I am the worst double handler. I always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Poor handlers, LOL! But, you know you've been around GSD's too long when: Karena, a Junior handler was in the Juniors ring with my girl Maggie. This was an AB show. I found myself doubling Maggie to get ears and animation. Big Boo Boo in the Juniors ring and an AB show. Boy, did I get yelled at. First from the ring steward and then from Karena's Mom. I thought I was being subtle, LOL! Karena and Maggie still placed but not with my help. Hey, maybe there could be a class on "The Art of Double Handling" at the Nationals. Folks like Carolyn and Ileana and some handlers could get together and show us bumbling idiots the best way to double and what the handler's sign language means. Ok, some of it we can figure out ourselves, LOL! Add in how to get out of the way so you don't get knocked on your butt by other doublers. That could be fun and educational at the same time. Laura Thomas -----Original Message----- From: jkerner@xxxxxxxxx To: marhaven@xxxxxxx Cc: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thu, 19 Apr 2007 7:28 AM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: All is fair when you double (was: doubling dogs done right) I do not have any double handling technique mastered. Haven't been able to work through it, even with a huge cow bell. Here's the thing that is really aggravating for me: My handler spends oodles of time winding up the 12 foot leash for the individual go around, and then turns to ask me .......... "Do you think you can make 'er down to the other end of the ring?" Jane Kerner ----- Original Message ----- From: Carolyn To: InquestGSD@xxxxxxx ; fairway97045@xxxxxxxxx ; lfossland@xxxxxxx ; onaluzlead@xxxxxxxxxxx ; showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 10:06 AM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: All is fair when you double (was: doubling dogs done right) I have it down to a FINE ART FORM Ileanna. With the two that we are starting to show right now...........I just stand somewhere out of sight and occasionally when our handler appears to be about ready for oxygen ......I make a quick appearance to say to the dogs..........easy... EASY............EASY!!!! Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxx www.marhaven.com ----- Original Message ----- From: InquestGSD@xxxxxxx This is a great topic.Doubling is an art form, no doubt about that. You have to consider doubling in all conditions and for all situations..........when training, at all breeds, at specialties, at the National, when you think the judge is watching, when the handler is mouthing obscenities....in all kinds of weather, with and without umbrellas......yikes, I am tired just thinking about it. Equipment is necessary when doubling.....you have to wear something very loud, so your aging handler can find you, and you have to have at hand all the essentials: toys, bells, towels, cats, food, a kid here and there, and the best one ever, an ex husbands toupe. Try that, and not laughing your heart out. Then you need a doubler for the original doubler, someone to translate what everyone else wants them to do. And..........you are not allowed to injure anyone while doubling. That, in and on itself, is a challenge. There goes your opportunity to knock the lights out of someone you cant stand. Of course temperament is better in the breed, imagine all these dogs dealing with this craziness and maintaining their sanity. We have found the cure for bad temperament and were not even aware of it. Doubling!!! Kudos to all the German Shepherd people!!!! Now Carolyn wants us to get special treat for the handlers. Like we don't have enough problems already.....Can you imagine???? Jerry and Bill are going to want Starbucks, and then you have to hold the cup without spilling it while they run around with your dog ( can you hear the meter ticking.....$....$....$.....) Greg wants Popeye and Cajun.....George wants Italian.....where does it stop????? How about.....we teach the dogs to come all the way around, and we are at the exit when they come out to celebrate them for putting up with our foolishness? I think a lot of dogs will be happier that way. A happy dog always looks better. But then, what do we do for fun at ringside? Watching doublers is a true joy. <G> Ileana ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================