28/10/2024
Let's talk seriously now!
IMPORTANT things to think/ask about when hiring a handler...
...regardless of if it is me or someone else, do your homework!!!
Important top 20 things to ask:
1. Do you have care and custody insurance?
- If yes, request policy number.
- If no, why?
2. Do you have a first aid kit for dogs?
* AND know how to use it?
- If yes, is it up to date?
- If no, why?
3. Do you have a bloat kit?
* AND know how to use it?
- If yes, do you have a tube size appropriate for my dog?
- If no, what would you do than?
4. How are they cared for?
- Who? Leash protocols? Access to rig?
5. Do you have monitoring devices; waggle, smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection?
- If yes, ask to see them.
- If no, why?
6. Do you have a fire extinguisher?
- If yes, are they up to date, not expired? Location.
- If no, why?
7. What crates do you use?
* Crash rating? Are they previously damaged? Have they ever been in a wreck?
8. How are crates secured?
* Are they bolted down to the frame?
9. How many dogs are in each crate?
* This answer should always be 1.
10. Is the crate size appropriate for the breed?
- If no, how is my dog being housed?
11. Who is showing the dog?
* If conflict who?
12. Are you associated with a professional organization?
* Are you in good standing?
13. How are dogs cared for at home, if taken home?
* DO you have a kennel? LEGAL?
14. Are you a real legal business?
* Registered with the state of residence?
- If yes, under what name?
- If no, why?
15. Do you have a rate sheet?
16. Do you have a handling agreement?
17. How do you do billing?
18. What form of payments do you accept?
19. Can I call you when at a show?
- If yes, when/what time?
- if no, why?
20. Do you actually LIKE my dog?
- if no, why?
Again, I am trying to educate people on selection process for a handler. This is not a bash or attack on anyone or team.
Choose someone or team that really wants you to be successful, not just blow smoke in creative places....
Find a genuine person!
[Photo credit Sandy MacArthur, outtakes are the best]