LILLIAN BROCK
Interview with Junior Handler
BIS Magazine USA February 2021
Q: Lillian, thank you for accepting our invitation and taking your time to do this interview with us. I’m sure many people around your country know you as a very successful junior handler and show assistant. Let us know a little bit about your beginnings in the dog world? How did it all start
for you and what you love the most about the sport?
A: I will admit I had a very unusual start to dogs. My mother was involved in a vehicle accident and bedridden for over a year. During that time, we picked up our very first Australian Cattle Dog puppy as a physical motivator for her therapy. I started in AKC obedience and rally competing with my 4-H team. I love our sport for the camaraderie with my animals and the community of people I have met.
Q: What was your first experience at a dog show, and who introduced you to the sport?
A: My first experience at a dog show was in 2014. I competed in my first AKC obedience competition. Sue Barlow, my 4-H leader introduced me to AKC sports, she was a driving force in my beginning. I spent four years competing in 4-H before Sue convinced me to attend my first AKC event.
Q: Who do you consider your biggest support along the way?
A: The one person who always supports me is my mother. She has been with me for every decision I have made. When I first asked to get a dog, she was on board and has always been in my corner!
Q: What are the sides of dog shows you like, and what do you dislike?
A: Things about dog shows I like–being able to work on animal husbandry, the skills required to properly care for a multitude of breeds and the needs based on size, coat, and genetics among other things. I also like the amount of life skills I use and continue to learn every day. Things I dislike–unfriendly competition including examples of bad sportsmanship and seeing unpleasant behaviors. Just like any teenager I dislike the early mornings!
Q: How did you start competing in Junior Handling? Do you remember your first competition?
A: Competing in juniors did not happen for a couple years after my involvement with dogs. I started with an AKC Pals dog as my junior’s dog. I remember my first competition like it was yesterday. I had my dog “Foxy” ungroomed and on a walking lead, and I walked into the class wearing sneakers and a blue dress. It was certainly something to remember. But I wouldn’t be here today without these first moments.
Q: Did you have a mentor or do you consider someone as your role model throughout the years?
A: Throughout the years I have been in dogs, I have had a lot of mentors come into my life. Robbie Hughes mentored me in Australian Cattle Dogs, and the herding group. He taught me the basics of dogs, and care of animals. Robbie was my number one supporter and continues to be one of the reasons I show dogs. Losing him was devastating but he will always be with me! Cindy Lane-Smith has been mentoring me in Dobermans including the working and sporting groups. I am learning a new level of dedication and care for animals.
Q: What do you consider your greatest win in Junior Handling and in the Breed ring and why are these ones so unique to you?
A: My greatest win in juniors was winning the Oklahoma Kennel Club 2019 Scholarship with Dexter, under three highly respected handler judges and spending the night with great support from a whole building of spectators just to cheer on the 120+ juniors exhibiting. It was a special night I will forever remember. My greatest breed win would be showing my Australian Cattle Dog to Best of Breed at the Canadian Regional from the classes. It was an important moment in my life where I truly understood the joy I received from the dogs and not just winning.
Q: Do you have a favorite breed or group you specifically like to show or prepare for shows?
A: I feel everyone has a favorite even if they don’t admit it. I love the herding group! It is my favorite and I plan to always own at least one herding breed.
Q: What do you like doing more: showing dogs or grooming and preparing them?
A: I really prefer grooming and preparing for the show. I love being a part of the beginning process and seeing the final product all the way through. A huge part of preparing the dogs includes training and conditioning. I enjoy spending time with the dogs during this period as it’s a more one-on-one experience. When grooming dogs, I find it to be very soothing and relaxing!
Q: How does a life of a show assistant looks like? What options do you get by working for a professional and how much can you learn from them?
A: Life as an assistant is a different lifestyle, From traveling every weekend to keeping a tight schedule. I am a full-time assistant living with Cindy Lane-Smith, so where she goes, I go. In between Cindy’s show schedule I have been able to travel and work for other handlers as to increase my knowledge. Assistants work and focus on the care of the dogs. Options you can get are living full time as a 24/7 assistant or part time meaning just for show days. Depending on the handler will depend on the breeds you work with and the care you can learn. Each professional will teach you different things, but you can learn everything from care to handling skills.
