Handlers
 

I'm just curious.... what does it cost to send your dog to a handler? How many shows do they typically do? If they have a couple of months between shows, do they keep your dog and then charge fees for the training and upkeep? Or do they send it back to the owner?

Steph, it totally depends on your handler. The average is 65.00 - 85.00 per show plus additional fees for group placements, BISS, BIS and BIS at Nationals. There are boarding charges from $8.00 - 10.00 a day, usually training fees, grooming/hair maintenance, and some, charge travel expenses. Each handler is a little different. Most of the time, if you have a class dog, and the dog won't be shown for a month or so, they will allow you to bring the dog home. Again, this all depends on the individual handler. If they are specialing the dog, they may prefer to keep it. Fees may vary in different parts of the country, but this has been the average in this area. Hope this helps.

handlers
 

I went to literally dozens and dozens of shows before picking a handler..I watched when they were not watching, I walked around the parked RV's and talked to many..and visited a few at their homes..I certainly learned who not to trust fairly quickly...pick one who shows in a very limited number..mine never took out more then two..a dog and bitch..sometimes she took a Specials when her husband went..I have seen handlers with 10, 15, 20 dogs and more, pick a well known Yorkie handler or toy handler, not all breed handler.
Get names of people who have used the handler and check references well...ask other Yorkie people who they trust...good luck

I just wanted to clarify.... I'm not looking for a handler! I've just heard of so many people talk about sending their dog to a handler and I wondered what the costs were involving that.

I was originally going to get a pup from a woman who shows up here in NY and she told me that she paid about $3000 to finish her dog. He had an excellent background and is a very nice dog and she said he finished fairly quickly. Don't know how typical that amount is....

$3000
 

I do not think $3000 is that much to finish a Yorkie at all..when you figure you are paying the handler a ring fee for each show that runs as much as $65/85, daily boarding fee, all entries, traveling expenses (RV gas)
A good handler like I had knew exactly what judges to show my dogs under... there were no wasted entries...some judges perfer a type and I did not always know what judge wanted what...rarely did she come home without the pts...

If a breeder shows their own to championship, I would be surprised if they did not spend about $3000 or more..they must travel, hotels, some have RV's to save hotel costs...my handler took 3 months, that was her time frame...I have friends who take 1 to 2 yrs..even 3 yrs to finish their dogs...so those TIME expenses are hard to calulate..

It took me about 3 g's to finish my own dog also...and about that much with each dog I finished and with a handler....it's not cheap to show a dog period. I've finished my own and have had a handler finish my dog and it cost me about the same. I never tho let my dog go with a handler I always did ringside handling.

costs
 

I was not able to travel as much as it always took to finish...a major etc..due to my commitments in the kennel..a handler can be the best or the worst thing for your Yorkie. I only trusted one..she is retired now. My first one cost me $1700..and it went as high as $2500...but handling fee was only $45/50 then, entries less...and this handler would not take any Yorkie who she thought would take more then 3 months to finish and only took out two at a time.. I have seen some take dogs for 6/9 months and still need pts..the owner has $6,000$8,000 invested with no end in sight..totally not the way I would go...

I can't bear to let my dogs go but I'm able to travel with my dogs. And our area usually will pull majors eventually. We have quite a few yorkie exhibitors in this area thank goodness and some great friends.

good post. i also was wondering this, at this time I am not looking for a handler as I have no dog to show yet but this is a question that has come to mind. I figured the price would be up there considering the work involved. I prob would do as YorkieRose and watch them and pay very close attention to how they handled the dogs. I still would be very afraid to let my baby go for months at a time. :eek:

I think I will just learn and show myself...I''ll start with lots of puppy classes lol. :aimeeyork

I have to use a handler because I am unable to go to all the shows as I work full time. I usually show the dog until his hair is to the floor then send him off. It costs a pretty penny, but it is still cheaper an quicker than if I showed the dog myself. I would say 3000 to 6000 is about average. Just have to do your homework about the handler. Not all are what they seem or advertise.

