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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 48 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 found the following review helpful:
 What are you waiting for? Feb 09, 2000
By msdeb1107
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.
39 of 42 found the following review helpful:
 Superb guide by a real Pro & truly full of useful "secrets" Jul 06, 2003
By M. Mercedes
Contrary to the comments a previous reviewer, I hope most will realize the value of this excellent and practical book and give it a try. The criticism of the "reader from Texas," is INANE and inappropriate. FIRST of all, the author never pretends to be a writer. He is, however, an accomplished Pro Handler with a track record of big show wins and real life experience to share about what to do (and not to do) in the show ring. SECOND, as for the comment about "how many times he belittled the owner-handler in this book," that too is utter nonsense. He is simply pointing out the kinds of behaviors that will NOT help you to win in the ring, and isn't that the ENTIRE POINT of reading this book??? Yes, showing dogs is a sport, but the reader is in La La Land if he does not realize that what "the judge likes," and "how to hide faults" are paramount to successfully showing and winning with your dog. The author does not pretend to be there to discuss "important aspects" of dogs. One presumes that the book will be bought and read to help the amateur handler understand how best to handle their dog in the ring. Ignore this reviewer and read this book! I found it to be extremely down-to-earth and full of little gems of wisdom and hints to remember and apply. I have bought a number of more "professionally written and less judgmental" books on showing and handling and they are too bland and so general as to be useless. They are NOT going to be the ones that I will refer back to and read again-- but this book will be read again and again. It's aptly named. It is indeed full of little secrets that are important to know in the show ring. It is an OUTSTANDING and entertaining reference in a gritty, no-nonsense way. I HIGHLY recommend it.
26 of 27 found the following review helpful:
NOT FOR THE NOVICE OR BEGINNER!!! May 03, 2004
By Jessica Young
This is a detailed book designed to guide you through your Speciality dogs' campaigning. This is not a book made to help class dogs win in the breed ring. This is written especially for Group 1's and Best In Show wins. I highly recommend reading this book before attending one of his seminars to be prepared what and what not to ask. This author has had mulitple BIS dogs in his resume' and has a unlimited wealth of knowledge in the sport. This book can teach you everything from installing fear into your competition, to getting the photographer to take the kind of picture YOU want. This is the best book on the market for the Advanced Owner-Handler or Professional Handler.
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
Wonderful and Informative Aug 22, 2002
This book's focus is for the owner-handler/ amateur handler to aspire to the professionalism of the pro handler. The author points out the common mistakes of owner-handlers and how to avoid and correct them. This is not a book on the basics of dog showing, but good for someone who already grasps the concepts of handling and showing dogs. Alston's focus is on the handler doing his job rather than the dog. He incorporates sports psychology and how to prep yourself mentally. He also goes into showing the dog to the best advantage, how to emphasize the strenghs rather than the faults of the dog (since we know all dogs have them). He does not cover how to hide faults, because you really can't. All in all, it's a great step towards improving your performance in the ring, resulting in a better performance from your dog.
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
A Must Have! Nov 04, 1999
Recently, there have been many people online asking about showing, and not expressing confidence when they show. READ THIS BOOK! It will help you understand many aspects of showing that you never even thought about! Mr. Alston attained over 300 Best in Shows, while he was handling, and this book shares much of his knowledge. It is not a basic, "How to Stack and Gait" book, but picks up where those on just the mechanics of showing leave off. If you want to know about showing, this should be a MUST on your book list.
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