Katelyn Meyers

 

 

Q: Tell us a little bit about your beginnings in the dog show world. When and how did it all start?
A: In 2009, my family purchased our first show dog Zack a Bernese Mountain Dog. Zack’s breeder suggested that my sisters participate in Junior Showmanship, and they instantly fell in love with the breed and the sport of dogs. This was the catalyst to my family spending every weekend attending dog shows. I began showing in the breed ring at five years old which naturally led to my junior career that started at age nine. Today, my entire family is still actively involved in showing and breeding dogs.

Q: What was your opinion about our sport after you attended your first dog show?
A: I was four years old when I attended my very first dog show and five years old when I first entered the ring. Being so young I did not truly understand dog shows and their purpose. As I got older and participated more frequently in shows, I began to appreciate this sport and have become an advocate for purebred dogs.

Q: At what age did you get your first dog? Was it immediately a show dog?
A: I can’t remember a time where my house did not have at least one dog around. The first dog I remember connecting with was our very first Bernese Mountain dog, Miley. Miley was not a show dog, but me and my family’s bond with her made us fall in love with the breed. After Miley passed, we knew that we would always have Bernese Mountain Dogs in our lives, which led us to our first show dog, Zack

Q: What are the sides of dog shows you like, what do you dislike and how would you change them? 
A: There are many aspects of dog shows that I like. To begin I like the connections I get to make with every dog I handle. Despite the many challenging dogs I have encountered, I enjoy these moments as I am able to grow and learn as a handler. I also enjoy the time I get to spend with my family and the friendships I have created. The most disappointing aspect of dog shows is poor sportsmanship. Fortunately, it is not the norm, but when it occurs it creates a negative atmosphere that transfers to the handlers and the dogs.  The only way I have found to change this is to always remember to be kind and considerate of others.  Whatever the outcome, I am always happy for my competition and congratulate them.  Most importantly, I always appreciate my dog and how hard they worked for me!  I always make time to play and bond with my dog. The other thing I dislike about dog shows are the really early mornings, especially for multi-day shows.  Although I am used to early mornings as I am responsible for my dogs every day, some dog shows require that we are up and on the road by 4 a.m.. 

Q: When did you decide to try and go into Junior Handling? Do you remember your first JH competition and was it successful?
A: As soon as I turned nine years old, I showed in Junior Showmanship. My older sisters, Danielle and Rachel, were showing in juniors at the time. I always enjoyed watching them in the ring, ultimately leading to my interest in juniors. My first time in the Junior Showmanship ring will always be a memorable moment. I was showing my two-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Juliette. Although Juliette was the sweetest dog, she would much rather spend her time on the couch than in the show ring! As my class was called into the ring, my entire bag of bait fell onto the floor, which Juliette was determined to eat. I quickly turned around and went back to pick up the pieces and entered the ring, where the judge was very understanding. Although I was very nervous that day, the support of my family and friends helped me get through it!

Q: How do you get ready for shows?
A: Before leaving for the show, I pack the van with all of the necessary supplies for the dogs and my family. I like to create a list of all the supplies we need in order to make sure everything is packed. I typically bathe and groom the dogs the day before the show, to ensure that they are clean and will be ready for grooming at the show. The night before the show, my family and I will go to the show site to set up our grooming area, which saves some extra time in the morning. The morning of the show each dog must be walked and fed accordingly. I then get myself ready for the show, and head over to the show to start the day.

Q: In handling, is there someone who you can call your mentor?
A: There are a number of people who have helped me along my dog show career. My older sisters, Danielle and Rachel, have become my greatest supporters and the reason I began showing dogs. However, if I had to name one person who I call my mentor, it would be Sarah Janner. Sarah Janner is a Rottweiler breeder and handler, and owner of my juniors’ dog, Rolando. Through showing Sarah’s dogs, I have become heavily involved in the Rottweiler breed, and hope to continue this involvement after my Junior Showmanship career. The guidance and support I have received from Sarah has turned me into the hard-working handler I am today.

