Phyl Scalf and Robert Churchey are based in Arizona. Retired professional handlers, they teach conformation handling classes. www.professionalhandler.com
03/19/2026
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Show-Safe | Recognize. Respond. Restore. Home Slide 1 INTEGRITY · RESPECT · SAFETY · ADVOCACY · COLLABORATION SHOW-SAFE is a nationwide nonprofit providing direct victim support & education SHOW-SAFE takes a proactive stance against all forms of abuse and misconduct, including: Elder Abuse Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse Ha...
12/14/2025
Patience is a virtue (or so folks say). Waiting on the Premium Lists for Heart of the Desert Classic events. In the meantime, the judge panel for the four All-Breeds are posted on onofrio.com. Group and Specialty panels are available at the AKC Events & Results Search.
When it does come time to enter (when the Premium Lists are published online), please remember that the superintendent's system allows seven entries per session. HODC suggests for exhibitors entering Group Shows & Specialties, to do that in one setting and then come back and work on your All-Breed entries (and don't forget there is a Monday show!). Some of the specialties do have entry limits of 100 so get them done first and then move on to the All-Breeds which have no limits. Remember that Open Shows and Coonhounds are listed separately.
Go to heartofthedesertclassic.org for all the reservation links for Parking Tickets, Indoor Grooming, Outdoor Setup, Overnight RV, Day Box Van and AKC Temperament test. There's also a spot to sign up to help out in putting on this fabulous event - volunteers are the Heart in the Heart of the Desert Classic .
12/03/2025
AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZENSHIP CLASS!
11/28/2025
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TRAINING TIP THURSDAY
Barking dogs is one of the things that frustrates me most at dog shows. It isn't the barking dogs, it's the ineffective and annoying things people do to get their dogs to stop.
Here is a common scenario at dog shows. Dog is quietly standing on the grooming table or in a crate for a period of time. The dog barks. The owner yells at the dog to shut up. The dog stops barking for 5 seconds and then the whole process is repeated. Sometimes, ALL weekend long.
The poor dog gets completely ignored the entire time he or she is quiet and then barks and gets yelled at. The owner wants the barking to stop and if the yelling causes the dog to stop barking, but only for a short period. They haven't effectively punished the behavior of barking, they have suppressed it. The dog learned nothing because the training is faulty.
Consider this. Instead of waiting for the dog to bark to yell, reward him while he is being quiet. Saying, "good quiet" and giving a treat when the dog is quiet is just as easy as waiting for the dog to bark, is less frustrating than screaming at the dog all day and most importantly, it actually works to reinforce the behavior of being quiet.
I see this over and over and over and it's frustrating because when you just train quiet, the dog does it, understands what you want and everyone is happy.
See how that works?
10/28/2025
Household hazards Every home contains items that can be dangerous or even fatal to pets. Protect your pet by knowing the most common health hazards and taking precautions to prevent accidents.
10/26/2025
Cadavers release hundreds of volatile organic chemicals, but a previous study showed that only five are unique to humans. So, how are cadaver dogs so good at tracking human remains?
Some researchers are hunting for an answer.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4o8jj9g
10/26/2025
10/23/2025
This Veterans Day, give your young scientist (Grades 1–6) an unforgettable day at CAMP INNOVATION: Paws & Claws 🐾
📅 November 11 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Campers will step into the world of animal medicine and learn what it takes to care for pets like real veterinarians—bandaging paws, practicing sutures, administering vaccinations, and even exploring the science behind animal s**t!
It’s a hands-on, engaging way to spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and introduce kids to the science of animal care.
Give your young learner a fun, educational experience this holiday—register now: https://bit.ly/3VabUcy
10/22/2025
Ear rubs don’t just feel good for dogs.
They trigger oxytocin and endorphins, calming the nervous system and creating a brief, natural high that leaves them deeply relaxed and content.