is working towards the goal of handling yorkies for others it is important to listen to the client and then incorporate your own ability with the dog. As the handler the client is the boss and you are their employer. As with any boss you need to be involved as well and know how your "employee" is doing and how they are handling the job. Not sure if anyone else looks at it this way but in reality the client is the employer and tries to find the best employee to do the job and it's up to the employer to make sure the job is getting done and done correctly.
If I hire a handler they will be the best at what they do and a must for me is have love for the dog and not look at me as just someone paying them to show my dog. I know so many that are out there that way. Again, me being an exhibitor/handler and knowing others you get to know who does the best job and always ask for recommendations from others that have had good experiences with their dogs ect...
I hope this helps some.

Donna

YorkieRose · 05-29-2010, 08:36 AM

90% of the talk IMO should take place before the hiring...of course, you want to discuss your dogs personality, likes and dislikes...but you know the two handers I mentioned can spend about a day or less with any Yorkie and know what they have to do to finish it...shoot, I am not that good and I can figure it out in a few days...pro's and con's of the dog, where and how...I am not a professional at handling and it takes me forever.
I would never hire anyone who treated anyones dogs in a way I would not treat or show mine...

I would perfer not to hire a person who did not breed and show Yorkies at some point in their life...they know the judges and everything inside and out...it goes so fast with the type handler...they may charge more, but less is spent in finishing the dog.

My handler used to calendar 3 mos...and she always did it in that time frame or less...but a good handler will not take a so-so dog to make money..

gemy · 05-29-2010, 11:43 AM

Good discussion, I thank you all for your responses. Here is a link from the akc on how to hire a pro handler.

AKC Registered Handlers Program - Hiring a Handler

For very new people to the show world there are a couple of terms you want to familiarize yourself with;

1. Ringside pick up - what is that? It can mean literally you are expected to bring your dog washed groomed and to the ringside where the pro handler will take the lead from you and enter in the ring with your dog. Once he/she is finished showing your dog, you are expected to take that lead back and care for your dog for the remainder of the day, particularly if your dog has won BOB and is going to go to group competition.

2. Temporary boarding of your dog with the handler. This is where the handler is responsible to feed, wash, groom, exercise your dog over the course of time you have agreed to. It can be as short as one show wkend or longer.

All professional handlers should have a rate sheet. Make sure you get a copy of that rate sheet. Make sure if you are sharing travel expenses, you understand what will be charged as travel, and how it will be divied up.

Some areas to cover with this handler are; 1. If a conflict in schedule arises, how will he/she solve the problem. ie; their assistant will show your dog, or one of their fellow peers, lastly you are expected to show your dog. Go through this not only at the breed or class level, but at group level.

Please note it is standard practice that first top priority is given to any "specials" the handler might be showing. So ask what specials he/she currently has. You want to know the breeds they are specialing. This will be closely followed by class dogs they have contracted with other owners to show until their championship. A special is a dog which is already a champion, and these owners are probably looking to compete for top dog status. Next will be long term clients of theirs, dogs which occasionally they show for a client, but not necessarily every wkend. then finally there is you.

Do not expect to pay handler's fees if your handler doesn't show your dog. Inquire what are the rates if their assistant shows the dog. You should expect that if your handler hands off your dog to another peer handler and you have agreed to this practice that the handling fee is what your handler would normally charge.

AS the owner of the dog you have a type of balancing decision to make - on who to hire, what you expect from the handler (ie; one time show, finish your dog, show your dog at a national specialty) - Oh yes and count on national specialty rates to be different than regular show rates.
Be clear in your expectations, be clear also on how you will measure your handler's performance.
For example big name handlers are very busy folks indeed. How-ever usually well organzied with a well-oiled team to deal with conflicts, scheduling, xpenning, grooming etc. You might have to wait 2-3 months to get on their list, if they agree to take you and your dog. A good handler should want to meet your dog, go over it, walk your dog, speak with you about your goal for your dog, ask for your dog's quirks or foibles, and give you a rough idea on how long it might take to finish your dog.
It is important particularly, if you plan on leaving your dog in the care of this handler and have the handler do the grooming, to quiety observe what goes on in their set up on busy and not so busy show days. Are the dogs left unattended? Be aware that pro handlers almost always set-up near to each other, and look out for each others dogs when not in their set-up.