Q: Would you like to become a professional one day and do this job for a living or do you have other plans?
A: I am unsure of my plans for the future, but I know dogs will always be a part of my life. I hope to handle for fun instead of employment. I have the best crew to keep me supported and always want the best for me no matter what path I choose!
Q: Have you ever considered becoming a breeder? What breed would you choose for yourself?
A: Yes, I have considered becoming a breeder and I have plans to do so. I plan to breed Australian Cattle Dogs.
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 in respect to the dog shows in America?
A: Yes, I have attended shows outside the USA, I traveled to Canada for two weeks of shows. I loved it, it was much more laid back and fun. I loved the people and cannot wait to go back!
Q: Except for dogs you also have a love for horses. Do you own any of them?
A: I have been very blessed to have grown up with horses. I currently do not own any, but I have been fortunate for great people to enter my life and allow me the opportunity to work with and care for some of their amazing horses, Penny and Jake. Penny has quickly become my heart horse and someone I enjoy spending time with.
Q: What’s different in taking care of horses compared to dogs? Do you also compete with them?
A: Although there are many differences in care the ideas remain the same. The best diets, and the correct amount of exercise play important roles for both horses and dogs. I do not compete in horses currently but growing up my mother and I competed in horse shows almost every weekend.
Q: You seem to be a girl that never rests and loves animals. How do you manage your school activities with all your hobbies? How difficult it is?
A: I fortunately was able to graduate high school a year early. Currently I am attending DeVry University as a full-time student in my first semester of my sophomore year. I attend an online university, which takes just as much dedication to be successful. I spend the day working with animals and most nights studying. I have a schedule worked out with Cindy which allows me to be successful in both dogs and my education. When you put together the correct amount of time and the work you can be very successful. It is hard, and can be exhausting but you have to remember to keep your head up and keep going.
Q: How has Covid-19 influenced your life and activities?
A: Well, Covid-19 has affected my life in many ways, my mother contracted COVID-19 in February of last year. It was a long and rough journey for health in my family. When dogs shows became scarce, I was separated from friends, and I was unable to do something I’m so passionate about. I had to take on a job position at my local barn to create income. I took on more classes to further my education. I planned out travel with other handlers to continue working. I always continued to work on planning my future.
Q: Were there any special dogs for you along the way with whom you had a special bond and connection?
A: There have been several dogs that hold a place in my heart. Dexter is my heart dog; without him my life would have not taken the turns it has. He has opened doors for me I never expected. Bear was my first Bloodhound; she and I have spent countless hours training in search and rescue recovery work as well as my first AKC Champion. Tug, my Australian Cattle Dog, was gifted to me by Robbie Hughes before he passed, and Marg Ure his breeder to start my breeding program.
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: The most important thing in dog shows is to have fun! While it is a serious sport and highly competitive at the end of the day, it is a show and the judges change every day. Behavior is hard to judge, everyone will act differently. Juniors should be respectful and pay attention to those who have spent the time to work hard and excel in this sport that is why we work with mentors. Juniors behavior at home should include being grateful and always remember that without our support and the people who help us we may not have gotten to where we are!
Q: Besides the two mentioned hobbies, do you have also other things you like to do?
A: I have a few hobbies that I enjoy spending time on. I love to sketch although it doesn’t happen often. This year I was able to work harder on correct technique and improve my drawings. While I never keep drawings for myself, I really enjoy it! I also really enjoy reading and spending time with a good book.
Q: Have you changed your opinion regarding dog shows?
A: Absolutely! When I started, I did enjoy dog shows but I enjoyed them because of winning ribbons. Now I understand the work and dedication it takes to be successful. I enjoy just spending time with people and enjoying the dogs as pets before show animals.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for younger kids just entering the dog show world? What should they be aware of?
A: My suggestion for younger kids just starting in our sport is to remember to keep going. It will get hard and probably very frustrating but in the end it is worth it. Always be aware of your actions and how they will affect the people and animals around you. Enjoy your dog and the time you get to spend with them! They should be your pet before a show dog!
