MEET THE PROFESSIONAL HANDLERS: GUSTAVO & ASHLEY JIMENEZ

1. How did your journey as Professional Handlers begin, and what keeps you passionate about this career today? (We’d love to hear about your backgrounds, your mentors, and your first times in the ring.)

Gustavo: I started in Mexico back in 1988 with my own Doberman Pinscher who wasn’t exactly up to standard, if you know what I mean. I was mentored by Francisco Martinez who bred German Shepherd Dogs and was the President of the local kennel club I first showed at.

Ashley: I started in this sport by accident back in 2009. We got an English Mastiff named Tank (Smok’n Lad’s Don’t Give Him An Inch), and not long after we got our first we decided he needed a brother (“Gus,” CH Smok’n Lad’s Tater Salad). And well, my mom couldn’t show two, soooo I got roped in. Needless to say, I loved it!

Both: Our biggest mentor in the sport is Gabriel & Ivonne Rangel, and we can’t thank them enough for all the knowledge they have shared with us and for all the years of friendship.

2. What does being a “professional” mean to you, both in the ring and beyond? How do you preserve the traditions of being a true professional (and not a self-proclaimed one) and how do you ensure the safety of the dogs in your care?

Gustavo: We try to do our best by giving our honest opinions and suggestions, and just keeping to our business vs. worrying about everyone around us. We help where we can with new people coming into the sport, with handling or even grooming, and helping our fellow handlers when in need.

Ashley: We are constantly making sure we are taking our rig for routine maintenance, updating equipment for the rig and our home, along with having Care, Custody, and Control Insurance.

3. Can you walk us through your preparation process before stepping into the ring with a dog? From conditioning and training to mindset, what does it take to deliver a top-level performance consistently?

Both: We really like to spend time with our dogs and create a bond. We love that the pups are excited to come over to the house and don’t care that their parents are leaving. I think it shows a lot when we can have a dog act like a complete nut outside the ring, but as soon as they walk in they are completely focused and happily willing to do it.

4. What changes have you seen in the sport over the years—for better or worse? What’s your perspective on judging trends, show formats, exhibitor behavior, mentorship, and the influence of social media?

Gustavo: I grew up in the sport well before social media and it really was a family sport. To me, it was a healthier environment back then and we have lost a lot of that connection.

Ashley: I think we have all seen it and said it. This sport can be a lot like high school, but when you get in with people who have similar values, mentality, and attitude, it truly becomes the best time ever.

Both: We have heard it said before that maybe your biggest competition is the person you should be working with to improve yourself and your dogs. If we are not willing to see past that, we are going to get stuck and may not be able to get out of it.

5. How can we teach Juniors the importance of continuing to learn about different breeds, care and training, grooming and handling, and the value of keeping the essence of the sport alive?

Both: There is nothing wrong with taking your time and starting late. There is no rush to hurry and become a handler. Learn your Breed Standard and the Standards of the dogs you want to show, and basics like CPR, kennel grunt work, car maintenance, etc. Reach out to fellow breeders, handlers, judges and talk! There are also so many books to read from every point of view. Form your own option and learn how to help run a breeding kennel, your local kennel club, and handling business. Join the world outside of dogs and make connections because, one day, who knows when we may not be able to continue this sport we love so much.

6. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the dog show community today? Where do you see growth, and where is improvement needed? Are there positive trends that give you hope for the future of the sport?

Both: The biggest challenges are getting new people to join the sport and keeping them wanting more, especially in Conformation, along with constant education and continual testing for judges. We love the addition of the Itty Bitty and Pee Wee competitions, and that more clubs are trying to offer scholarships for school or funds to help Juniors get to Florida and Westminster.

7. What would you like the fancy to know about you? Outside of dogs, what helps you stay balanced, grounded, or inspired? (Any hobbies, interests, or people in your life who help you recharge and bring your best self to the ring?)

Gustavo: I love taking my oldest to reptile shows; she’s very big into Axolotls and Salamanders at the moment, and also being able to take all the kids out to do and experience things. We love to have video chats with my mom, and we have plans to take them to Queretaro, Mexico, next year.

Ashley: I’m currently home the majority of the time with the three girls, so when Gustavo gets back into town, just being able to get out and see a movie, go to dinner, or the occasional concert is perfect. I also love spending time with my mom, putzing doing anything spooky-related: ghost tours, Halloween shopping; you name it, we’re probably doing it.

8. Lastly, tell us about your plans for the year ahead. Who will you be showing and what are your strategies for achieving your goals?

Both: We don’t have any major plans in the works just yet, but we have a few ideas, So, we will see where it takes us. We are excited to continue showing our current dogs across all the Groups and we have some new puppies just starting out, and hopefully, finding those last points and majors for a few others to accomplish their goal of becoming a Champion. We are also pretty excited as we are getting to go to Crufts for the first time next year with one of our pups!