Finding Her Passion

Chloe’s initial foray into dog handling was almost serendipitous. “Growing up, my dad was always very involved with dog shows, whether it was judging or showing dogs, though he’s recently focused more on judging,” Chloe recalls. “I used to show dogs when I was younger but randomly stopped when my dad started judging. My family now has French Bulldogs, which reignited my dad’s interest in competing. One random day in April, my dad asked if I wanted to come to a dog show and compete in the junior handler class, showing CH Gummy Bear. I decided to give it a try because I needed a hobby, and after practicing that night with my dad, I fell in love with it.”

A Typical Competition Day

For Chloe, a competition day starts long before she enters the ring. “The day before is spent traveling and preparing for the show. In the morning, I wake up early, play with my dogs, and make sure the ones I’m showing are content and happy,” she explains. After a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts, Chloe heads to the show, where the real work begins.

“Once I get to the show, I make sure my dogs have water and quickly practice in the ring to ensure they’re comfortable without tiring them out. The rest of the day is a blur, as I’m not only handling in the junior class but also other dogs in different classes. My top priority all day is to keep my dogs cool and happy,” she says. The day ends with a family tradition: a post-show Domino’s pizza, a reward well-earned for Chloe and her dogs.

Balancing School and Handling

Chloe’s schedule is packed as a junior in honors and college classes. Yet, she manages to balance her academic and handling responsibilities. “During the school day, I try to get assignments done during free periods so there’s less to complete when I get home. After school, I finish my homework as quickly as possible, then practice with my dogs every night,” Chloe shares. Though it can be overwhelming, especially when she misses school for a show, Chloe stays on top of her work by communicating with her teachers and managing her time efficiently.

The Joys of Handling

When asked about her favorite part of being a junior handler, Chloe’s love for dogs shines through. “My favorite part has to be getting to handle dogs. I’ve been raised around dogs my whole life, and I love them. Training and handling dogs is so rewarding because you get to build a bond with them. In April, I got a French Bulldog named Cjbk Freyja, and I’ve had the opportunity to train and show her. It’s been so rewarding to watch her slowly become an excellent show dog.”

Preparation and Practice

Success in the ring doesn’t happen by chance. Chloe emphasizes the importance of preparation. “My dad always says that when you pick up your ribbons at the show, you’ve earned them through the practice you put in beforehand. I practice every night for fifteen minutes, which has ultimately made me prepared. Before a show, all the dogs get baths, their nails clipped, and are fed good meals the day before traveling.”

Memorable Moments

Winning her first Best in Show as a junior handler is a memory that stands out for Chloe. “Even when I was little, I always wanted to win one, but I didn’t take it seriously back then. When I recently started showing dogs seriously, I won two at the last show. It felt like all the work I put in paid off.”

Advice for Aspiring Handlers

Chloe has simple but powerful advice for other young people interested in handling: “The amount of work you put in determines how well you do. The only way you’ll want to put in practice is if you enjoy it. When I was little, I didn’t love it, and my results showed just that. Like many other hobbies and sports, it’s a big commitment that takes a lot of time and love.”

Managing Nerves and Pressure

Handling dogs in competition can be nerve-wracking, but Chloe has found ways to manage her anxiety. “If you enjoy something, it matters to you, then you will get some sort of anxiety. Normally, after the first show, I get all my nerves out, and I’m less nervous.”

Support and Mentorship

Chloe credits much of her success to her dad, who has been her biggest mentor and supporter. “I’ve learned the majority of my tips from my dad. Most nights, he comes out and practices with me, taking videos to show me what I can improve. My stepmom is also a huge supporter; she comes to the shows to watch and takes photos and videos. Both of them drive me to the shows to compete too.”

Future Goals

As Chloe looks to the future, her goals remain focused on her love for handling. “Being sixteen, there aren’t many years left for me to be a junior handler. My main goal is to keep training and handling dogs, as it’s what I love to do.”

Staying Motivated

Chloe’s passion for dog handling is what keeps her motivated to continue improving. “Honestly, showing dogs is too big of a commitment not to do if you don’t love it. Because I love it, it’s easy for me to want to continue to practice every night. You can always improve and do better than you did last show, so it’s fun to improve skills and to learn new things.”

The Key to Success

For Chloe, the most essential quality for a successful handler is passion. “Without passion, it’s nearly impossible to have the motivation to continuously practice and compete. Passion makes you want to win more and keeps you loving it. It’s because I have passion that I’m able to continue improving.”