Dog Show Handling

Well Jaws went to something called a "handling class" the other night.  As IF he can be handled.  It's a practice class for dogs who hope to compete in beauty pageants, or as they say in dog show terminology - in conformation shows.  There were mostly other puppies in the class - including a handsome Old English Sheepdog boy and a cute Bearded Collie girl.  Of course he would be most interested in those two - they are most "PON-like."  He would have loved to mess up their hair - like he does with Frodo, but that would NOT be acceptable in this venue.  My human was a bit concerned how he would react in this new activity.  He was a BIT shy with some people - kind of like Frodo and I were when we first did the beauty pageant gig.  But he'll get over it.  He ran around the ring and didn't pull my human over so the venture was deemed a success.  If he can figure out where his feet go, he might be able to try this thing.  

You know, it's funny that when people show dogs  they are called handlers.  The word "handle" means to manipulate, manage or control.  As if you humans REALLY control us.  Let's face it, if we don't WANT to do something, we won't BE handled. And lots of times when points are lost in the Obedience or Rally or Agility rings it is because of HANDLER errors.  Not dog errors.  

There IS an art to this handling thing.  Some people start doing it when they are kids.  They call it Junior Handling.  And some people get PAID to do it.  They are called Professional Handlers.  I think my human started this stuff when she was too old.  It's hard to teach an old dog....well you know the rest.  But I'll give it to her - she does TRY hard.  I think she's better at handling us in the performance rings than she is in the pageant ring.  Probably because the first time Frodo was shown in the pageant and he was competing in the Group, he pooped in the ring.  Which is actually acceptable in the pageant ring.  Not desirable.  But acceptable.  Whereas in the performance ring, if you poop in the ring, you automatically lose. My human still has visions of that moment when all the handsome dogs were standing in the ring being judged, and Frodo responded to nature's call.  He didn't get any ribbons that day...

Remember, at the end of the day, it's us dogs who REALLY control what happens in the show or performance ring.  And honestly, we do all of this show stuff just so we can hang out with you.  For US, that's what it is all about.  We just let you think you are in control....

Have a good one!