Choosing a career can be difficult. If you love animals and enjoy training, you could become a professional dog handler. Dog handling is more than just leading a dog around a ring during a show. It requires a lot of work and patience. You will need to know a breed of dog as well as an individual dog incredibly well. However, if you put forth the effort, you can find yourself a very rewarding career.
Instructions
1. Understand dog handling. Purchase books on dog handling and attend dog shows to watch them in action. Talk to judges to understand what they expect out of handlers.
2. Choose a breed. Observe different breeds at dog shows and research their general personality. It is important that you are passionate about the breed you will be working with. Do as much research as you can on the breed you choose before making a final decision. Talk to breeders, too.
3. Find a reputable breeder from whom to purchase your dog. You will want a dog that comes from a good lineage. Shop around; do not just take the first one because he is the cutest. This dog is going to be part of your family but must also be able to listen to you. Speak with your veterinarian for recommended breeders or visit the American Kennel Club's website for a list of breeders.
4. Bring your dog to obedience classes. Teach your dog basic obedience as well as stand and walk for showing. Be consistent with your training.
5. Train yourself, too. Check the American Kennel Club's website for breed clubs in your state. From there, they can direct you to handling classes in your area.
6. Talk to established handlers. Observe the way they interact with their dogs and how they present themselves. Ask if you can attend shows with them to observe them backstage, too.
7. Practice the skills you learn and never stop practicing. You will only get better with experience. Just because your dog knows walk in a ring or stand for judges' inspections, does not mean you should stop working on these skills. You will also want to continue working on how you interact with the dog.
8. Register with the Professional Handlers' Associate (PHA) and follow the Code of Ethics set up by them.
Tags: American Kennel, American Kennel Club, attend shows, Club website, interact with