Q: Which Junior Handling win do you consider the greatest and most memorable one?
A: My most memorable Junior Handling win would have to be winning Best Junior Handler with my Rottweiler Rolando at Brevard Kennel Club at the Orlando Cluster in December 2020. This cluster was my first all-breed show, since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. There were over 100 talented Junior Handlers entered, with almost half of them being in the open senior class. My only expectation when I entered the ring was that I felt confident and believed that Rolando and I performed to the best of our ability. I felt proud of my exam and would have left the ring happy knowing that Rolando and I had a great time! I was overwhelmed with emotion when I won the open senior class and felt over the moon being awarded Best Junior Handler. I then went on to compete in Best of the Best Juniors in Cluster, where Rolando and I placed second runner-up for a $2,000 scholarship!

Q: Do you also handle dogs in the breed ring?
A: Yes, I do handle dogs in the breed ring and have even handled dogs in the groups. I have handled several dogs to their championships, and even some dogs to Best of Breed!

Q: Do you have a favorite breed or group you specifically like to show or prepare for shows? Or is there any breed in which you would like to have at home one day?
A: Personally, I favor the working group when it comes to showing and preparing for shows. I am most comfortable and familiar with the working group since I have grown up with working dogs. However, I am also very fond of the hound group. After my first junior’s dog retired, I began showing a Rhodesian Ridgeback, which I handled in the breed and junior’s ring. I currently own one of her daughters and hope to become more involved in the hound group in the future.

 

Q: What do you enjoy more: Showing dogs or grooming and preparing them?

A: Being able to connect with my dogs one on one in the show ring is one of my favorite parts of dog shows. Although I enjoy grooming and preparing each dog, I do not get the same relationship as I would being in the ring with them. I enjoy the experience of training a dog for show at a young age, then finally watch them succeed in the show ring. Knowing that I aided in a dog’s journey to show ring success, will always be rewarding.

Q: How much time does it take to prepare a puppy or young dog for shows?
A: I am actively involved in my family’s breeding program and have worked with a number of puppies. When I am preparing a puppy or young dog for show, it is usually pretty quick, as they are hard to keep still for long periods of time. I always make sure that the puppy is happy and has a good experience on the grooming table.

Q: You also handle dogs outside of JH. Please tell us which win you consider your biggest win in the breed ring and why?
A: My greatest accomplishment in the breed ring was when my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Marcy, won an Award of Merit at the 2015 National Specialty. The show was held locally, and I decided to enter to gain experience and learn more about the breed, as I just began showing Marcy. This win will always be special to me because Marcy was the first dog I consistently showed in the breed and junior showmanship ring.

Q: How much are you practicing to become a great handler?
A: Before the Pandemic, I attended 1 -2 conformation classes a week. During these classes, I would work with my junior’s dogs, as well as my own dogs who needed practice for the breed ring. I enjoy these classes, as my dogs are able to train for shows, and I am able to receive handling advice. I still attend confirmation classes when they are available in my area. I usually practice at home a couple times a week. My family currently has two 12-week-old puppies, who I work with every day, training them in basic obedience, as well as conformation training.

Q: How do dog shows influence your life? Were there a lot of sacrifices you had to make over the years?
A: Dog shows have influenced my life in a variety of ways. I have become actively involved in the sport of dogs and have grown a deep passion for purpose-bred animals. I have had to make several sacrifices over the years, such as missing out on summers with friends. In fact, I have never attended my high school’s homecoming dance as it always occurs the same weekend as the Kennel Club of Philadelphia (The National Dog Show), in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Although I have made several sacrifices for dog shows, I have managed a schedule that allows me to stay engaged in school, extracurricular activities, and participate in dog shows. I attend a high school that has a vocational agricultural program called Future Farmers of America (FFA). Through this program I have been able to apply my knowledge of animal husbandry in my animal sciences courses. To stay in the program students, need to participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), which is an agriculturally based job. My SAE is dog shows and working for my family’s kennel, allowing me to combine my passion for dogs with my education.

