In the Spotlight: Owner Handler Candice Duclos

Join us for an interview series where we get to know some of our most successful owner-handlers in purebred dogs.

How did you get started in the sport of purebred dogs, and how did you acquire your first show dog?

I bought my first show dog (not a PWD) as a pet with no idea that dog shows even existed. The breeder asked me if I’d be willing to show her and introduced me to the world of purebred dogs and dog shows. We were a hot mess, I’m sure, and she turned out to not be a good show prospect. Although it turned out to not be the best situation, I learned a ton about purebred dogs, ethical breeders, and the sport of conformation. Along the way, I fell in love with Portuguese Water Dogs and later got my first PWD from an ethical preservation breeder.

If you are currently juggling a career and a show schedule, tell us what you do for a living and the challenges you face doing both.

I work full-time + as a senior attorney for a law enforcement agency. I have been very fortunate to have been given the flexibility to split my time between being in the office and working remotely this year while chasing dreams with my girl. While I am thrilled to have the opportunity and know how lucky I am, it is a ton of work. I am on call 24/7 for work which can mean middle of the night wake ups or interruptions any time of day. I often drive many long hours to get home so I can be in the office for a few days and while on the road and at shows I work before the day gets going, throughout the day while showing off and on as needs arise, and wrap things up at the end of the day. It requires a lot of dedication but it is absolutely worth it.

Share a brief story of a special memory or experience you have had while competing with your dog.

Hands down our most special win was winning the PWDCA Top 20 at our national. Scandal is not an easy dog, she’s a handful on a good day, a true PWD bitch. We have put in many long hours and hard work to get to where we are. On Top 20 night, she owned the ring and ripped around with a smile on her face. It was as if everything had come together all at the right time and we had an absolute blast. To be recognized in such incredible competition by a panel of highly respected judges was an honor I will never forget.

Have you participated in the NOHS competition? If you don’t compete in NOHS anymore, share your thoughts on it whether positive, negative, or both.

Yes, I have competed in NOHS for several years. Overall I think it is a very good program that affords owner-handlers many great opportunities. It can be a place to gain additional ring time and perfect your skill, a place to showcase your dog, or a place to just have fun with your dog; it really depends on what your goals are. I met so many wonderful people participating in NOHS all over the country, many of whom are now lifelong friends.

Could it be improved, absolutely – starting with not using judges that are not authorized to judge the breeds which they’re assigned. Having said that, I understand the challenges the clubs face and the additional cost that the program comes with. At the end of the day, you really get out of it what you put in, nothing is flawless.

What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you started competing?

Nothing is one size fits all in the world of conformation. When I got serious about conformation I was fortunate enough to get advice from many people. Much well intended, some harsh. The best thing you can do is take it all in and use what works best for you and your dog. You need the ability to be critical about your dog and your skills without getting your feelings hurt to really improve. Most importantly don’t forget to have fun along the way – this sport costs way too much and is entirely too much work if you don’t find some joy in it for you and your dog.

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Posted by Liz on Oct 23 2024. Filed under Current Articles, Featured, The Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.