Emily's

 Background 

in

Handling Dogs

My experience started out in 4-H where I showed for nine years.  I used a Whippet, a German Shepherd, a Shetland Sheepdog, two Cardigan Welsh Corgis and a Papillon over the years for my 4-H project dog.  While in 4-H, I won many champions in both showmanship and obedience.  I am currently still involved with 4-H by being a judge for local fun matches and doing clinics for obedience and showmanship.

In 1995 I decided to start going to AKC shows with my Shetland Sheepdog, Icy Blue Sky CD.  I put a CD title on ‘Sky’ and learned a lot about training dogs, as he was a very difficult and nervous Sheltie.  In 1996, I started showing Debbie, our first Cardigan Welsh Corgi, in conformation.  As a six month old puppy and handled by me (then a junior handler), she got her first points including a major.  At that point I was hooked on showing dogs!

Soon thereafter, my family traveled to Australia for a two-year stay.  There I started handling not only my own dogs but also a lot of dogs for other people.  I kept showing in junior handling and received many placings as well as being PAL-Pedigree Junior Handler State Finalist. Some of the breeds I showed in Australia included: Bearded Collies, Border Collies, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Irish Wolfhounds, Borzois, Anatolian Shepherds, Papillons and Maremma Shepherds.  I was known to go in the ring with the dog that was unlikely to win and come out with the winners ribbon. 

When I came back to the USA I kept showing my own dogs as well as dogs for other people.  These breeds include Boxers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Papillons.  I showed sparingly in Junior Handlers before I was too old and received placings and a couple of Best Junior Handler awards.

Since my Junior Handler years I have taken on a select few dogs each year for training and showing in both conformation, obedience, rally and even a CGC!  I have been lucky enough to show some wonderful dogs that have taught me a lot.  As well as being a handler I am actively involved in breeding and showing Cardigan Welsh Corgi's with my partner, and mother, Kathy Fish.  I also just recently started teaching conformation handling classes which have been fun and rewarding. 

Dogs will always be a part of my life.  I love challenges.  I hope the future will hold many more years of working with great dogs and much more success!

Emily Fish

From left to right: Aust CH Llandwyn Top Notch, Aust CH Ruatha Inverness, Aust CH Anahoe Wcwn Anwn

(three of my favorite dogs I showed while I was in Australia)