Contributor
7 published articles
A former AKC Junior Showmanship Judge and a 63-year dog show exhibitor/trainer/breeder, Jody Davidson has created one of the largest and most successful Junior Handling training programs in the US. Working in-person and remotely with up to 42 young people weekly, Jody teaches responsible dog ownership and handling to kids ages 8 to 18. Most come from non-dog show families. Nineteen of her students qualified for the AKC National Junior Showmanship Finals in 2025 and nine qualified for the Junior Showmanship Finals at Westminster 2026, more than 10 percent of the total entry. Jody starred in her own TV show, “THE MIGHTY UNDERDOGS,” which streamed on Discovery+. Her instructional book on Junior Showmanship and dog showing will be available in early 2026. When not teaching, Jody breeds/shows English Toy Spaniels and Cesky Terriers in the US and Canada. Jody’s motto: “Put a great dog with a great kid and great things happen.”
Junior Showmanship
Meet the Junior Handlers
In Part 2 of her Juniors series, Jody Davidson examines the partnerships, training, and trust that help Junior handlers succeed in the ring.
Meet the Junior Handlers
Jody Davidson shares how the right Junior Handler and the right dog can create a winning team, with tips on choosing the ideal partner.
Meet the Junior Handlers
Jody’s Thoughts on Juniors: Who Represents the Ideal Junior Handler? Close your eyes and imagine this…. Wait! Read the next paragraph, THEN imagine… Visualize a female Olympic gymnast. What’s her size and body type? How about a professional football offensive tackle, or the forwards in the Final Four at the NCAA Basketball Championships? Imagine prima […]
Meet the Junior Handlers
Jody’s Thoughts on Juniors: Playing by the Rules? “Alice thought she had never seen such a curious croquet-ground in her life…the balls were live hedgehogs, the mallets live flamingoes… The players all played at once without waiting for turns, quarrelling all the while, and fighting for the hedgehogs… “I don’t think they play at all […]
Meet the Junior Handlers
Jody Davidson shares a practical roadmap for Junior Showmanship, encouraging goal setting, family balance, and long-term growth.
Dog Show Community
Jody shares her journey from theatre to dog shows, reflecting on Junior Showmanship, mentorship, inclusion, and building the sport’s future.
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