It was a formality, really. The barrage of health clearance tests before "Daphne" had her second litter in 2007 was just something that all responsible Golden Retriever breeders did. So when the ophthalmologist peered into Daphne's eyes, her owner, Mardi Closson of Schnecksville, Pa., was unconcerned — until he said Daphne had progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Now that you have your brace beagle puppy started and he shows good qualities, how do you get him ready for field trials?

American shooting dog stakes were just taking hold in the 1950s when Gerald Tracy came on the scene, an impassioned enthusiast whose success training his own bird dogs led to a career as a professional handler.

Beverley Wanjon's quest started simply enough: buy a hunting dog.

Detailing the Briard, Puli, Chihuahua and Papillon

Ever wonder what it's like to be a professional handler?

From the time they are born, puppies begin to take in the world around them. Each new experience is associated with a reaction and helps shape the dog they will eventually become.

A dozen retriever enthusiasts are crowded beneath two tents situated atop a small mound of grass in northern Minnesota. They're surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of woods and water — an outdoor paradise. Yet these die-hards will spend the next three days hunkered down under tents, swatting horseflies, taking notes and taking turns running their beloved dogs.