Readers of this book may get the idea that it places them on level ground with professional handlers. It doesn't. But it lets you know where you would have been without the inside information in the book, and it ain't pretty.


What are you waiting for?   February 9, 2000
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

If you are serious about handling your own dogs - BUY IT NOW! I only wish I had read this book years ago. It is the supreme guide for those owner-handlers who aren't content to merely SHOW but who are ready to WIN! The weekend after I read it I used the skills learned to put the first point on a 9-mo-old puppy against professionals with Open dogs. It really made a big difference for me. The only thing better is going to one of his seminars - they are even better. Better yet - do both - and the results will amaze you.


He may be an excellent handler but he is not a writer!   January 6, 2000
 54 out of 74 found this review helpful

I couldn't believe how many times he belittled the "owner-handler" in this book. He seems to think that ONLY professional handlers are the ones who deserve to win because they spend an incomprehensible amount of time training and grooming their dogs. It is a sport, get real and have fun, most people have real jobs during the day. He also liked to write about what "the judge likes" and how to hide faults instead of commenting on what is the most important aspect, the dog itself. I have found other handling books to be much less judgemental and more professionally written. He needed to keep a lot less "go-pro-handler" emotion out of the book and stay away from writing about all his experiences dealing with "owner-handlers" (one time, in Ohio...)


Awesome information!   December 9, 1999
 9 out of 12 found this review helpful

This book is definately the best I've read on handling. It is a great place to start for those who are serious about handling. George Alston has a remarkable record and truly knows what he's doing, and I recommend this book to anyone interested in getting points on their dogs or showing in Open Junior Showmanship.