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Interview With Breeder/Owner Handler Denise Hummel How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed? Denise Hummel: In 2013, I visited my mother at a dog show where she was showing her Chow Chows. We both used to show horses when I was a teenager. I wanted to join […]
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Denise Hummel: In 2013, I visited my mother at a dog show where she was showing her Chow Chows. We both used to show horses when I was a teenager. I wanted to join her in the fun.
Denise Hummel: I had dogs my entire life as family pets. I have been showing Siberian Huskies for 10 years in Conformation and Rally Obedience. I’ve been a breeder for four years. As an Owner Handler, my first show dog is now a GCHB with two OHRBIS and a Top 10 OH finalist in 2019. My second is a Champion with a RI title, and my third is GCH and is in the Top 20 All-Breed statistics as of June 19, 2023. In 2019, I acquired my first show Papillon, CH Playtyme’s On A Covert Mission, aka “Ninja.”
Denise Hummel: I knew from my background in showing horses that the problem isn’t the animal, it’s the handler. I jumped on every learning opportunity that was available to me. I attended different drop-in classes in my area.
Denise Hummel: For me, the best fit was, and still is, private lessons from Pro Handlers. I’ve learned from a lot of people, not just one.
Denise Hummel: I do compete in the NOHS. It’s exciting. I enjoy competing with fellow Owner Handlers. We work very hard to achieve our goals. Many, like myself, started later in life, not as Junior Handlers or with a generational background of breeding and handling. However, our passion for our dogs and the sport is equal to theirs.
Denise Hummel: I have yet to compete in Bred-By. I’m looking forward to that as my next achievement. I like to attend a few Specialties each year to see what’s out there and to show off my own Specials. Honestly, the all-breed show is my comfort zone. I absolutely love seeing all the different breeds.
Denise Hummel: Yes! It’s always a challenge! There are a lot of quality Siberian Huskies, and showing is expensive! In addition, there’s politics. At some point you learn where the political lines are drawn, then you can take off your “cannon fodder” patch. In short, it boils down to the judges and I keep a list for every dog I show.
Denise Hummel: My No. 1 mentor is, was, and forever will be my mother, Christine Taylor, who passed last December. She taught me the greatest lessons: the “Golden Rule” and to believe in God. My Siberian Husky breeder-mentors are Anne and Brian Palmer from whom my foundation bitch GCHB Highlanders Shadow Wood Sonder CGC came. My trainer and Papillon breeder-mentors are Tammy and Cherrish DeWitt. They’ve taught me the highest levels of handling with integrity.
Denise Hummel: Owner Handlers are extremely important to the sport! At the next dog show, look around and then imagine all the Owner Handlers absent. What’s left?
Denise Hummel: Take your time deciding and make a plan. If you have a successful veteran breeder to mentor you, let them help you. If you don’t, acquire one. Do all the required health tests for your breed. Work with an established reproductive veterinarian.
Denise Hummel: I can’t complain about my achievements, but I still would like a BIG RIBBON! I’ve been at this for 10 years and I still don’t have a “WOW Ribbon” with that awesome rosette and wedding gown trail. My goal is simple: OHBIS!
Denise Hummel: Not enough time or paper. That’s a whole other chapter!
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