Like hiring any pro, the conversation is a two way street. Come prepared with a list of questions you want the answers to. Answer all your handlers questions honestly and as completely as you can.

tjdmom · 05-29-2010, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

but you know the two handers I mentioned can spend about a day or less with any Yorkie and know what they have to do to finish it...shoot, I am not that good and I can figure it out in a few days...pro's and con's of the dog, where and how...I am not a professional at handling and it takes me forever.

I missed it? Did you recommend a couple of handlers? I'd love to hear names!

At some point in the not to distant future, I am going to need a good handler and would love some recommendations.

YorkieRose · 05-29-2010, 01:16 PM

It must have been another thread...
Jamie Bennett is wonderful. Barb Bissel also.

magicgenie · 05-29-2010, 08:24 PM

My Izzy is with Polly Lamarine from CT who shows throughout NE, NY, NJ. There's also Mary Jane Held in your area, I think around Albany, who travels that same circuit. It took me a long time to get comfortable with the idea of sending my dog off with someone, then to get to know the people, but it has been so worth it. I don't worry one bit about Izzy, knowing she's in good hands. She left home in March at 11 mos old with one point, and as of today is one major away from her title. My first home bred champion and I'm so excited.

Brooklynn · 05-30-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

It must have been another thread...
Jamie Bennett is wonderful. Barb Bissel also.

I love both Jamie and Barb! They are great!! I've never hired them but I know each one of them and they do a beautiful job! I hope one day to be where they are well at least with client class dogs not specials as I want to show my own special and not for anyone else LOL

Amazing Yorkies · 05-30-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjdmom

I missed it? Did you recommend a couple of handlers? I'd love to hear names!

At some point in the not to distant future, I am going to need a good handler and would love some recommendations.

You going to put your boy in the Ring? That would be exciting!

Brooklynn · 05-31-2010, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjdmom

I missed it? Did you recommend a couple of handlers? I'd love to hear names!

At some point in the not to distant future, I am going to need a good handler and would love some recommendations.

I do some handling and I'm decent

But, Kirsten McGregor, Jamie Bennett, Barb Beissell are some good handlers. I'm starting to build my handling resume so anyway just putting it out there

Donna

Elle · 05-31-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklynn

I do some handling and I'm decent

But, Kirsten McGregor, Jamie Bennett, Barb Beissell are some good handlers. I'm starting to build my handling resume so anyway just putting it out there

Donna

I agree. I also like Diane Ehricht.

topknot · 05-31-2010, 04:35 PM

I've used Kirsten. She really good. I know Barb too and she is also very good and very nice. Diane and Luke are also very good. I do not know Jamie, but I am in the south east. These are some of your best in the east coast area. I agree with you too Donna.

Yes, if you get a handler - be sure they know yorkies and handle them specifically. Toy breeds, especially ones with coats takes a special person. JMO

Elle · 06-02-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topknot

I've used Kirsten. She really good. I know Barb too and she is also very good and very nice. Diane and Luke are also very good. I do not know Jamie, but I am in the south east. These are some of your best in the east coast area. I agree with you too Donna.

Yes, if you get a handler - be sure they know yorkies and handle them specifically. Toy breeds, especially ones with coats takes a special person. JMO

Jamie has been down there Tina. Just back & forth. I don't want to say for sure because I don't have her calender LOL. But I thought???? Wasn't she showing Ch Empee's Georgie Porgie? But now it's Ch Empee's Ritz Carlton? Is that right?

05-28-2010, 04:12 PM	#1
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	Selecting a Professional Handler I would like to poll the exhibitors here with their thoughts on how to select a pro handler, what questions to ask, what you as the consumer should expect, what training and affiliations you would look for in a pro handler, etc, etc. I think that in this section once we come up with a whole lot of stuff, it can and should be edited into a "sticky". There are many reasons why, we as exhibitors might not be able to show our dog on a particular day or for a particular show, we might even want to special our dog. So scenario one; you are relatively new to the show world, your dog has gotten lots of good compliments from fellow exhibitors, but isn't winning, you consider a pro handler.. How do you go about this? What do you look for? Well you've got your pro handler. How do you give constructive criticism, and how should you expect your pro to respond? If you want your dog to only be shown for a particular day or show is a contract necessary? Hope to hear from all __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

