Social Media Challenge Randy Benns and Luke Baggenstos are both members of the Professional Handler’s Association. Luke Baggenstos Luke literally was born into dogs. His parents and stepmother are all dog people. He worked for dad, Rick, and stepmom Dinah,  both PHA handlers, and followed in their footsteps. In fact, the bulk of his extended…

Steve Gladstone, AKC Judge, Breeder of Cardigan Welsh Corgis and AKC Board of Directors member passed away in Australia while on a judging assignment. Perhaps his final interview, this was recorded only a few weeks prior to his passing.

Bo Bengtson and Paul Lepiane: The History and the Future of Dog Show Competition Paul and Bo, whippet breeders and publishers of several magazines, share their thoughts on breed drift and the past, present and future of dog shows in this wide ranging, thoughtful intervi­ew. We discuss why some breeds drift *a lot* and others…

Edd Bivin: Dedicated to the Sport of Dogs From Pomeranians to prestigious judge at Westminster and National Events, Mr. Bivin contributes to the sport through the Take the Lead Foundation.  Listen to episode 75 as he shares his history and dedication with Laura Reeves. Edd E. Bivin, of Fort Worth, Texas, acquired his first purebred…

Eugene Blake – International Judge Eugene Blake is always dapper in appearance, impeccable in style, and a smile full of life and joy.  He is a lovely judge to show under, a man of extensive dog knowledge, and a willing mentor for new exhibitors in the show ring. In this interview, Eugene shares his history,…

Dreaming of Top Dog #1 All-Breed? Professional Handler Laura King tells the fun and frustration, rewards and regrets, on the competitive road to be #1.

Be the Expert That John Q. Public Needs Michelle Santana – Foxfire Dobermans 35 years in Dobermans, inherited the love of the breed from her mother, Michelle Santana is dedicated to the future of her favorite breed. While Michelle tried a brief stint in Collies, she returned committed to her mother’s breeding program, and describes…

From the Judges Perspective As an AKC Judge, Lee Whittier often saw quality, but untrained dogs with exhibitors that could use some help.  Digging a little deeper, Lee realized that the exhibitors that really needed a mentor were not just the beginners, but the Owner-Handlers that have been showing for 5-15 years. Owner Handlers –…

From Apprentice to Master Handler to Mentoring the Next Generation   Mike Pitts, along with his wife Linda, are among the top tier handlers in the country, having run multiple top dogs over the years. Most recently, Linda piloted the Puli, Preston, to number one all breeds all systems in 2016.   Back in the…