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

~ George Alston (Author) "THERE ARE all kinds of handlers in this world..." (more)
Key Phrases: gaiting pattern, ring conditions, professional handlers, Irish Setter, Best of Breed, English Springer Spaniel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

George Alston, an expert dog handler for more than 30 years, teams with author Connie Vanacore on The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets. Combining sports psychology and dog showing, topics include psychocybernetics, the making of a show dog, learning from the competition, and etiquette and sportmanship. The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets is "an essential for every dog exhibitor's bookshelf."

From Library Journal

An experienced professional dog handler, Alston offers tips on showing in either conformation or obedience rings. His advice on canine health, training, etiquette, and ring preparation is sound, helpful, and very concise. While much of this information is covered in other books, Alston's handbook provides quick reference and some new ideas; his frank discussions of campaigning and the psychology of showing also help make this a unique and contemporary addition to collections needing a book on handling. Beginners looking for basic "secrets" on training, grooming, breeds, or special handling situations won't find them here. Instead they should turn to Mario Migliorini's more basic Secrets of Dog Show Handling (Prentice-Hall Pr., 1982. 2d ed.), which this complements. The Winning Edge has value as a specialized guide to showing and should be considered for patron audiences that include large numbers of dog show exhibitors.
- Carolyn Alexander, Technical Information Ctr., Ft. Hunter Liggett, Cal.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (May 16, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876058349
• ISBN-13: 978-0876058343
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,221 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb guide by a real Pro & truly full of useful "secrets", July 5, 2003

By	M. Mercedes (East Coast, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOT FOR THE NOVICE OR BEGINNER!!!, May 2, 2004

By	Jessica Young (Chatham, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and Informative, August 22, 2002

By A Customer

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.