Pure Dog Talk

Jeff Heim: “Dog Shows Are Not Dying” and Other Punditry Professional handler Jeff Heim with a Curly Coated Retriever in 1985. Professional handler, Jeff Heim, reflects on 50 years of learning, from cattle judging in FFA to observing handlers and judges at dog shows. As someone who is always willing to help, talk to a stranger or answer a question, Heim observed there is a fine line in mentoring. “You need to offer advice in a way people will hear it,” Heim said. He also encourages new exhibitors to watch other handlers to learn. “Find the handlers who are above average,” Heim said. “Watch them. See what they are doing, take that move home and try it on your dog… not everything works for every dog. Learn what the handler is doing and why, with that particular dog – they’ve done the trial and error to get to that point.” Heim repeats, for the umpteenth time in a row, the downfall of “drive through dog shows.” “You cannot come to the dog show, show your dog and go home,” Heim said. “Spend some time. You spen