In a message dated 5/11/2006 9:24:31 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, helen@xxxxxxxxxx writes: We are judging dogs and dogs only. The handler that wins a lot does so because they do their homework and job WELL. HANDLERS DONâ??T WIN, DOGS DO! Helen Also Helen, The top handlers also generally have their pick of the top dogs. There are only a few of the best of the pros and MANY MANY owners and dogs. The creme (of the handling profession) have their dogs "rise to the top" over and over again because they usually are good dogs. Also as you pointed out , a good handler will do his or her homework on individual judges, and form a game plan per dog in his or her string based, in part on what a given judge seems to like. This is one reason people go to handlers. Many of them have DECADES of experience and know where their particular dog may get a good look and where it may not...based on knowledge of the judges. It is an invaluable asset. Not infallible, lol, but sure saves a lot of wasted time and money for the clients. Kathy WEBSITE "PUPDATED": MAY 1 2006~ SEL 2 ANNIE X NITRO PUPS! _http://www.victorygermanshepherds.com_ (http://www.victorygermanshepherds.com/) VICTORY GSDs, There Is Something In A Name ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. 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. 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 - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues ============================================================================