Is there a standard agreement between a dog owner and the handler for dog shows?
Posted by admin on 8 September, 2011
4 Comments
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I have a 7-month old Siberian Husky who is currently being trained at a dog school. The trainer is encouraging me to enter her in dog shows and he’s offering to be her handler. However, I am totally unfamiliar with these.
What are the things that I should do and consider as a dog owner before I enter my pet to the dog show? What should I expect from the handler? What benefits will we have if we do enter dog shows?
4 Comments on “Is there a standard agreement between a dog owner and the handler for dog shows?”
Each and every contract is individual and cusotmized to the parties involved. Be sure you know there is a lot of expense to showing, and get the cost responsibility outlined in writing. Before I sent her out to the rings, I’d have her evaluated by a few breeders of huskies to be sure she is finishable.
Whatever agreement you make get it in writing. Most times the owner pays the handler a set fee per show, any entry fees, travel fees, and boarding. Sometimes there are incidental fees regarding grooming and additional training. You might want to attend a dog show to see what is involved. You might even want to learn how to show your own dog. The benefits include making new friends, meeting new people, and traveling to places where you may have never seen.
You might want to ask your trainer what makes your dog stand out from the rest. Are you training the dog in a class situation? If so, then you have had the opportunity to watch your trainer work with other dogs. If this is a board and train facility, you might want to get some references concerning other dogs that this person has handled for other people.
I would have your dog evaluated by some knowledgeable Siberian Husky breeders before I started trying to show her. You can get a list of SH clubs on the AKC website, or call the secretary of an all breed club near you and ask if there are any Siberian people in the club you might call. Ask the breeder of your dog. If everyone agrees she is show material, take her to some match shows (practice shows, as your trainer about them) and see what the judges there say. Usually the people judging are breeders, too. If all works out, and she is really good, then go to some all breed and specialty shows to watch. Talk to people. Buy a catalog and talk to handlers AFTER they are finished in the ring for the day. See what they say about what they charge and what they expect. And then, if you want to get into the dog game, be prepared to spend lots of $$ and have your dog away from home. Competition is fierce in Siberian Huskies…learn all you can about the breed AND about dog shows before you jump in!
I’m a little confused about the connection between dog school and a handler. Handlers generally show in conformation, is the dog school your talking about actually a handling class? Or does the person teaching the dog school handle in conformation also? If they handle in conformation and have shown Sibes, and you have some nice dogs behind your dog you may have a real nice Sibe that they want to show off. Or they might just be looking for a client or to get into the ring with an additional breed. Handling contracts are no big deal, whom ever this is might have a "rate card." On that card should be a list of the fees. Such as $70 to show in the classes (for dogs that do not yet have titles as in champion. Handlers charge more if you win the breed and go into group but I wouldn’t worry about that with a Sibe yet as there is a lot of competition.) Also don’t forget the entry fee around $28 and possibly traveling expenses (avoidable if you bring the dog to the show) but cover gas and hotel split by the number of dogs traveling with that handler. You can change handlers at any time. You are not married to them, as in a long term contract. You can show just to see if you like it. It is springtime, get out there and enjoy the weather. Shows are a nice way to spend a day in the sun (as long as it isn’t raining) and get you out to see the countryside. They are a fun way to spend the day, and give you something to be interested in and develop an eye for. Soon you’ll be looking at other dogs to better yours with.