The Differences in Handling Methods Between the UK and US Were Indeed Real
The day before yesterday, this popped up on my FB timeline, and I was stunned.
It's an account called 'Show Dog Prep School,' but according to this explanation, the way I know owner-handlers to be at British dog shows would be considered 'bad showing' 👎.
The part about the angle to make the dog look good to the judge is probably correct.
But to say eye contact is unnecessary!!!
It leaves me feeling uneasy.
✳︎Automatic translation below
Where you focus affects your dog and his or her movement.
Looking at your dog's face, especially into the eyes, invites eye contact, which is not desirable in the show ring.This type of handler focus is desirable for sports like obedience or rally, but not for conformation.
In the show ring, it is desirable for the dog to be forward-focused.
By looking towards the front of your dog or in the direction of movement, you can encourage the head to face forward.
It may be difficult to break the habit of staring at your dog, but I recommend trying it to prevent the dog from watching your face while moving.
Original text
Where you focus affects your dog and his or her movement. When you look at your dog's face, particularly into the eyes you are inviting eye contact which is not what we want for the show ring. This type of handler focus is desirable for sports like obedience or rally, but not for conformation.
For the show ring we prefer the dog to be forward focused. By looking towards the front of your dog or right into his path of movement you support and encourage the head to be facing forward.
Staring at your dog can be a difficult habit to break, but it's a good idea to try so you can avoid the dog watching your face while moving.
After worrying about it all night, at dawn, I decided to take the plunge and confirm it with a British breeder.
As a result, my unease was cleared up.
I really do prefer the British style after all 🫶.
Let me explain it roughly.
'Yes, that is correct, butthis is more American style than British style.'
'Did you see the video of Kate (a veteran breeder) and her new dog?'
Here, a video of Kate and her young dog at the recent Manchester Dog Show was sent.
It is handling where she keeps her eyes fixed on the dog the whole time. The dog is walking straight ahead.
(I will provide it via DM)
'This is an example of wonderful handling.'
Here,
my impression is,
'I see.
Now I understand why I don't feel any love for the dog when Japanese professional handlers are handling them!
Because,they are taught not to look at the dog...'🤭
(Furthermore, in poor handling,
they are always being pulled by the dog 😆)
'Yes, we (in the UK)want to see the relationship between the dog and the owner.It is not a relationship like a walk in the park where the dog and owner are disconnected.'
After that, several videos of British-style handling were sent to me.
The dogs are walking happily with their handlers. (A sign of trust and agreement)
In other words, this difference is simply the difference in showing between British owner-handlers and American professional handlers.
Hmm,
I really do prefer the British style over the American style 🫶😊.
(I'm sorry I can't upload the video here 🙇)