Friday, August 30, 2013

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.
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!!!!

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