Handler leash
Robert Scott
Q: Please share with our readers about your life before dogs and how you got involved in the world of Pedigree Dogs?
Before showing dogs, I was an aesthetician and massage therapist in Los Angeles. I had a couple of locations open under my name, Robert Scott Face/Body, and I was building a chain of beauty stores and skincare clinics. I was fortunate to have worked with some top celebrities and been featured in over 40 nationwide beauty magazines for my work.
Dog shows began for me when I purchased a golden retriever from a breeder who asked me if they could show the dog. I wanted to learn more about what all that entailed and attended handling classes with them. After seeing my enthusiasm, she asked if I wanted to try showing. This dog, Sungate’s Some Like It Hot – “Oliver,” became a Top 20 Golden Retriever as well as a Specialty winner… I was hooked.
Q: What handlers inspired you in the beginning, and who did you apprentice under?
I never apprenticed with any particular handler. I was truly an owner-handler and attended handling classes regularly with Louise Brady, whom I credit for much of my success. My breeder, Bonnie Gaicki, along with her husband Ed, were great mentors and supported me every step of the way.
In the beginning, I watched golden retriever handlers like Laurie Fenner, Bruce Schultz, Amy Rodrigues, and Loran Morgan. When I first became involved, I never realized there were professionals! Prior to my beauty business, I acted and modeled for 12 years. When I went to shows, I would watch the handlers and mimic their skills; it became a character study. Eventually, I learned what they were doing and why. Over the 21 years I have been involved, I have evolved, and I’m still learning.
Q: What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?
This past year, 2023, I finally achieved Best in Show with a Golden Retriever, a goal I had set for myself before retiring from dog shows. I have been fortunate to have shown four Top 20 Goldens that were truly special: CH Sungate’s Some Like It Hot – “Oliver”, BISS GCHS Hi-Tide’s Island of Love SDHF – “Elvis”, MBISS GCHS Hi-Tide’s Toast of the Town JH SDHF – “Peyton”, and BIS BISS GCHS Hi-Tide’s Bacon It Happen in the Klondike – “Ike”. Winning Best in Show is so surreal that when it happens, you almost don’t believe it. I have been lucky enough to achieve three BIS wins with a Golden, Labrador, and Newfoundland.
Q: We mostly see you beautifully showcasing Golden Retrievers. What other breeds do you enjoy showing, and is there a breed you find challenging?
I love the Goldens, but I also enjoy showing my French Bulldogs. I have been showing them since 2013 and started breeding in 2018. I showed one for a client and fell in love with the breed. They will frustrate you and make you laugh all at once…
Among the many breeds I show, I also enjoy showing Newfoundlands and earned Best Opposite Sex at the 2024 Newfoundland Club of America with BIS BISS GCHS Trinity Cove’s Out of my League – “Fitz”. I absolutely love the breed, just not the drool.
Q: As a handler, are you more excited to win at an all-breed show or a breed specialty show?
That’s a tough one. Winning Best in Show at an All Breed is such a feat, but winning a Specialty with a quality entry is definitely most exciting!
Q: The purpose of dog showing is to compare breeders’ future breeding stock against one another. Do you feel your clients have this at the forefront of their minds when they place a dog with you to show? Equally, do you believe that this is the mantra of those who show dogs in general?
I haven’t been showing dogs as long as most of my counterparts, but in the short time I have been involved, I feel that the focus within the sport has shifted more towards winning rather than prioritizing quality breed stock.
Listening to breeders and handlers who have been in the sport for many years, I’ve noticed there used to be a greater emphasis on the quality of breed stock, kennels, and mentorship.
Nowadays, I often see dogs finishing and their owners thinking they should be bred. Many of these owners are new to the sport, lack knowledge about the breed and pedigrees, and breed based on what’s currently winning, nearby, or affordable…
Q: Do you work with assistants, and if so, what do you hope to impart on them during their time with you?
I don’t always have an assistant, but when I do, I like to impart on them, first and foremost, the care of the dogs. I always emphasize that health and safety come first. If there is an issue with a dog that prevents us from entering the show ring, so be it. We are fortunate that owners entrust us with their dogs, and it’s our responsibility to be their biggest protectors.
Additionally, I emphasize a strong work ethic. In addition to presenting well-groomed dogs, I want my assistants to understand that they are running a business. Every aspect of their role is crucial, from maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and organization of the truck to their own personal appearance. This is free marketing. I want people to see our dogs, our setup, and our truck and think, “Who is that? I want them to show my dog.” I’ve actually gained clients just from that impression.
Q: What dog throughout history do you wish you had the opportunity to handle?