05-28-2010, 04:21 PM	#2
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	I asked people I trusted and who they have used. For a long time I watched handlers when they had no clue anyone was observing...you learn who loves dogs. Quite frankly, I would never give a professional constructive critizism..the best knows exactly how to show your dog to it best ability and present it to perfection...if not find another... There really is nothing you can tell them, good ones know there business..they know when the dog is not showing well and they know how to correct a problem. You do not need to stand on the sidelines and mention your dog dropped it's head or did not look at the judge..your handler is on it. If you do not like the way it is groomed, again if the handler is a winning Yorkie handler, perhaps you are not grooming correctly... If a handler consistantly finishes Yorkies in short measure as mine did, I kept my mouth shut..paid the bill and allowed her to call all the shots. I never signed a contract for a few shows...she also checked me out to see if I was honest and kept my word. Last edited by YorkieRose; 05-28-2010 at 04:24 PM.

05-29-2010, 02:54 AM	#3
topknot Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA Posts: 3,787	You should know how your handler is before you would even place your dog with a handler. They (handler) should have such a great reputation by all, so you should feel very confident with them. I too would never give constructive critizism either, since they are the pros. So much can go on at a show that you might not know. On any given day it could be anyones picks and you never know for sure about the judges or how all the dogs will act in the ring. There is a lot that goes into the dynamics and critizism is just not one I would give. I may ask how the show went. So before placing your dog with a handler you should know your handler well. I too place a dog with my handler till they are finished, which usually is not long. This way my dog gets better aquainted with them and does better with the training, so they do better in the ring. A reputable professional handler will evaluate your dog too before they take your dog and let you know if they are finishable based on their guess. Last edited by topknot; 05-29-2010 at 02:59 AM.

05-29-2010, 07:38 AM	#4
Brooklynn Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 4,280	Like others have said know the reputation of your handler. With Toy breeds such as the yorkie make sure the handler you choose is a toy handler. I personally prefer a toy handler vs. an All-Breed handler as they know how to bascially keep coat ect. You want to build a good relationship in my opinion with your handler. I wouldn't crititize the handler but I don't think it's not a bad thing to say how your dog has been trained at home and how he has done for you as an exhibitor. I do have a pet peeve when I see handlers string up a dog and not let the dog move out and yes then I might have to say something if it were my dog. I know it's their job but nothing I can't stand more than seeing a dog being strung up on the lead in the ring. If the dog is a mover move out with that dog. I think it's important to get the dog way before hand so that the handler can work with the dog unless you have that exceptional dog that doesn't care who's on that lead LOL. The handler doesn't know your dog like you do so I would have to say it's ok to let the handler know how he was trained or how he does with you if you shown the dog in the ring. Then it's up to the handler to work with that dog and incorporate their skills on the dog. Me being someone that is working towards the goal of handling yorkies for others it is important to listen to the client and then incorporate your own ability with the dog. As the handler the client is the boss and you are their employer. As with any boss you need to be involved as well and know how your "employee" is doing and how they are handling the job. Not sure if anyone else looks at it this way but in reality the client is the employer and tries to find the best employee to do the job and it's up to the employer to make sure the job is getting done and done correctly. If I hire a handler they will be the best at what they do and a must for me is have love for the dog and not look at me as just someone paying them to show my dog. I know so many that are out there that way. Again, me being an exhibitor/handler and knowing others you get to know who does the best job and always ask for recommendations from others that have had good experiences with their dogs ect... I hope this helps some. Donna __________________ Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers www.brooklynnyorkies.com

05-29-2010, 08:36 AM	#5
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	90% of the talk IMO should take place before the hiring...of course, you want to discuss your dogs personality, likes and dislikes...but you know the two handers I mentioned can spend about a day or less with any Yorkie and know what they have to do to finish it...shoot, I am not that good and I can figure it out in a few days...pro's and con's of the dog, where and how...I am not a professional at handling and it takes me forever. I would never hire anyone who treated anyones dogs in a way I would not treat or show mine... I would perfer not to hire a person who did not breed and show Yorkies at some point in their life...they know the judges and everything inside and out...it goes so fast with the type handler...they may charge more, but less is spent in finishing the dog. My handler used to calendar 3 mos...and she always did it in that time frame or less...but a good handler will not take a so-so dog to make money.. Last edited by YorkieRose; 05-29-2010 at 08:38 AM.

