Handling Class With Havanese: Turning Issues Into Positives

Yesterday Darlah and I got into the car with Treasure and took a drive out to Jackson’s Point. It was nice to drive by a beach and imagine the winter was finally over, but the ice that still covered a part of the surface quickly dispelled such fantasy and we continued on to Handling Class. On the way we drove past some guys working on the roof of an A frame style house. I glanced over as I was driving and almost hit the brakes. Walking at a steep angle right beside them was a Pit Bull. Darlah couldn’t get her camera out in time and I wasn’t stopping.

Handling Classes are typically hosted by Kennel Clubs and the person teaching the class is inevitably a very experienced Conformation Show Ring person, or even a Judge. Owners who attend the class believe they have a dog good enough to compete in the show ring, and most times they are correct.

Last night was challenging for Treasure and me for two reasons, or rather because of two dogs, a Border Terrier and a Miniature Schnauzer. Both were expertly handled but both had issues.

I think the Schnauzer had never before worn a leash, so every time his Handler tried to get him to walk in a direction he didn’t want to go, he let out with a shriek. The entire class froze as we looked to see who was killing whom. But in fact it was simply the dog being unused to the leash and not understanding what was happening. Regardless, throughout the class he continued to let loose with this bloodcurdling scream that had us all flinching. Eventually, even the other dogs correctly identified that there really wasn’t a murder going on and started to ignore him. His owner worked patiently to correct and teach him. It happens. But it certainly affected the atmosphere in the room.

And then there was the Border Terrier. In his case I believe that while he was used to his sister at home, he hadn’t had much exposure to other dogs yet. I must add that both of these dogs were pups, 4-6 months old. The Terrier, being a Terrier, decided that he was going to challenge the room to a fight to the death. That was his way of dealing with the stress of the unknown and all these strange canines. Again, the owner was very competent and was dealing with him as best she could, but that didn’t stop him from growling loudly and viciously at any dog that he perceived as a threat, which was anything on four legs that moved in a 100 foot radius.

Which brings us to Treasure. As we walked, the Border Terrier was right behind us. The first time it growled low and mean, Treasure stopped dead, turned and growled back just as low and mean and basically said “bring it on!” I corrected her immediately. This happened maybe a dozen more times and each time I got her to focus on me, and never mind any other dog there. In this way I was able to turn a potentially damaging class into an opportunity to educate, and to support the fact that I am in charge and when Treasure is with me, things like screaming dogs or growling dogs are not her concern because I will deal with it.

The truth is, if the owners hadn’t been so aware and on top of their dogs it wouldn’t have worked. Either they would have had to leave the class or I would have walked out because I didn’t want Treasure to have a negative experience. I already know she’s full of herself. But she also had to learn that I had this in hand and all was fine so never mind the noise and commotion. As that was exactly what happened I’ll consider last night a good learning experience, and good preparation for the show ring.

Nathan