I am also considering a handler now. I am going to show Bingo in a 4 day show in St. Joseph, MO. at the end of Jan./1st of Feb. Then there are no other shows near us until spring. I have a baby due May 20th, that's going to limit me. I just don't want all the work that I've put into him to go down the drain while I'm waiting to be able to go into the ring again. A very, very tough decision.

This is a contract that was sent to me by mistake, I have removed the handlers names but I thought it might help some of you see the expence that can be involved in paying a handler. This contract was for handling a Whippet not even a coated dog.

The following Handler-Client Agreement will be effective July 1, 2006.

EXHIBITING FEES:
All Breed Shows (including puppy classes) $ 100.00
Ringside Pick up $ 90.00
Specialty Shows (regular classes) $175.00
National Specialties (Westminster, Ect…) Upon Request
Group 1st $150.00
Group 2nd $125.00
Group 3rd $115.00
Group 4th $100.00
All Breed Best In Show $500.00
Specialty Best In Show $500.00
Board per day pending breed
Training per day $ 50.00
Expenses for each show will be charged. This means gas, parking, mileage, food and lodging for handler and assistants. This expense will be divided between ALL dogs.
ENTRY FEES:
We will no longer carry the expense of client entries through our checking account or entry submittal account. We will be happy to set up an account for you with Entry Submittal and continue to make entries for you through your account. We will need your Visa or Master Card number and expiration date. Entry submittal’s charge is $4.50 per entry. If you wish us to fax your entries with our machine the fax fees will then apply. IF FOR ANY REASON YOUR ENTRIES DO NOT GET IN, (YOU FORGOT, THE ENTRY SERVICE FAILS TO GET YOUR ENTRY IN, THEY GET LOST IN THE MAIL, ETC...), YOU WILL STILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HANDLING FEES FOR THOSE MISSED SHOWS.
CANCELLATIONS:
Cancellations by the client must be made before the closing of entries. THESE CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO CLOSING TO GIVE HANDLER AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY AND FILL THE CLASS. OTHERWISE, HANDLING FEES WILL BE CHARGED. Extreme emergencies will be considered on an individual basis.
PAYMENT:
All fees are due and payable upon reception of bill. 1 ½% will be added after thirty days. All fees must be paid before your dog is released to you. When your dog finishes its championship, you will be responsible for the handling fees for the remaining entered shows (unless handler fills the class with another dog). A $25.00 charge will be made for any returned checks. On relatively long circuits, client may be required to pay ½ in advance.
MISCAELLLANEOUS FEES:
Fax Fee $ 4.00
Airport pick-up and delivery: $ 50.00 (each way)
Trip to Vet (his charges are extra) $ 30.00
Breeding Fee (includes two breedings $150.00
ALL PRIZE MONEY TO BE AWARDED TO HANDLER INCLUDING SWEEPSTAKES, CASH PRIZES AT SHOWS, AND CASH AWARDS AT INVITATIONAL & TOUIRNAMENT COMPETITIONS. IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT IN THE EVENT OF A SCHEDULING CONFLICT AT A SHOW, THE HANDLER AT HIS/HER DISCRETION, MAY HAVE SOMEONE ELSE HANDLE THE DOG. CLIENT IS STILL RESPONSIBLE TO PAY HANDLING FEES.
CATALOGS:
If you desire to have a catalog for every show your dog attends, let handler know ahead of time and he/she will purchase an extra catalog and bill it to you along with any mailing costs.
SHOT RECORDS:
Please provide a current shot record for Rabies, Parvo, DHLP, Bordatella, and Corona. Also, make SURE your dog is free of worms and fleas. Clients are urged to keep their dogs of Heartworm preventative.
PHONE CALLS MADE TO CLIENTS WILL BE COLLECT.
WE CARRY A FULLL PROTECTIN CARE, CUSTODY AND CONTROL LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY. A COPY OF THIS POLICY IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

I, __________________________________________________ ___________________ HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE CONTENTS OF THIS HANDLER-CLIENT AGREEMENT AND FULLY AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN IT.

X_________________________________________________ __________________ Dated _____________________________

Wow! The fees and stipulations on this contract are pretty steep and stringent. I've never seen one like this one.....Kind of outrages.

