30 years ago things were a bit different than they are now, for one it did not cost as much to hire a handler. But when I first started out that is what I needed. So I went to the shows and watched the handlers in the ring and out of the ring. I tried to get a peek when they didn't know I was watching them. I wanted to know how my dogs would be treated, what they would be fed, when they were going to be fed. How they were going to be groomed and by who. How many dogs do they travel with, how many of the same sex and breed are they showing at the same time. I did not want my dog and my entries used as a filler dog to finish some one else's.
After I picked my handler then the cost questions came up and how long did they think my dog would be away from home.
The fees can get very expensive now, back then it was just handling and board, now it is a big business and the fees are big too.
They charge for Handling, board, grooming, parking fees, food , gas, traveling expenses, motels, catalog and the list goes on. If your dog wins the breed there is a whole new set of charges for the groups. Oh I forgot the entries for the show too.
I also volunteered to travel with my handler and help out at the shows, this got me a nice discount, the best ever education and a close up look at how my handler treated the dogs in his care.
To this day my first handler is still a very close friend. I would still fly for a weekend and help groom if he needed a hand, but now I show my own dogs.
Over the years I have seen some very bad things at the shows from some handlers, so be careful picking one to take care of your baby. With a coated breed like Yorkies, a handler must be very well know for her or his coat care and handling of the coated toy breeds , not to mention his or her ability to show and love your dog.
I hope this helps... |