The Pro Shop | Emily Burdon

Interview with Emily Burdon

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How long have you been a Professional Handler? How did you get your start? Who are/were your mentors and with whom did you apprentice?

Emily Burdon: My name is Emily Burdon. I’m 36 years old and have been handling professionally since I was 18. I’m a third-generation dog handler from Montreal, Canada. I grew up in dog shows, travelling with my Mother & Father, competing in Peewee Junior Handling (ages 4-6). And I was always that girl running around my Dad’s handling classes with stuffed animals! It’s a passion I’ve always had… as I was born into it, it’s natural for me. Dogs have always been my haven. My Father, Graeme Burdon, is really where I’ve learnt most of my knowledge about the art of handling, grooming, and animal husbandry.

2. As a Professional Handler, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? Has judging changed since you first began showing dogs professionally? What do you think about the number of shows today? Is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?

Emily Burdon: I wouldn’t say that judging has changed that much in the span I’ve been handling dogs. What has changed are the numbers of entries and attendees at the shows. Quality of the dogs has probably improved over the years, but less dogs to compare in the whole scheme of things. For the amount of shows going on, I can say that in the US this seems to work; however, in Canada, I think it would be beneficial to have fewer shows to encourage entries. Our shows are really dwindling. Social media can be the best tool! It’s great to keep all of our peers and clients up to date on our wins and follow us, and our dogs! I was one of the first to start posting my dog’s results with pictures on social media, which was never done at the time… now it’s the norm! Of course, one downside to social media is that people have instant gratification on knowing the competitors’ results, and we also open ourselves to criticism.

3. Have the changes made to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows been good for the sport of dogs? Any thoughts on Reserve Best in Show? What about earning points through a Group win or placement? What about Reserve Winners at a Specialty earning championship points?

Emily Burdon: I think this was a very impactful, wise move! In Canada, we’ve always gotten championship points for Group placings. It seems only fair that in the competitive Groups in the US you could achieve championship points for defeating 100+ dogs at times! Also for those breeds that rarely have large numbers. I also believe it would benefit the sport for each club to offer Reserve BIS and to award all the points minus the BIS total Group that had won. As for the Reserve Winners to be awarded points at Specialties, I think this is a very highly prestigious award to be given and should be awarded points!

4. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed? What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in your profession and in the dog show community over the past decade?

Emily Burdon: I think the fact of bullying on social media is a huge issue. We should all stick together and support each other. There is a huge lack of respect on many levels. There should be some sort of policing for this type of behavior. Challenges to secure venues and volunteers is an issue; however, the clubs seem to be doing an amazing job! Keep your spaces clean and pick up after your dogs! Again, respect! Some positive points are the way the AKC promotes many different sports to interest new people to come to dog shows as well as Junior Handling clinics. We need to encourage new and younger people! The AKC.tv app is an amazing new idea that promotes our sport, especially to those who can’t attend.

5. And finally, do you want to tell us anything else about yourself, your hobbies and interests outside of dogs, or do you have any messages for the rest of the fancy?

Emily Burdon: I really enjoy painting and drawing. This is something I haven’t done in a while, but it’s always something on my mind. Relaxing by the pool and playing with my dogs! Also, audiobooks on the long drives! There is so much we can learn these days on so many platforms! I’ve had the honor of attending many AKC shows this year to help with the campaign on my little Border Terrier, Whiskey, who has been so greatly well received by everyone here! I wish everyone the best of luck in achieving all goals possible!