About Dog Handling
The most basic quality in a first-class dog handler is a love of dogs. Other basic qualities are enthusiasm, people skills, some business savvy and a lot of knowledge about canines. These can be obtained through experience, but a love of dogs is more difficult to learn.
The average pet owner is not a dog handler. A dog handler is a person who works with highly trained dogs under special conditions. Some dog handlers are professionals, but many are amateurs. Some train the dog they work with, while others are educated to handle a dog that is already trained.
A show dog handler is a professional who presents dogs for judging at dog shows, where they are evaluated for physical traits. Usually a show dog handler also trains and grooms the dog he shows, and often the clients' dogs live in his kennels while they are being shown. In many countries, a professional dog handlers' organization works with the national kennel club to establish and maintain standards.
