Pro Handler Interview Adrian Ghione

Oakdale, CA

Tell us how you got started in dogs.

When I was 16 my dad acquired an unruly Akita pup that I took to Obedience clases, I participated in obedience and agility events and, in time, I got involved with confirmation.

What made you know that this was where you belonged?

There’s no feeling that can compare to the love I receive back from the dogs I work with.

Who were your mentors?

Mark and Sally George

Do you breed?

I actually breed Portugués podengo pequeno

Do you like to stick to any particular breed or group?

No, I enjoy the diversity and I’m always ready for a new breed and a new challenge.

How do you travel to shows? Hotel or RV? How many do you attend in the average year? Prefer outdoors or indoors (or don’t care)?

I travel in a fully outfitted van and stay at hotels or rental houses if possible. I attend 45 weekends a year in the average. And being in Sunny CA, I prefer to be outside.

What the best thing about being a professional handler?

The amount of time spent with dogs from different breeds, the connections and bonds we get to create with them, as well as the posibility to travel and tour this beautiful country.

What is the toughest part about being a professional handler?

Knowing that you’re solely responsible for the well being of leaving creatures. I look at the dogs in my care and know that each one of them is somebody’s baby.

Is your family involved?

My Dad shows dogs in Argentina

Are you involved with an all-breed club? Have you held positions within the club?

No

What can Clubs do to make handlers’ job easier?

Provide space that can accommodate our needs to ensure the well being of the dogs and be understanding of the requirements and challenges that our profession presents

What can Clubs do to make handlers want to enter?

Cluster up in one location.

And for a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing you’ve ever witnessed (or heard about) at a dog show?