Q: Would you like to become a professional handler one day and do this job for a living or do you have other plans?
A: I am currently a junior in high school, and plan on attending college. I am unsure if I want to pursue showing dogs professionally, but I hope to continue handling and being active in my family’s breeding program. The sport of purebred dogs will always be a passion of mine, and I hope to continue advocating for purebred animals.

Q: Have you ever considered becoming a breeder? What breed would you choose for yourself?
A: I actually breed Bernese Mountain Dogs with my family’s kennel, Twin Hearts Kennel. I have gained most of my knowledge of the breed and the working group through my family’s breeding program. I have had the opportunity to assist in breeding decisions, whelp litters, care for newborn puppies, and make puppy evaluations. Through this experience, I have come to appreciate maintaining the integrity of purebred dogs and advocate for safe breeding practices. In the future I plan on continuing my involvement with my family’s kennel and hope to breed Rottweilers as well.

Q: Have you attended or watched any shows outside of the USA? If not do you wish to visit some of them? What in your opinion is different compared to the ones in America?
A: I have never been to a dog show outside of the U.S but I have always enjoyed watching international shows, such as Crufts. I hope to attend a Canadian National Specialty for Bernese Mountain Dogs in the future.

Q: When you have some free time, what else do you like to do?
A: In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes with my dogs and swimming in the pond with them. I also enjoy participating in some of my school’s clubs and activities. I am a very social person and love to stay active in all parts of my life. I have participated in the National History Day competition and won the Outstanding Entry Award at nationals in 2019. In my community I have helped with various community service events such as, Trick or Treat Street, a safe alternative to trick-or-treating for students in my town. Another club I am an active member of is Unified Buddies, where I participate in a variety of social events with students with disabilities. In addition, I am a part of a leadership group at my school called Wingman, where I assist in a number of events and activities in order to create a safe school environment for students. I am also the Treasurer of my graduating class, where I plan and hold fundraisers. I am an active member of my FFA chapter, where I served as my chapter’s sophomore treasurer. Within that program, I have competed in a number of leadership and career development events and have even competed at the state and national level.

Q: How many dogs do you have at home? Are they all yours? What breeds are they?
A: I currently have eleven dogs at home, only seven of which are mine. I have five Bernese Mountains, two of which are retired champions, one who is working towards their grand champion, and two that are working for their champion. I also have two 12-week-old Bernese Mountain Dog puppies from our past litter, that my family is training for shows. In addition, I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Havanese that are retired show dogs. Due to the Pandemic, my older sisters have moved back home, who own a Havanese and Japanese Chin, that are also retired champions, and currently live with us.

Q: What does your day look like? Do you have a usual routine you repeat every day or is it changing all the time?
A: If my alarm does not wake me up, my dogs sure will! I usually get up at 6:00 a.m. to let the dogs out and feed them. Before the Pandemic, I would make sure the dogs were away and the kennel was clean before I left for school at 7:00. Now that my school is online, I usually let my dogs sit out with me all day! At night, I feed the dogs, and clean the kennel for the next day. Prior to the pandemic, I would attend conformation classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Although conformation classes are limited in my area, I attend whenever possible, and typically practice a few nights a week at home. If we have a dog show that weekend, I pack and prepare for the show Thursday or Friday after school, in order to leave by Friday night.

Q: What do you like most about dogs?
A: Dogs have been involved with every aspect of my life. I of course love showing and handling dogs, but it is the small moments that will always be special to me! My dogs have become a part of my support system during difficult times. I love that my dogs are always willing to participate in any of the activities I am involved in. The dogs that I have bred will always be special to me, as I get to enjoy their journey from the whelping box to the show ring.

Q: How do you manage your school activities with all your hobbies? How much do they affect your school and how do you manage to be successful on both sides?
A: My education will always be a top priority of mine. My education and grades will always come before any extracurricular activity, even dog shows. I have been able to effectively manage my time, so I can complete school assignments and still participate in dog shows. I have spent many hours at dog shows studying and completing homework. My school is currently online, due to the Pandemic, which has made it easier to participate in purebred dog events. As I previously stated I am an active member in many of my school’s clubs and activities. When these clubs were in person, I created a schedule that allowed me to participate in these activities. During the school year, I typically only attend shows held on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, which has allowed me to devote a lot of my time to education and school activities.