With 21 years in the sport, I still feel like I’m relatively new. I think part of that feeling comes from a continuous desire to learn. As far as specific dogs I wish I could have shown, none come to mind, but I have heard about dogs from the past that I wish I could have seen.
That said, I also try to maintain perspective. When you admire a dog, you’re witnessing a special relationship between that dog and its handler. I strive to respect the entire picture when a great dog is winning with a great handler.
Q: Do you have time to breed your own dogs? If yes, what breeds do you raise, and if no, is this something you wish you had more time for in the future?
I have bred two litters of French Bulldogs over the last 10 years, and I just bred my first litter of Golden Retrievers a year ago after a 10-year hiatus.
What many people who see me in the show ring handling don’t know is that I haven’t been in the sport my whole life, as they might assume. As I mentioned earlier, I have only been showing for 21 years. To some, that may seem like a long time, but it’s not.
The 2008 economic crash took away everything I had built in my beauty business: two stores open and two slated to open, 40 pieces of national press, two homes, etc., and a 20-year relationship that all imploded due to the inability to maintain it in a crashed economy.
During this time, I was showing dogs as a hobby and occasionally helping a handler who offered me a client’s dog to show because she could no longer service the client due to distance. At the time, I was willing to do almost anything for money…
And that’s how it all started professionally. However, to get back to your question, I didn’t have the money or support system to maintain the breeding program I had and left that part behind with my ex. I had to concentrate on myself, and now, 10 years later, I’m excited to be able to reignite that part of my love for dogs.
Q: How do you feel regarding the number of shows held weekly around the country and their entries?
It’s been interesting watching the clubs as some have fallen apart, restructured, etc., to survive. I think it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the shows to thrive; many no longer have two-day shows and have to cluster with other clubs.
Now, they are all four and five-day shows. I was telling a few peers that it’s tough physically and mentally on the handlers because we have little to no downtime between shows. It’s tough on the dogs being on the road, and it’s tough for the owner-handler, like myself years ago, who maintained a job that only allowed me to show on weekends.
People say the entries are falling, but I’m not really seeing it. I know those in the sport say entries were huge way back when, but there were also fewer shows.
I’m not sure what the best answer is, but I know for me, I have to consciously take weekends off to keep myself healthy and focused.
Q: What are some of your favorite shows to attend in the USA and around the world?
I have only shown in the USA but would love to attend Crufts or the World Dog Show.
I loved the Scottsdale shows years ago; it was incredible. I also enjoy the Lost Coast shows in Ferndale; it’s such a great place to visit. Additionally, I appreciate Woofstock for the great vibe they have created; I would love to see more themed shows.
Q: Would you like to become a judge in the future? If so, what breeds/groups would you like to concentrate on?
I would like to judge one day. I have judged a number of matches and Sweepstakes. I would obviously concentrate on Golden Retrievers and maybe Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Newfoundlands.
Q: You have the power to change dog showing for the better in your eyes. What would you change?
I think there is a lot that needs to change, especially regarding what is often discussed: the appearance of impropriety…
Q: Do you have any future goals/achievements in the world of dogs?
To be honest, I’m looking to take a break from dogs and focus on my Life Coach business. I have been in school for the last two years and have completed a certification as well as a mastery certificate.
I love inspiring others, helping them get clear about their life path/purpose, and achieving their desired goals. I had always wanted to become a therapist, but coaching seemed like a better fit for me.
I’ll never leave dogs completely but see them as a hobby as opposed to a career.
Q: What is your favorite way to unwind on days off, and do you have hobbies outside of the dog world?
The gym is my happy place. I have always maintained a healthy lifestyle, but three years ago, after a severe back surgery, I began a serious fitness path which led me to competing in an NPC Bodybuilding Competition where I qualified for a win toward a Pro Card, a coveted achievement in the sport. Having completed a Life/Health Coach certification in order to shift away from dog shows full-time as a handler and help others with their personal goals will be my new focus.
I love the beach and travel, in the midst of planning a Figi trip this fall!
Q: What is your favorite holiday destination?
If there’s a beach, I’m happy!!! Hawaii has been a regular destination for me, specifically Maui, but after traveling to Spain and Italy in 2019, I would love to prioritize international travel more. I’m currently planning a trip to the South Pacific for Fall of 2024.
Q: Beverage of choice?
Water!
Q: Do you prefer to cook at home or eat out, and what’s on your ideal dinner menu?
I HATE to cook, so anytime someone else wants to cook, thank you! Therefore, I eat out often but make healthy decisions for myself. I’m very health-conscious, focusing on clean eating with a preference for American grill and Mediterranean cuisine.
When I’m training for a bodybuilding competition, I tend to cook more at home or use a meal plan delivery service to stay on track.
Did I forget to mention ice cream is my weakness?
