Westminster Agility

[Sealtainn]

Sure, but again, this happens in all venues.

Conformation has professional handlers.

I'm not really into conformation but I have seen more than a few shows on tv

Yes, it is clear that there are many professional handlers in conformation.
The "Pro" tag (or amateur) is not intended to be derogatory, it isn't an ugly word.

What I have observed is that in conformation the commentators often cite those dogs being shown as Owner/Handler in contrast to the professional.
In fact, I have seen recognition in terms of award being given to the best dog shown by an Owner/Handler.

I don't think we should take anything away from the pros, just given the circumstances asking for recognition at top events to those who are not pros.
We might be lucky to travel to 1 Regional and/or National a year, some might make it to 2. The professional on the other hand is looking at a list of events to travel to.

 

[HopeShelties]

I don't think we should take anything away from the pros, just given the circumstances asking for recognition at top events to those who are not pros.
We might be lucky to travel to 1 Regional and/or National a year, some might make it to 2. The professional on the other hand is looking at a list of events to travel to.

I do think that would be nice. They have after all developed the amateur owner handler series in AKC conformation to recognize the owner handlers out there competing. There are even shows offering AOH group and AOH BIS.

 

[k9kreationz]

Thanks for the explanations. I assumed this is what you out meant, however, I wanted s to clarify since the word "pro" does mean you get paid for doing something, like running a dog, or as someone pointed out, handling a dog in conformation. If you make money doing it, you're most likely classified as a pro.....just not in the agility world.