Showing Your Dog (cont.)

Hiring A Professional Handler:

You may not be physically able or feel unsure of your ability to show your dog; consider hiring a professional handler.  You will need to do your homework prior to hiring a professional handler.  Before getting started with the search, be sure you are financially able to hire someone.  Some clubs can provide you with contact information for professional handlers, phone directories may be useful, search the internet, or check with the breeder you got your dog from.  A professional handler should provide you with a fee schedule, references, invite you to their facility and  also to observe them in the show ring.  Talk to several handlers before choosing one; ask each one the same questions.  Take mental or physical notes of their responses, weigh all of their answers when making your decision.  Make sure that your choice will be someone you can trust, as you will be leaving very precious cargo(your dog) in their care.

(concludes tomorrow)