05-29-2010, 11:43 AM	#6
gemy YT 2000 Club Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Huntsville,Ont,Canaada Posts: 12,335 Blog Entries: 2	Good discussion, I thank you all for your responses. Here is a link from the akc on how to hire a pro handler. AKC Registered Handlers Program - Hiring a Handler For very new people to the show world there are a couple of terms you want to familiarize yourself with; 1. Ringside pick up - what is that? It can mean literally you are expected to bring your dog washed groomed and to the ringside where the pro handler will take the lead from you and enter in the ring with your dog. Once he/she is finished showing your dog, you are expected to take that lead back and care for your dog for the remainder of the day, particularly if your dog has won BOB and is going to go to group competition. 2. Temporary boarding of your dog with the handler. This is where the handler is responsible to feed, wash, groom, exercise your dog over the course of time you have agreed to. It can be as short as one show wkend or longer. All professional handlers should have a rate sheet. Make sure you get a copy of that rate sheet. Make sure if you are sharing travel expenses, you understand what will be charged as travel, and how it will be divied up. Some areas to cover with this handler are; 1. If a conflict in schedule arises, how will he/she solve the problem. ie; their assistant will show your dog, or one of their fellow peers, lastly you are expected to show your dog. Go through this not only at the breed or class level, but at group level. Please note it is standard practice that first top priority is given to any "specials" the handler might be showing. So ask what specials he/she currently has. You want to know the breeds they are specialing. This will be closely followed by class dogs they have contracted with other owners to show until their championship. A special is a dog which is already a champion, and these owners are probably looking to compete for top dog status. Next will be long term clients of theirs, dogs which occasionally they show for a client, but not necessarily every wkend. then finally there is you. Do not expect to pay handler's fees if your handler doesn't show your dog. Inquire what are the rates if their assistant shows the dog. You should expect that if your handler hands off your dog to another peer handler and you have agreed to this practice that the handling fee is what your handler would normally charge. AS the owner of the dog you have a type of balancing decision to make - on who to hire, what you expect from the handler (ie; one time show, finish your dog, show your dog at a national specialty) - Oh yes and count on national specialty rates to be different than regular show rates. Be clear in your expectations, be clear also on how you will measure your handler's performance. For example big name handlers are very busy folks indeed. How-ever usually well organzied with a well-oiled team to deal with conflicts, scheduling, xpenning, grooming etc. You might have to wait 2-3 months to get on their list, if they agree to take you and your dog. A good handler should want to meet your dog, go over it, walk your dog, speak with you about your goal for your dog, ask for your dog's quirks or foibles, and give you a rough idea on how long it might take to finish your dog. It is important particularly, if you plan on leaving your dog in the care of this handler and have the handler do the grooming, to quiety observe what goes on in their set up on busy and not so busy show days. Are the dogs left unattended? Be aware that pro handlers almost always set-up near to each other, and look out for each others dogs when not in their set-up. Like hiring any pro, the conversation is a two way street. Come prepared with a list of questions you want the answers to. Answer all your handlers questions honestly and as completely as you can. __________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018

05-29-2010, 01:16 PM	#8
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	It must have been another thread... Jamie Bennett is wonderful. Barb Bissel also.

05-29-2010, 08:24 PM	#9
magicgenie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: England Posts: 819	Good luck--- My Izzy is with Polly Lamarine from CT who shows throughout NE, NY, NJ. There's also Mary Jane Held in your area, I think around Albany, who travels that same circuit. It took me a long time to get comfortable with the idea of sending my dog off with someone, then to get to know the people, but it has been so worth it. I don't worry one bit about Izzy, knowing she's in good hands. She left home in March at 11 mos old with one point, and as of today is one major away from her title. My first home bred champion and I'm so excited. __________________ www.cloverhillyorkies.com Last edited by magicgenie; 05-29-2010 at 08:26 PM. Reason: typo

05-31-2010, 04:35 PM	#14
topknot Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA Posts: 3,787	I've used Kirsten. She really good. I know Barb too and she is also very good and very nice. Diane and Luke are also very good. I do not know Jamie, but I am in the south east. These are some of your best in the east coast area. I agree with you too Donna. Yes, if you get a handler - be sure they know yorkies and handle them specifically. Toy breeds, especially ones with coats takes a special person. JMO Last edited by topknot; 05-31-2010 at 04:36 PM.