Bait Bag?

S

Serenity

Forums Novice
Hello,
I've returned to the dog show world after taking almost two decades off to raise a family. When I returned three years ago, I spoke with a lot of owner/handlers and was told no professional are using bait bags these day. I was a professional handler and I might want to do it again. In the meantime, I took time to add pockets to my jackets but after three years, I find that they prevent me from moving freely (due to muscular issues) and I can't regulate my body temperature due to an autoimmune disorder.

What would you do? I'm attending an AKC sanctioned B show so I made a bait bag to match my dress. I don't want anyone to stare or make negative comments but if I want to succeed, I need to be able to move and glide around the ring correctly.

I have photos but I have no idea if it's possible to share them in this thread.

Any thoughts or opinions on this matter, would be greatly appreciated thank you.
 
I show my dogs and when I don't have a suit jacket with pockets I pin a small cloth bait bag to the waistband of my skirt. Admittedly, it's underneath my jacket, but it's there. If I had one that matched a dress I'd use it as long as it isn't too large. Many handlers also put a piece of bait in the rubber bands that hold their armbands. I've done this too, although you have to be careful that it doesn't fall out or your dog tries to snack on it during the table exam!

I don't think anyone would frown on your using a bait bag. If they do, ignore them!! I'm not a pro....just an owner/handler, but that's my advice!
 
Thank you Ann...your advice was priceless. I attended an AKC Sanctioned B fun match to see how I felt personally using a bait bag after 20 years before attending an AKC show. I must say that once I was in the ring, I just did my thing and the bait bag did not affect my performance. Watching myself on video made me realize that when my muscles are feeling good that I'm able to feel free and have fun and in turn, my dogs are having fun too. I'm definitely going to continue to use a bait bag when needed.
 
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Good luck, Serenity, and please share your ring experiences with us! It's great to have another Forum member in the show ring. (y)
 
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