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

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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.

I learned from Tara Martin and others and they are younger LOL...but for me it depends on the dog whether or not I carry them in or not.
Maxine has never made me put my dog down LOL...I've always carried mine in her ring...Radar was one of them and she said nothing...guess with age she's changed :)

She made me and couple of others walk out and back in.

I've always carried my dogs in her ring that's weird LOL.....I've started walking in at least for the most part but I always carry out. If I recall right I've never let my walk out except for the group ring. I even carry out from the breed ring. I've always carried out Radar when I show him and now Morgan. I don't brush much anymore because they do shake lol

Thank you! Ill try not to take the critiquing personally, although I'm sure I'll get some. Its stressful enough as it is, I just got to remember that every one had to start some where and how else will i learn.

Hickory, hopefully, I'll see you there, Jan. I met you back in Sept. at the same show, i was interesting in getting one of your babies, one day. It will be very nice to see you again!

I've been doing this for a few years, and my mentor still critiques me when I get out of the ring. I was taught by some ole masters. Presenting a yorkie to it's best advantage, is not easy, but, eventually you'll learn each one ticks differently and you'll learn which set of tools to pull out of your tool box for each individual dog.

Good Luck and remember have fun.

Yep, Hickory, March 22nd.

Although, my friend who i am handling for is with the Rat Terrier group:thumbdown.
I dont care for the breed personally, nor the bitch I'll be showing, (she is not what i would want to breed in to a show line, or any kind of line for that matter) but as a favor to him, I am more than happy. (we like to argue about which is the best:p....:thumbup::aimeeyork)

Hopefully, I get to met you guys, and get to mingle with some Yorkie people, instead of the RT people, who i have absolutely nothing in common with. :eek:

I wish i could put you in my pocket, so you could come with me!:p

This time around, i'm working with a different breed, but if i ever wanted to make this a thing i wanted to do regularly, I won't show any other but a Yorkie.
Tomorrow, i get to practice some with Ginger, and then, Sunday, and Monday....which isn't enough time:(...I wished he asked me months ago!

OH...shoes...what are the best kind of shoes i should be wearing???

Ok so don't carry going in to the ring! (Im actually writing these tips down on a note pad) Is there anything, that you know i SHOULD NOT do, even though i have NO idea what im doing, i dont want to look like i dont...LOL

Wear comfortable shoes that blend in with what you are wearing as not to bring any attention to your feet. Also make sure they are quiet - no sense making attention toward your feet or distracting the dog. I like Dr. Schols - comfortable and practical.

Oh, and when you come home from the show - wash and disenfect them! No sense bringing home any germs!

I have a pair of black flats, (the dog's coat colors are white and tan), I will be wearing black dress slacks, I haven't decided what shirt yet, but it will be a muted color comparison to the dog.

Please tell me, (I just need to hear it a second time) that its ok to wear slacks opposed to a skirt! :xfingers:

Yes, you can wear slacks! Never wear jeans!

Yes, there is ring etiquette (I found the spell check on this thing) and it was pushed on me by the ole timers. I was told early on that this is a dog show (a sport) walk your dog in and let the audience see your dog. Where to stack your dog, what is being rude to the judge, how not to be rude to your fellow exhibitors.....but, don't take any crud from them either.

Just listen carefully to the judge's directions. I always get there early, so I can watch how that judge wants you to line up and which walk out he/she wants you to do - most common is the out and back and the "L" shape. It is sometimes to hear the judge while in the ring depending on where you are, but if you know how they like to do things in the ring - it will make you feel more at ease as what to expect.
Also you can let the steward know this is your first time in the ring - do this just before your breed starts - usually when you go and get your arm band. They will then know to help you and cue you in when to go in and all. Best of luck!
T.