First time Handling....HELP ME!!!
 

So this morning a friend of mine called me and he asked me if i could handle his girl Ginger in a up coming show (2 weeks from now). I was planning on going with him like i always do, but i have never handled before in the ring. Needless to say, I am extremely nervous, but honored. I asked him why doesn't he do it, and he told me that he was handling Ginger's sister (his breeder's bitch) Which i think is exciting, two sisters competing in the ring together.

So anyway, I need advice, tips, anything to help calm my nerves and prepare me for this show.

I will be working with Ginger a few times before the show, i sure hope it is enough to prepare us both!

How exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time!

Well, the biggest thing for me is to breathe lol! I need to count to 10 every time I go into the ring!

I think if you look at it as more of a fun thing then you wont have the nerves to worry about and can focus on making the dog look good. :) All easier said than done!

Best of luck to you! I am sure you will do just wonderfully! You will have to keep us posted on the results!

Thank you!
I have a few questions, dress code: i dont really own any skirts, can i get away with wearing dress slacks?? What is the easiest way to bait your dog??? Where should i keep it??? Is it okay, to talk to your dog while being judged??? is there anything I SHOULDN'T do???

Yikes! I deleted my post lol

lemme try this one again!

My breeders told me to always dress professionally as it was a sign of respect to the judge. A nice tan suit always looks good. The objective for your dress is to compliment the dog and to make you look invisible :) Its all about the dog.

Heehee...theres a thread around here about what not to wear to a dog show. As long as you dont go into the ring looking like them you will be fine :D

I bait with beef jerkey and keep it in my mouth. Pockets are not as prevalent as one would like them so keeping it in my mouth is usually the safest bet. I dont use liver to bait because there is no way that is going in my mouth lol

Also, someone once told me that one should not use the dogs name while in the ring. Not sure how true this is so maybe someone else can chime in but it is easy enough just to call the dog "puppy" so I just do that.

When I used to show 20 years ago, they used to say...dress in skirts or dresses (never pants) and always where red, oranges, pinks and traditional Yorkie colors.
I have noticed in Chicago and New York the colors have dramatically changed to tans, and blacks more pants than skirts? Can anyone elee confirm this is the going forward trend?
If you can find pockets, that is always best, but as mention...they are hard to find.

Thanks every one! I watched some videos yesterday that was very helpful! I made me a list of things i need to remember before i go in to the ring. I think i know what im going to wear, although ill probably need to run out and get a comfortable pair of shoes that look good with my outfit. I will be doing some practicing with ginger this weekend. If i remember correctly the ring formation will be "triangle". So really at this point the only thing that will make me feel better is practicing over and over again. I just hope i dont get too nervous and mess up, because i am nervous. I feel like i know the basics. I walk dogs with my right hand (righthanded) So I need to used to using my left hand, rolling the leash quickly up in to my hand.

Ok have a few more questions: Can i bait too much??? Is it ok to bait when she is being examined by the judge up on the table or should i not do that?? I think i will use the beef jerky (thank you Bravo916). Ill keep you guys updated on how the practicing goes this weekend.

I do think that cat showing is so much easier. The cat shows I've been to here in Canada the cats are in cages and the judge takes out each one, examines it and then puts it back in. No handlers.... I can see where the stress comes in with dog shows, good luck! You'll do great!! :)

Thank you!! I need all the luck i can get at this point!

In my opinion, Yes you can bait too much however, having said that....if your dog will only perform with bait, you may not have a choice. I have found that some dogs will lick there lips a lot after you bait and that might cause the mustache to get a wet look (which I don't like). I would say to practice at home with a required set of expectations and then bait. On the table, I have seen both...bait and not bait. I've seen every thing on the table. Maybe there are some actual "do's" and "don'ts" , but again, it may come down to you and your dog...the team that you become. I am the kind of person that likes to limit the movement of my dog somewhat. Baiting the dog "can" cause the dog to lunge forward (sometimes you want that), but sometimes you don't. If you watch some videos...like the 2009 Greater New York Specialty you will see everything from professional handlers wearing black outfits, formal outfits, tan suits, black pant, skirts, and patterned jackets. (This doesn't mean they all look great, but some colors just make more sense with a "dark" dog than others). I was told by a professional handler once that YOU are supposed to be your dogs backdrop. A color that makes your dog, and it's coloring show up. Some of the most well known breeders and handlers where purples and blacks? I'm thinking there are really no rules. Some handlers bait the dog a lot and some stack them like statues and expect them to stay and get the bait and the end of the show? You and your dog will become a team and I think you'll discover what will make your team a winning team! Stick with what makes your dog enjoy showing! Good luck and have fun!

A few suggestions.

Keep lots of mints on hand, the dog can smell your nerves through your mouth.

Wear what will complement your dog.

I was taught by ole timers.....so, this is a sporting event. Walk your dog into the ring and walk your dog out.

I know you see handlers brushing their dogs on the table, don't. It's rude to make your judge wait. Anyway they'll most like shake when you put them on the ground.

There is alot to be aware of in the ring....focus on your dog, the person in front of you and the person behind you.

Make sure that the shoes you pick don't make alot of noise. You don't want to be clomping around the ring and disturbing the other dogs and spooking your own.

Be aware some people know all the tricks to make your dog mess up, talking too loudly, using the squeeker toy too much....running into you.....so, keep aware.

Watch the judge and listen for instructions, if you didn't hear, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat.

Show your dog off to it's best advantage.

There is alot to remember and it doesn't become second nature for about 6 months. So, be kind to yourself. And have someone with experience ringside to critique you when you get out of the ring.

Where is the show?
Just think of it as FUN! Good luck.

is this the show in hickory next weekend? If so me and my mentor are both going and would be glad to help with any questions you have

[
I do brush my dog on the table sometimes LOL...but I guess to each his own in that respect. I have walked my dog in/out, carried them in/out, I think it's more common in the breed class and toy group to walk your dog in, I think the classes you can get away with it more to carry your dog in, of course that is just my opinion :)

Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers

These are ole methods that were taught to me, by ole time handlers. So, I guess I picked up stuff from who I learned from.

If you do it with Maxine Beam, she'll make you walk your dog in and out.