Meet the Owner Handler: Steph Oswald

1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

I was originally introduced to showing dogs in 4H. I then went to my first dog show and met with judges Frank Summerside (Cocker Spaniels) and Gretchen Johnson (Bernese Mountain Dogs) and her husband, Doc (they were not judging), and they sat with me and explained differences of the Juniors ring and the regular ring where the Pro Handlers were. I had a blast!

2. How many years in dogs? In your breed?

I started in 1986, I had a Rottweiler in both Obedience and Conformation. After college, getting married, raising my kids... my new adventure is the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. They are new to the AKC Terrier Group in 2026. I had gotten my first one six years ago, a COVID pup. (I struggle with spine problems, so I needed something smaller and a bit easier to tend to when going to shows alone, until I am done having procedures to fix me.) I had shown Teddys in UKC and the AKC MISC Class previously.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Yes, I attend drop-in classes when I can. They are usually a 1-1/2hour drive, so planning is a must. I have been to a few seminars. Loved going. Seems most are on a dog show weekend now, so they are hard to attend. I have enjoyed going to the quick, small seminars by the Registered Handlers that some shows offer. I wish there would be more of those.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

I have not done any of the above.

5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Yes! I love the NOHS. I feel it’s an honor to “check the box” when filling out entries. Rankings are very important to me in the TRTs, especially this year. A goal was to be in the NOHS Top 10 and show in Florida in December 2026, and I’m waiting on how it turns out.

6. In which class(es) are you most likely to enter your dog(s)?

I enter the regular classes, but if a Veteran or Bred-By Best in Show is offered, I will bring out my qualifiers too.

7. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler?

Most of my mentors have been the other dog show entrants. So many will be there for you and help you if you ask. But, my biggest mentor is my dog show sidekick. Not to name names—but she knows who she is!

8. What are the benefits of competing with your breed(s) as an Owner Handler?

Competing with fellow Owner Handlers is a tough competition! It’s fun!! These dogs are OWNED by us; they are underfoot, involved with a lot of family/personal things we do. So, I feel we bring our best of the best to the ring. And we get to see what others are personally working with for their breeding stock.

9. How are you encouraging new exhibitors to participate in the sport?

I always introduce myself to anyone new in my breed, or introduce myself (when I am in the NOHS Group ring) to anyone new, and ask where they are showing next to keep them excited about showing.

10. Are there any suggestions you’d like to pass along about the presentation of your breed(s).

With the TRT being new to the AKC, we HAVE to present the best dog that represents the Breed Standard. I know not all are perfect, but everyone is watching, including judges. Let’s give them a really nice look at this comical breed.

11. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

My goal as an Owner Handler was to get to the BRONZE level, and that we did. Everyone wants a BIS… but I have not been a winner in that ring. Goals!

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as an Owner Handler?

I don’t know if it’s funny, but... going into the NOHS Terrier Group ring, the ring steward was calling the breeds and armband numbers, and she said #_ Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. I approached the gate with my boy, and the judge said, “That’s not a Teddy Roosevelt Terrier!”

I replied, “Yes, ma’am, he is.”