Getting started as a professional dog handler is hard work. Besides traveling every weekend to shows, one must learn to groom, care for dogs and run a business. Young handlers tell what drew them to the sport and why it's worth it.

All dogs need exercise. Exactly how much depends on your goals. Starting slowly at a moderate pace is best. Two professionals – a dog show handler and a trainer of field trial English Springer Spaniels – share their secrets on developing dogs that have a performance edge.

Sussex Spaniel "Stump" is the third dog from The Kennel at Champions to win Best in Show at Westminster. The oldest dog ever to win at the Garden, Stump lives an ordinary life not much different from when he was campaigned.

Clicker training, a form of classical conditioning, is an effective way to teach dogs the basics and also more complex behaviors.

Nite hunt competitors who continue to run their older, experienced coonhounds long after their futurity years reap many pleasures. These older hounds have experience and many desirable traits.

When Bill and Jan Holloway discovered Gordon Setters, it began their quest to produce dogs that excel at multiple sports, including field trials and conformation. Some of their HighPoint Gordons are of the caliber to compete at national all-breed pointing championships.