Wow... that's very steep! I don't understand why they charge so much more for the dog winning!

I was surprised to see this too , I thought my handler tacked on some fees but this one is very high. I would expect him not to ever loose!!! And I guess when you send this handler a dog it better be a very good one!!! And hopefully you have a very good sponsor.

That was crazy!! Thank goodness, you can find good handlers that are not quite so proud of themselves. lol

Years ago I remember paying 25 to 50 dollars for a good handler and never any extra charges but now, the handlers have made a real business out of it and they get paid very well for their work. Its good to know how to show your own dogs.

There are still some of those handlers out there....and they are good....They do it because they love the sport and not because they're attempting to milk the client......But, let's be realistic/ professional handling is a business....that's why we send our dogs out with a well known one.....

I only used a handler with my first Champion and that was because I was told, early on....if you got an exceptional dog and you are a newbie....you could ruin the dog.....I traveled with the handler and learned from him....when he felt I was ready I went in the ring.

....if you got an exceptional dog and you are a newbie....you could ruin the dog,

How so? I don't understand.

showing
 

IMO..most dogs can not be ruined beyond repair...LOL Incorrect handling can develop bad showing habits..a good handler can undo almost anything the owner does (not abuse) I am a living testiment..my handler used to tell me my Yorkies were spoiled and she would have her work cut out for her, but in a week they were doing exactly what her wanted.
I had one I didn't put a lead on until 9 months and it was the week before a Specialty, she got him trained in days..he won too! LOL

I can answer this since I about ruined Connor! You can spoil them to death so that they are naughty in the ring. They get all the attention that they want so why should they try to please you? Also a friend had a handler be a bit too rough with her special and now she can't get him to put his tail up in the ring. I'm sure there's more ways to blow it, training and handling must be done properly to insure that the dog is motivated and enjoys showing.

Everyone has put the nail on the head. Learning the ins and outs of handling and pesenting a dog is an art....it takes time to learn and each dog it's own individual personality....knowing how to bring out the best in them (what makes them tick to get them to respond) as well as timing is a learned process.

For instance my first show dog....even though my handler told me I was ready to go in the ring...my nerves would travel down the lead...it was more of a job to me, wanting both of us to be perfect....it took me forever to get 4 points on her...I had to learn how relax and have fun in the ring, while presenting the dog to it's best advantage....Then then the trick of learning how to anticipate your dog's every move and correct it without anyone seeing the correction.

I think you are so right. Handling is an art and takes time to develop the art. Just like a master - one that has devoted the time and energy practice and working with each dog they handle to perfection.

Since I work fulltime I had to hire a handler. Plus I still am rusty in the ring. So I hired a very good handler. They were great! Very kind to my girl and knew how to handle her just right. My girl could be a handful, if you would let her. My handler knew just how far to push and how to show her that she loved her. It is about balance too. She finished with my handler very quickly.

You really have to get to know your handlers and listen carefully to others when decided on which handler to hire. You will know which one is a perfect match for you and your dog - by asking, listening, and watching.
T.

You're handler is a very dear friend of mine and she's great. I've never used her as a handler, but I didn't hesitate to send her one for training.....he was beyond me and encouragable........My Denny or better known as Double D for Demon Denny....was able to finish with 3 Majors....I can't thank her enough, after all this boy had to be put in a death grip to get a topknot on him.

LOL - I have one like that! :D

I show my own dogs,1 bitch and 1 male at this time- and alternate with a male for a friend of mine. I have seen how some so called professional handlers handle the dogs- I call it abuse.:mad: I just wish i had had my cameria with me- i would have sent the owners some pictures of how their babies were being treated. I have 5 yorkies- and i take all of them with me when i go to the shows.:D

this is all very interesting...I will keep track of this post...thanks all for great information...pooh's mum

Make sure to go with a handler with enough moral compass not to show a crippled Yorkie. I recently saw a "Pro" handler showing not 1, not 2, but 3 yorkies that could barely walk in the ring. I'm not talking about misbehavior but bad stiffles. It just makes me sick!:aimeeyork