How to Become a Show Dog Handler

Dog show handler must invest hundreds of hours training their dogs, or pet belonging to their clients, to compete against other talented animals. Follow these steps to become a professional dog show handler.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Go to dog shows as a spectator and watch handlers in the ring. Read the judges' score sheets after the class, and try to figure out why they rated the dogs the way they did.

2. Choose a breed that you think you want to handle. Buy a puppy with potential from a reputable breeder and learn to show him. The breeder can help you teach your dog to stand in show pose and to gait. You'll also learn what the grooming requirements are for that specific breed.

3. Attend handling classes or seminars given by the American Kennel Club. Go to the AKC's website, select "Clubs" and then click on your state. The individual club's contacts can point you in the right direction.

4. Apprentice with an experienced handler to find out what exactly paid professionals are involved in. Often a handler boards the dogs, guides their show careers, trains and conditions them for exhibition and chooses what shows to attend.

5. Gain experience as a paid handler and then register with the AKC or the Professional Handlers Association. These associations require members to have extensive experience and follow a code of ethics.

Resources

• American Kennel Club's website.
• Professional Handlers Association.