The Winning Edge: Show Ring Secrets

by George Alston

Book Overview

George Alston has been one of the country's preeminent professional handlers for over thirty years. Now, the secrets of his success are shared with every dog fancier. The Winning Edge is the very first book to apply sports psychology to dog showing. Here, serious exhibitors, including the seasoned veteran, will have the opportunity to develop and polish the skills necessary to take a place in the winners' circle. With award-winning author Connie Vanacore,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0876058349
• ISBN13: 9780876058343
• Release Date: May 1992
• Publisher: Howell Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

NOT FOR THE NOVICE OR BEGINNER!!!

This is a detailed book designed to guide you through your Speciality dogs' campaigning. This is not a book made to help class dogs win in the breed ring. This is written especially for Group 1's and Best In Show wins. I highly recommend reading this book before attending one of his seminars to be prepared what and what not to ask. This author has had mulitple BIS dogs in his resume' and has a unlimited wealth of knowledge in the sport. This book can teach you everything from installing fear into your competition, to getting the photographer to take the kind of picture YOU want. This is the best book on the market for the Advanced Owner-Handler or Professional Handler.

Wonderful and Informative

This book's focus is for the owner-handler/ amateur handler to aspire to the professionalism of the pro handler. The author points out the common mistakes of owner-handlers and how to avoid and correct them. This is not a book on the basics of dog showing, but good for someone who already grasps the concepts of handling and showing dogs. Alston's focus is on the handler doing his job rather than the dog. He incorporates sports psychology and how to prep yourself mentally. He also goes into showing the dog to the best advantage, how to emphasize the strenghs rather than the faults of the dog (since we know all dogs have them). He does not cover how to hide faults, because you really can't. All in all, it's a great step towards improving your performance in the ring, resulting in a better performance from your dog.

What are you waiting for?

If you are serious about handling your own dogs - BUY IT NOW! I only wish I had read this book years ago. It is the supreme guide for those owner-handlers who aren't content to merely SHOW but who are ready to WIN! The weekend after I read it I used the skills learned to put the first point on a 9-mo-old puppy against professionals with Open dogs. It really made a big difference for me. The only thing better is going to one of his seminars - they are even better. Better yet - do both - and the results will amaze you.

A Must Have!

Recently, there have been many people online asking about showing, and not expressing confidence when they show. READ THIS BOOK! It will help you understand many aspects of showing that you never even thought about! Mr. Alston attained over 300 Best in Shows, while he was handling, and this book shares much of his knowledge. It is not a basic, "How to Stack and Gait" book, but picks up where those on just the mechanics of showing leave off. If you want to know about showing, this should be a MUST on your book list.

Excellent book on the psychology and art of showing dogs.

George Alston is the consummate proofessional. This book is not for the beginner (Bob and Jane Forsyths book is for that), but rather for the person wanting to campaign their dogs. Mr. Alston's book told me things I hadn't learned in 25 years of showing dogs in Conformation as well as Obedience. He tells you the psychology of showing dogs, and the principles. He gives seminars around the country that are so popular, they are very hard to get into. This book basically covers everything he teaches in his seminars. He has an incredibly vast knowledge, and believes dogs should be handled kindly. I teach one of the largest Conformation classes in St. Louis, and I learned much of what I teach from Mr. Alston. If you are interested in SHOWING dogs,having dogs that SHOW, and not just going into the ring and hanging onto the lead, then I urge you to RUN, not walk, to purchase this book.