The AKC's Latest Rule Change: Boosting Excitement in Dog Shows!

News from the AKC!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is at it again, innovating to enhance the experience for dog show exhibitors! You might already be buzzing about their latest decision, effective from next July, which brings a thrilling twist to dog shows beyond National Specialties. Now, Reserve Winners Dog and Bitch at specialties can also earn majors!

What's the Buzz About?

The AKC's announcement has sparked diverse opinions. Some argue that this change might dilute the prestige of winning at the National Specialty. Others believe it’s a strategic move to revive regional club shows, which have seen dwindling entries. But what does this mean for you and your beloved canine companions?

The Rule's Impact on Dog Shows

This rule aims to invigorate participation by offering additional majors, especially when they're scarce. For many exhibitors, the struggle to achieve championship status due to...

The purpose of the National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) is to showcase the owner-handled dogs. Despite this seemingly simple objective, the NOHS has morphed into putting the owner handlers under a microscope, in effect, shifting the focus away from the dogs. Judges, exhibitors, and professional handlers are not on the same page regarding both the owner handler and the system of NOHS that is currently in place. This system, I would argue, is built on a structure that is fundamentally flawed.

Professionally, I have worked with owner handlers as their mentor and coach; I judge dogs shown by owner handlers, and personally, I occasionally compete as an owner handler in the National Owner-Handled Series ring. Within these multiple roles I have found a consistent lack of respect and general understanding around the intended purpose of the NOHS. Let’s take a look at the current structural problems and the solutions needed to remedy these issues.

Let’s Examine the...

I was recently asked, “Is there some trick I can use to get my dog to stand still in the show ring?” The answer was staring her in the face. She uttered the right answer and didn’t even know it.

• Who here has ever taught a dog its name?
• Who here has taught a dog to potty outside?
• Who here has taught a dog to sit or come?

And now, I’ll share this with you: All of these lessons are tricks!

Teaching Tricks

Every dog owner shows their puppy how to perform a trick in some form. The youngest of puppies begin by learning to learn. A good breeder will start the litter at a young age to do something, including going outside to potty. A trick. Teaching a puppy to ring a bell at the door to go outside is also a trick.

If you show your puppy how to jump over a stick or slide down a kiddie slide, you have taught it a trick. Have you taught it how to run through your legs or give a “high five? Who hasn’t? Maybe you have even taught your dog to keep a...

The exciting part about dog shows is that there are multiple opportunities, even layers of genuine learning, that can happen both at ringside and in the ring. As a dog person, I enjoy the moments when I have the time to explore new information. I will look in the catalog to see which breeds catch my eye and who is judging them. Time permitting; I pull up a chair just as though I was in school. As often as not, I find myself seated next to someone with experience in the breed. If I’m lucky, that someone is the real deal, and I have the privilege of a genuine learning experience, where I come away with a greater appreciation for the essence of that breed.

Learning at a Dog Show at Ringside

We all know that real learning happens when we keenly observe at ringside. Ringside learning is a fundamental dog show truth. What does this look like? At its core, ringside learning is sitting ringside—watching—learning.

When I was exhibiting Rottweilers, I wanted to learn...

Owner Handlers Stand Tall  Part 3

Why your dog is not winning in the ring:

Have you studied the terminology?

Part 3 of 3

Owner handlers, stand tall and look no farther than your own actions and the quality of your dogs for your wins. If you want to be a successful owner handler, you’ll have to take personal responsibility for how you and your dog show up in the ring.

In this three-part series we have looked at why it is important to determine if your dog meets their breed standard. We then discussed how you can prepare to enter the ring. In this final look at why owner handlers are not prepared for the ring, we look at the importance of studying the terms and language fundamental to the sport of dog shows.  

When I talk to exhibitors, I may mention the simplest concept, only to realize that the person has no idea what I’m talking about or they are shocked at what I’m telling them. They don’t know what to prepare for. Basically, they don’t know...

Owner Handlers Stand Tall Part 2

Why your dog is not winning: Is he prepared to enter the ring?

Part 2 of 3

Owner handlers, stand tall and look no farther than your own actions and the quality of your dogs for your wins. If you want to be a successful owner handler, you’ll have to take personal responsibility for how you and your dog show up in the ring.

In the first of this three-part series, we asked you to take a cold hard look at your dog. Is your beloved dog competitive and worthy according to the breed standard? In this second part we will look at how owner handlers and their dog move in the ring. 

Many exhibitors get upset and don’t understand why their beautiful dog isn’t winning. Others complain about the state of judging in the United States or how poorly they think the American Kennel Club vets judges for the task. They see others winning more than they do, especially professional handlers, and misconstrue that as handlers being favored by...

Owner Handlers Stand Tall

Part 1 of 3

Why your dog is not winning in the ring:  Is he show quality?

Here's some "tough love!" Owner handlers, stand tall and look no farther than your own actions and the quality of your dogs for your wins. If you want to be a successful owner handler, you’ll have to take personal responsibility for how you and your dog show up in the ring.

In the first of this three-part series, we ask you to take a cold hard look at your dog. Is your beloved dog competition worthy, according to the breed standard? The owner handlers of today are personally invested in their dogs, and the dog show world is taking notice that some of them are getting their share of the wins. We’re not just talking class; we’re talking group placements and BESTS. No longer the minority in the winner’s circle, these successful owner handlers have taken the time to figure out how to get the wins they deserve. Some of them are spurred onward and work harder to...