Customer Reviews

The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets (Howell reference books)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

George Alston is the consummate proofessional. This book is not for the beginner (Bob and Jane Forsyths book is for that), but rather for the person wanting to campaign their dogs. Mr. Alston's book told me things I hadn't learned in 25 years of showing dogs in Conformation as well as Obedience. He tells you the psychology of showing dogs, and the principles. He gives seminars around the country that are so popular, they are very hard to get into. This book basically covers everything he teaches in his seminars. He has an incredibly vast knowledge, and believes dogs should be handled kindly. I teach one of the largest Conformation classes in St. Louis, and I learned much of what I teach from Mr. Alston. If you are interested in SHOWING dogs,having dogs that SHOW, and not just going into the ring and hanging onto the lead, then I urge you to RUN, not walk, to purchase this book.

This is one of the best books in teaching the art of Conformation Handling. It takes you from the begining level up. I strongly recommend it.

George Alston is the consummate professional. His book in not on the basics of handling (refer to the Forsyth's book for this), but on the campaigning and psychology of managing a dogs career. Mr. Alston is the equivalent of the "Horse Whisperer" for dogs. His knowledge is immeasurable. I have shown dogs for 25 years, and am amazed by his insight to dogs and detail. He has elected to share some of his professionalism in this book, and I urge any person who cannot attend his seminars (and everyone who does) to RUN, not walk, to purchase this book.

I really enjoyed this book.I have read it over several times and each time I get something new out of it. To me that is a sign of a great book. If you get the chance for his seminar you are doublely blessed. This tool should be on everyones shelf that shows dogs

If you're going to play with the Big Boys, you need the advice of one of the biggest. Reading this book drew a dividing line for me between an indifferent show record and a successful one. Every time I reread it I pick up more practical advice; and enter the ring with just that much more confidence. Chances are, the exhibitor just in front of you in the Group ring has read this book - can you afford not to?