Hendler is an indispensable assistant at the exhibition

The concept of handling appeared relatively recently. Today, no one dog show in Moscow and other major cities can not do without these specialists. We'll figure out who the handlers are, what they do and where you can learn this unusual profession.

What is handling and who is a handler?

The very name of handling comes from the English word "hand" - hand, and denotes control. This concept has already firmly established among dog handlers and breeders of thoroughbred dogs. Thus, a handler is a person representing a dog at a breed exhibition in an exterior ring.

Why hire a handler?

Many dog owners believe that there is no need to hire a specialist in order to expose a dog, because they can show their pet in the ring themselves. But an inexperienced amateur will never present or prepare his dog as a professional does. Handler is not only a person walking beside a dog. He is well versed in the breed and can demonstrate all the beneficial features of the animal, hiding minor shortcomings.

Just bring a beautiful thoroughbred dog to the exhibition is not enough. Most of the success depends on how it behaves and how it can be represented by a specialist. Handler is a professional who can establish contact with the dog and help him to express himself correctly.

Handler should know the breed standard, the best breed lines, and their best representatives. In addition, a handler is a person who takes into account all the individual qualities of the exposed dog. Narrow specialists often deal with only one or two breeds.

What is included in the services of a handler

A puppy can start an exhibition career at the age of 3-4 months, and already then he may need specialist services. Preparation begins long before the exhibition. First of all the handler should establish contact with the dog, because they need to act harmoniously in the ring. The animal must obey an absolutely stranger, and the owner may not even be present at the exhibition. Among the hustle and bustle of the dog should be focused and not show aggression towards people and their pets.

Tranquility and confidence of the dog - that's not all. She should know the team well and understand that it is required of her - to trot, show her teeth by command, to stand in the right rack. All these wisdoms the dog will teach the handler. He is also responsible for the appearance of the dog - he brushes his teeth, cuts his claws, cuts his hair.

To learn how to properly prepare a dog for an exhibition, you need experience and special knowledge, which is why many owners hire handlers. In some cases, the owners do not engage in the exhibition career of their pet, fully trusting this business professional. Accompanied by a specialist, an animal with good exterior qualities will be able to hold an exhibition of dogs in Moscow, and an international show.

Dresser dress code

At the exhibition, the form of clothing of the person exposing the dog is important. It should be neat, not constraining the movement, because in the ring you have to move a lot. Clothes need contrasting in relation to animal hair, so that the dog can be clearly seen. The shoes are comfortable, without heels, dangerous for the dog's paws.

You can not appear in the ring in too wide or evocative clothes, with a high hairdo or bright massive jewelry. The appearance of the handler should not distract the expert's attention from the dog.

How to become a handler

Usually the career of a handler begins with the fact that a person successfully demonstrates in the ring his own dog. He likes to participate in exhibitions, engage in ring training, his pet is always well prepared and shows excellent results. Over time, people who have seen such a talent in a man ask for help in exhibiting their pets.

A novice handler enhances his knowledge of the breed, the rules that apply to exhibitions, learns to determine the advantages and disadvantages of a particular dog. Gradually a newcomer is gaining experience, increasing his qualification, attending special courses of handlers, learning to perform more artistically and watching the work of professionals.

Handler since childhood

There is one more way that the future specialist can pass - the section "Young handler" at the cynological club. Teach in such sections experienced professionals, which allows children to avoid the typical mistakes of newcomers and quickly raise their skills to a high level.

The first school of handlers for children was opened in Moscow in 1994 under the RKF, later a similar organization appeared at the Kennel Club in St. Petersburg. They act according to international rules.

Handling can be started at a very young age. Children can enter the section from the age of 9. The term of study is one academic year, from September to June. At school, children receive both theoretical knowledge about dog breeding and practical skills in the presentation of dogs at exhibitions.

Handler skills

Let's generalize, that the beginning handler should know and be able:

1. Know the standard of the breed, which is going to exhibit, its best representatives.
2. Make contact with the dog.
3. To see the advantages and disadvantages of the animal, be able to show the dog in a favorable light.
4. Know the expert's preferences.
5. It's right to choose clothes for the show.
6. Competently communicate with an expert.

Bad handler:

1. Does not control the dog, applies force to it.
2. Unkemptly dressed, improperly picks up clothes - for example, exposes a black dog in black trousers.
3. Shields the dog during a trot, trot.
4. Noisy behaves, swears with other participants and judges.
5. Comes to the exhibition in a state of intoxication.