Some advice on how to become a successful junior handler with the right attitude and a junior’s enthusiasm and vitality
My many years of working with youngsters and teenagers in the performing art of junior handling have taught me not to forget the complexity of their age in a competitive aspect. By this I mean that it is not enough to learn only how to show the dog, but also how to appear socially and to present yourself in a way suited for a young girl or boy. Social skills and the right attitude can be very important factors in life. When we work with these youngsters we must never forget what they have to struggle with. They are in a phase of life where they mature and can be a "handful" of mixed emotions concerning their appearance and feelings. What becomes important is to get behind the "mask" and really get to know our junior handlers before we can hope to bring out the best in them.
I have worked with three girls so far and they will all tell you there have been days of tears and serious talks. Not due to bad results, but mostly because of attitude and emotions. Before I start training them I have a talk with their parents and let them know that they are a very important factor and without their support it is practically impossible to succeed. There has to be a strong link between me as a trainer and them as parents for the benefit of what’s in the "BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD". We must never forget that they are children and that the vitality they possess should be nurtured. It is important that these juniors look and appear with a natural healthy and committed image of youth and that they don’t behave as small adults!
The junior handlers should pay attention to the way they present themselves when it comes to looks and attitude and always remember that what they do and say will be picked up by the judges and the public in general. When it comes to personal appearance there are some things that are important to pay attention to:
· Make sure that you take care of your skin and hair ( not to much make up or freaky hair)
Tieing your hair up in a pony tail is perfectly acceptable. However if it was tied up
in a bun, the judge cannot penalise you for your presentation, they would have to find something else to penalise you for! Some judges may not take the pony tail
into acounts, others will
· Dress in non provocative classical clothes (do not show any cleavage or string)
· Smoking is banned (not young, vital and healthy)
· Make sure that you behave in a respectful and humble way towards everybody
· Tell yourself that “LESS IS MORE” in every way
· Think before you talk – you don’t have to give your opinion all the time
· Stay out of discussions – agreeing to disagree is ok
· Treat your competitors nicely
· Be helpful and understanding
· Always be kind to your dogs and treat and handle them with respect
It is important to understand that it is not only in the ring these youngsters present themselves. The show arena is big and full of ears and eyes. It is the full package of a nice, humble, respectful, healthy junior handler we all want to see. Not someone who is "on the top of the world" showing off like a world champion. It is better to go for the full package and look like a world winner and say to yourself that "I CAN ALWAYS LEARN MORE AND TRY DIFFERENTLY". That is what maturing is all about – you realizing that the world and the people in it have a lot to offer you on your way to becoming an adult.
This brings us on to people. What can they teach you and how? Most junior handlers start handling one breed and go on trying to get the skills to show different breeds. There are many techniques and approaches as to how to handle a dog. But one should never forget the old breeders who have dedicated their life to their dogs. As a handler you ought to get to know them, talk to them and let them show you and guide you. They have years of experience that you can benefit from. Take the time to read about the different breeds and their origin.
Origin is the key word in many ways when it comes to how to approach a new dog or breed. A correct approach is necessary for a successful handling of the dog. When you are learning about dogs, handling and breeds you should get to know the different breeds by walking. cuddling, feeding and talking to them. If you spend time at the show arena and at home doing other things with the dogs besides handling, you will be rewarded. The contact and bond between you will be strong and built on joy and respect. My junior handlers feed, walk, bath, cuddle and take time bonding with the dog no matter how good they are at showing the dog. Dogs will always perform better if they trust and love their handler.
To be able to support the dog in any way during handling, you as a junior handler have to be in a good physical condition. Make sure you get sufficient physical training because a long day at the showground is quite exhausting. Pay attention to what you eat and drink and be sure to give your body enough nutrition to last the day. No one can perform on an empty stomach.
This may seem quite a lot to remember, but with guidance and help you can all become winners. Not all as junior handlers, but you will be winners in real life when it comes to being strong, healthy, vital and glowing young people on their way to adulthood.
And don’t forget to enjoy and have fun. Life is so much more besides dogs and dog shows. Try getting a bit of everything during your junior handling years. Many of you will probably be a bit upset over what is written here, but belive me it is in your best interest to at least try to follow some good advice on your way.
To pass on your skills to someone and see them brought alive in the best possible way, is the reason why I love working with junior handlers.