Q: How has Covid-19 influenced you in the past year? Did it change everything, or did it help you have more free time for learning something new?
A: The Covid-19 Pandemic has presented several challenges for me, my family, and my dogs. While I missed being in the ring with my favorite dogs, the absence of dog shows allowed me and my dogs to experience new activities, ultimately creating a stronger bond between us. I spent a lot of my free time devoted to my dogs. We participated in hikes and neighborhood walks, continued our training for shows, and always ended the day with lots of cuddles! When dog shows began to reopen, my family decided not to attend many shows, due to my parents being high risk. I attended two small specialties for my two heart breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Rottweilers. I was fortunate enough to attend the AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida at the end of 2020 as well. Now that my parents are fully vaccinated, I plan to attend some local all-breed shows.

 

Q: Were there any special dogs for you along the way with whom you had a special bond and connection and what made them that way?
A: There have been many dogs who will always hold a special place in my heart. My first juniors’ dog, Juliette the Bernese Mountain Dog, taught me the basics of handling. I will always appreciate her patience and willingness to deal with an inexperienced and young handler. My Rhodesian Ridgeback Marcy was the first dog I continually showed in the breed ring. She allowed me to grow as a handler. I have gained many extraordinary opportunities handling her, such as showing at a national specialty and showing at Westminster Kennel Club. My heart dog will always be my current juniors’ dog, Rolando the Rottweiler. The summer I entered the open intermediate class, Marcy had a litter of puppies. I was devastated, as Marcy and I had grown so much. My sister Danielle was showing a Rottweiler in juniors at the time, and the breeder offered to mentor me. She introduced me to Rolando, and we had an instant connection. We began going to conformation classes together, where we created a bond and developed as a team. At our first show together, Rolando was only nine months old, and I had just moved up to the open intermediate class. We ended up winning the class, but I was just happy that we had a successful performance.

Q: What are the most important things when showing dogs? And how should a junior handler or handler behave, in your opinion, at the show and at home?
A: It is important that a handler maintains good sportsmanship, both in the breed and junior showmanship ring. A junior handler should behave professionally and responsibly at the show ring and at home. It is imperative that a junior handler have a good work ethic and behave respectfully and responsible in all aspects of their life.

Q: Have you changed your opinion regarding dog shows since you first came to this world?
A: As I got older my perspective on dog shows has advanced. Through dog shows and my family’s breeding program, I have increased my knowledge on different breeds, handling and grooming skills. I appreciate the time and effort handlers and breeders have devoted to this sport. I have learned that my success extends far beyond the ribbons. All that truly matters is that my dogs and I exit the ring knowing that we had fun. There is no ribbon or placement that could ever replace the bonds me and my dogs have.

Q: Do you have any suggestions for younger kids just entering the dog show world? What should they be aware of and what are the usual mistakes kids make?
A: One thing I suggest for kids just entering dog shows is to have fun with your dog! At the end of the day, it does not matter what ribbon you or your dog received, but rather you both enjoyed your time in the ring together. I think one of the biggest mistakes that kids make is giving up or losing confidence after one bad performance. A phrase we say in my family a lot is “Another day, another dog show,” meaning that one bad day or even one bad weekend does not make you a bad handler. It is important to maintain your confidence and learn from your mistakes. Do not be afraid to reach out for help or ask for advice from mentors, breeders, handlers, juniors, and even judges.

Q: Do you have any funny memories or stories which you would like to share with us?
A: In 2019, I attended the Kennel Club of Philadelphia in Oaks, Pennsylvania. I was in the Junior Showmanship ring showing Rolando’s littermate Hoppy. Hoppy and I were doing our final go around into a free stack, when one of my shoes came off and landed in the middle of the ring! Instead of running to get my shoe, I continued my go around and focused on Hoppy’s free stack. I quickly grabbed my shoe and acted like it never happened, in order to stay calm. Hoppy and I then went on to take first place in the Open Intermediate class out of 30 competitive junior handlers.