Junior Showmanship

It was my first time competing in what would eventually lead me to experience some of my proudest achievements and set this to-be Dachshund handler on the ride of her lifetime!

When I began showing in Juniors, I was showing my first dog and diabetic alert service dog, a Flat-Coated Retriever whose name is Bruin. Yes, that’s right…originally, I was a Sporting kid! I remember walking up to the rings and praying,

“God, don’t let my shoe fall off in this ring right now!”

Well, God did not let my shoe fall off but I did learn how to give a little caution to the wind and try new things that day. I didn’t have mentors in the beginning and my wonderful parents knew as much as I did about showing dogs. Somehow, I won three Novice classes in a row and was moved up to Open the next weekend, then promptly just about lost every class I showed in for the next two years! But eventually, with time, I met new people who taught me what they knew and shared their secrets of success with me, which in turn gave me the knowledge to create my own tack box of knowledge.

So, if you are thinking about starting in junior showmanship or already have, you may find yourself wondering, “What do I do to become successful?” `Although there’s no definite answer to this question, the following steps positively serve all new fanciers searching to find success in the show ring.

1. Figure out what you want.

What kind of events would you like to participate in? Is your goal eventually to become a handler, breeder, or other type of canine professional? What kind of dog would you like? Hopefully, the answer to the last question is a DACHSHUND! But, if not, it’s still vitally important to know what you’d like to focus on with your dog. This way, when you are choosing mentors, you can find someone in the exact field you’d like to know about.

2. FIND A MENTOR!

It’s ALL IN CAPS because it’s so important! Attend local shows, events, and specialties if you can and talk with those you find kind, knowledgeable, and constructive. If you already have a dog, your puppy’s reputable breeder should be your first contact. If you’re still looking for a puppy, look for someone who has had success in the show and performance ring, remains in good standing with the breed parent club, health tests their dogs appropriately, and is willing to mentor you or at least direct you to good support.

3. Find joy in the time spent with your dog.

Not all moments inside and out of the ring are going to be stellar. We have all had amazing wins, disappointing losses, and moments where we wonder why we even do “this” anymore (like when your puppy wakes you up 12 times in the night to potty). But, the moments make up your journey…and as the wise advise, “ENJOY THE JOURNEY!” Don’t lose sight of what’s important and don’t place the emphasis on the win. Winning is a byproduct of solid dog+human relationship, work ethic, effort, and good will. Keep trying!

4. Be a part of the community.

If you have local kennel clubs, make friends and if you can, volunteer! There is no better way to improve than by watching the “behind-the-

scenes” logistics of your sport. Plus, the help is often greatly appreciated. If you are at a show and have spare time, sit ringside and watch your favorite handlers. Take notice of how they set their dogs up, handle them, and present them. You may find their styles suggest some improvements that you should make with your own dog! Junior showmanship, and this sport in general, is about relationship, dedication, sportsmanship, and community. In my personal opinion, the secret to success is not through winning, but instead through how a handler and a dog integrates all of those qualities into their journey. If I could tell somebody just one thing about my show career, it would be that shared effort, integrity, emphasis on rapport and dedication made my dogs and I what we are together. And that, my friends, by itself is my secret to success. !

2022 2022

by Ava Hata

2021

2016 2019