Jennifer's

 Background 

in

Handling Dogs

My experience with dogs began when I turned nine and joined 4-H.  In 4-H I showed two very special dogs, my Sheltie, “Nicky,” and my first Border Collie, “Blaze.”  Over the eight years that I competed in 4-H, I won numerous champions in showmanship, obedience and agility both at the county and state level.

When I turned ten I began showing in A.K.C. Junior Handling.  Although I still had a lot to learn in the beginning, I soon moved up to the open class.  In Juniors I showed a Sheltie, Border Collie, Papillon, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Boxer and English Setter.  During my last few years as a Junior I won numerous placings and Best Junior Awards.  I was the number one Junior in the country to show a Border Collie, and was awarded Best Junior at the Border Collie Nationals the first two years it was offered (1999 and 2001).

In 1997 and 1998, my family and I had the opportunity to live in Australia.  While living there I continued to show dogs and started showing in the breed ring.  I was able to gain a lot of experience both in the Junior Handling and breed ring, as I was able to show many different breeds.

Upon returning to the U.S., I showed my first dog (my Border Collie, “Blaze”) to his CH title.  Blaze was also the first dog I campaigned in the specials ring.  Blaze had a successful show career and was the #11 Border Collie all-breed in 2001.  Friends slowly started asking me to show their dogs for them, and as soon as I aged out of the Junior Handling I started handling professionally. 

I enjoy helping Emily as her assistant, and am thankful for all the wonderful dogs I have been able to handle.  As a handler I have shown numerous dogs to winners and BOB, and several special dogs to group placings and national rankings.  I have also become the expert groomer of the team.

I still continue to show and train my own dogs and breed Border Collies along with Emily and our mother, Kathy, www.bordercollies.pawcific.com.  I haven’t had much experience in performance, but am working hard at training my BCs in obedience and agility and hope to compete soon.

Jennifer Fish