As a novice, (I had thought) you do think that the handlers are winning all the time, since you do not really win a lot as a novice often. That is because it takes time to know exactly what to do; grooming techniques, handling your dog to perfection in the ring, training, procedures, etc... Also most novices dogs are just not as good always as some that have been showing awhile. Most of the dogs that handlers show come from top kennels too. Not all, but quite a few.
I remember when I was a newbie and what kind of dog I first took into the ring - I laugh at it now. I loved my girl, but since I was new I had no idea she was really a pet. I have photos to remember this. And my grooming and ring performance - ugh!!!! Boy, did I need help. Well, I watch and worked hard, and got help, and then got a much better dog and my winnings improved greatly in the ring. I have beaten handlers on occasions when I have shown now, but it took awhile. If I had given up back then - I would never be where I am today. You just cannot give up and just keep trying and learning. Everytime you go into an AKC ring - you learn more, I know I have. And I am still learning. When I came back to showing this time, I had learned from before years and years ago when I showed and knew more, so this time winning was a lot easier, but I was nervous going back into the ring again. I am getting better now - the more I go in. |