The AOH…What is That?

by Dr. Bob G. Smith

Photos by Lisa Croft-Elliott

In the Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Chapter 3, Section 6, is found:

The Amateur-Owner-Handler class shall be for dogs that are at least six months of age that are not champions. Dogs must be handled in the class by the registered owner of the dog. This class is restricted to exhibitors who have not, at any point in time, been a professional dog handler, AKC approved conformation judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional handler. Additionally, members of the immediate family or household of a current professional handler are ineligible for this class as defined in Chapter 11, Section 13:  “Professional handlers are defined as any person that belongs or has belonged to a professional handlers’ organization, distributed rate cards, or otherwise advertised or represented themselves as handling dogs for pay.”

Why are these class divisions often overlooked.  Why are there so few entries?  It isn’t because there are so few dogs being shown by owners.  It isn’t because the classes are not being offered.  It isn’t because the class isn’t a different type of class.  This class is a unique one in which only owners can show their dogs.  (They do not even have to be breeder of the dog.)  This is one class in which the dog cannot be a finished champion.  Both parameters are unique to this class.  So, why so few entries?

If AKC wanted the AOH class to be a unique class, very little has been done to emphasize its uniqueness.  Why do we have this class?  What has been done to encourage exhibitors to use it?  Has it been successful?  Lots of questions with few answers.  Only AKC staff would know for certain if they analyzed entries in this class since the inception of this program.  Wish there was a way to find out how this class is attracting exhibitors.  Access to this data might prove to be interesting and supportive of more support for the AOH class.

What incentive is there for the AOH exhibitor to enter this class at a dog show?  If this is a class to encourage amateur owners to handle their entries themselves, are they given any incentive beyond the first level of the AOH class as the dog more often than not does not win beyond the AOH classes?  It’s a worthy idea, but is it achieving the results expected?

Maybe there should be a competition beyond the first AOH class that supports a “BEST AOH in SHOW”.  Why not?  We have a BBE in Show competition and a Best Puppy in Show Competition.  So, why not substitute the Best AOH in Show for BIS BBE once in a while.  For instance, on a four day circuit, two days might be devoted to BIS AOH, one day for BIS BBE, and one day for BIS Puppy, or any combination that the clubs choose.   An excellent example of a show providing AOH classes and terrific recognition to the winners is found near the end of the article.  If there are additional clubs providing similar recognition, I would be pleased to report their efforts.

Readers may ask if this new recognition will increase participation resulting in more entries and more people showing their own dogs.  Who knows?  The truth be known, AOH probably has NOT increased entries since its inception in 2009 in most cases.  This class took the place of the Novice class.  However, very little change in interest and entries have been noticed.  Not much has changed from the Novice class format.  There is still a stigma attached to this class that was attached to the Novice class.  Why the negative connotation?  Probably the “Novice” term.  No one wants to be labeled a “Novice” after enjoying years of experience showing as an owner handler.  So why are exhibitors not flocking to the AOH class?  Beats me!  Sounds like a great way to compete in a class!  However, nothing else happens if the entry doesn’t make it beyond the Winners competition.  Nothing!  What would make one want to enter a class titled, Amateur (Novice) Owner Handler?  What chance is there for advancement to another level of competition?  Same as in any other preliminary breed class.  Again, exhibitors are not flocking to it!

So, what if a Best in Show Amateur Owner Handler (BIS AOH) competition were offered with prize money or other significant prizes/awards as are offered for traditional BIS?   This could be an exciting new addition to the dog show format.  Eventually, when there are sufficient AOH exhibitors entered, groups for each classification of breeds could be organized similarly to groups for Best Puppy and Best Bred By Exhibitor.  Those eligible for BIS AOH would include only those who won their AOH classes earlier in the day.  It would be competition for whatever breeds were represented in the BIS. Until then, all AOH class winners would compete for the title of BIS AOH.  (See below)

Clubs are often looking for ways to increase entries and encourage new exhibitors to enter at the shows.  Imagine the feeling an Amateur Owner-Handler would experience if he or she were showing a new dog that had been bought or whatever way it had been obtained other than breeding it AND he or she went BIS AOH originating from the AOH class.  It probably would not be the last time he or she could show in the Amateur Owner Handler class!  That one award might be a trigger that encourages and entices that amateur to continue in the breed.  Right now, the class format (a regular but optional one, I might add) is usually the end of the line for most amateur/owner/handlers during a day’s show.  How much encouragement is there in being defeated all the time?  I am not suggesting there be set up an automatic win for the AOH entrants; but it should encourage more competition between the levels of handlers in Amateur Owner Handler classes than there is now.

James Pesce, Show Chairman for the Conewango Valley Kennel Club and the Southern Tier Area Cluster ( S.T.A.C.) reports that Amateur Owner Handler classes are first and foremost on the minds of their show committee.  He writes:  “A few years ago I wanted to start something for our shows that would give back something to the avid, everyday hobbyists who give up days of work, drive long hours, stay up to all hours prepping dogs, missing family events, all for our sport.” The STAC Cluster started giving prize money for Best Bred-by in Show starting out with an award of $1000.  Once AKC started offering AOH classes, Jim saw those new AOH classes as more opportunities for more people to compete.  They started offering the prize money last year at their new 4 day STAC cluster: $250 each day for Best in Show AOH and on the fourth day the 4 winners competed for Overall Best in Show Amateur Owner Handler for $1000 in prize money.  The big news is that an Amateur Owner Handler could have walked away with $2000 in all!  They did have one owner win $1500!   “In the 4 days we had almost $4000 in entries fees just for the AOH classes,” Jim says.  This year they are offering $250 each day for Best in Show Amateur Owner Handler and $1200 for Best Overall Amateur Owner Handler in the STAC Cluster.  The STAC Cluster is scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, June 17-20, this year in Conewango, New York.  The Conewango Valley Kennel Club and the Olean Kennel Club have joined for the 4 day cluster forming the STAC.

Jim reports, “We need to get out there and educate folks what this class is all about.  There are a lot of folks who don’t understand what this class is all about yet. Some folks think dogs don’t get points from this class.”  These classes are Regular classes and dogs DO earn points toward an AKC Championship!  “Last year, Jim says, “after getting my marked catalog back from the superintendent, I went through and checked on the AOH classes  and the breeds that had entries in AOH classes, more than half of them had won points from that class.”

Jim and the STAC cluster are marketing their shows as The Great American Dog Show Weekend this year.  They will be holding family movie night and (surprise, surprise!), they will be showing the hit comedy Best in Show. “We are striving to make the cluster a destination show; making it a great relaxing weekend for the family and putting on a great dog show for all to enjoy,” Jim writes in closing.

What Jim and the STAC cluster have implemented could be the start of great activities designed to enthuse new life into our wonderful dog show culture.  I will be able to personally report to my readers of their successes in this column after the show this summer.  See you there!

Posted by admin on Feb 23 2011. Filed under Editorial, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.