Handler Facilities & Equipment

It takes much more than just walking dogs into a ring to be a "professional" dog handler.  Facilities from house to kennel to motorhome to box truck to sprinter to van to run around town car and all of the equipment!  Each handler's facilities are different because of countless reasons such as location.  Handlers that live in the midwest and out in the country have much larger properties and those that live in metropolitan areas. Some handlers prefer to transport dogs in box trucks, sprinters, or vans while others prefer motorhomes.

- Houses & Kennels -

Every handler's home and kennel facility is different.  I would like to think that those who live in apartments or condos don't show and handle dogs for a living, but hey if you can have clients who always take care of just bring dogs to you at shows all the power to you!  

My house is very modest and I have a dog room that is temperature controlled where the dogs sleep at night.  During the day I, dogs are exercised in groups and can be put into outside runs.  But let's face the facts my dogs and my client dogs are sprawled out on my couches, on dog beds and on the floor while I writing this!  I keep a small number of dogs so each dog gets individual attention and they can be treated like house pets during the week when we're not at shows.

I understand that not all handlers work like I do.  Some have amazing, immaculate kennels for show dogs and boarding dogs (One day - maybe…) or converted garage's that act as dog rooms and/or kennels.  The AKC Registered Handlers Association and PHA has outlined regulations for housing show dogs that will keep the dog's safety of the upmost importance.  Both organizations outline information on kennel sizes, paddock and play yard sizes as well as maintaining sanitary conditions for the dogs' health.

- Vehicles -

Pretty much dogs can be transported in any vehicle, but keeping show dogs safe is another thing.  Summer temperatures can be extreme and leaving in cars is NOT an option.  Here's a great chart on how quickly cars can heat up while left in sun.

http://riverbankvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Car-Temp-safety.jpg

For every day, run around town vehicles an SUV, station wagon, mini van or large van can dog the trick.  These cars provide safe methods for transporting dogs to vet appointments, airport pick up/drop offs, client pick ups/drop offs and supply runs while not having to drive the big vehicles generally used to drive to shows.

Driving to shows handlers have quite an array of vehicles to modify to fit show dogs' needs.  Sprinter vans are the latest craze, because they have diesel engines that last longer than gasoline vans along with more space both in length of the vehicle as well as height.  15 passenger and cargo vans are still very prevalent and one of the most popular vehicles for dog shows.  Larges vehicles like box trucks can fit more dogs and people comfortably for handlers that carry lots of dogs.  Those that use these types of vehicles often stay at hotels while attending shows, while dogs stays in these vehicles overnight.  It is VERY important that these vehicles have proper ventilation to maintain proper temperatures for the dogs.  

Motorhomes can be the perfect vehicle for those that like to stay on the show grounds.  These vehicles may hold handlers captive at shows but they are with the dogs at all times.  These vehicles may also be outfitted to accommodate numerous dogs by taking out furniture or bed rooms.  

All of these vehicles should be outfitted with proper temperature alert systems in case of emergency for hot and cold temperatures.  Other emergency items should also be readily available such as smoke detectors in motorhomes and fire extinguishers.

Above all dog's heath should be the most important thing.  Happy dogs will be good show dogs!!!!

What is a professional handler, really?

A professional handler is an individual who will show your dog for a fee.  However, each handler differs from the next in their areas of expertise and knowledge.  One may be an ex-Junior Handler that's just starting out while another may have won Best In Show at Westminster multiple times.  These handler's fees should differ considerably.  Individuals who call themselves a handler should have apprenticed for other handlers as an assistant to learn the craft of handling and caring for show dogs because its far more than what is seen in the show ring. 

What the clients and the public see are handlers in the ring presenting dogs to judges at shows to earn points to that dog's Championship, Grand Championship, or to top rankings. What they don't see is handlers work 24/7 with dogs, there are no breaks much like raising children.  Oh wait!  Kids go to school during week days, as the handler your a full on boarding school for show dogs!  The dogs are our whole lives!  We feed, care and love them as if they are our own.  

Special Diets -

Even though I hate to say it, but show dogs eat better than a good portion of the world.  Good handlers make sure dogs are feed a quality kibble with supplements that will support a healthy dog.  Some handlers are sponsored by top dog food companies like Purina and Eukanuba among others.  These dogs' diets are monitored as if they are top athletes competing in the Olympics, because really they are top athletes.

Exercise -

Like top athletes shows have to maintain a certain athletic physical physique.  To do that some dogs are able to self exercise in play yards with others, while some get work outs on treadmills or bikes.  Others have special work needs from weight exercises like playing tug or pulling to build strength muscles.  Water exercise has hit the scene as another way to keep fitness fun and not repetitive.

Grooming - 

Different breeds require different grooming.  Terriers, poodles, drop coated breeds require daily coat maintenance while short coated breeds may require a bath once a week.  None the less time and skill is required to make the dogs entrusted in a handler's care look their best.

Love & Care -

These are dogs, not machines.  Dog are live, breathing, animals who love with all they have and when they're brought into our lives we give them that same love as they receive at home.  Dogs get one-on-one time and house time and let me tell you I mop and vacuum daily because of hair, mud, and dirt but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

This is a much deeper topic and next time I'll look into the facilities needed to be a professional handler.  Please send ideas for future topics!