Meet the Junior Handler Veronica Chaille

Meet the Junior Handler Veronica Chaille

1. Where do you live? Where do you go to school?

Veronica Chaille: I live in Indianapolis, Indiana, and I’m a junior in high school. I’m homeschooled, which allows me to balance academics, my passion for dogs, and preparing for my future goals.

2. Do you have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Do you have a job?

Veronica Chaille: When I’m not showing, I love swimming in our backyard pool, which holds so many fun memories with friends and family. I also volunteer at the Isaiah 117 House, a program that provides safe and loving homes for children awaiting foster care placement. It’s incredibly rewarding to give back and support such an important cause.

This summer, I’m also working toward earning my groomer’s license, so I can start my own grooming business. In addition, I’m preparing to begin college full-time online with Purdue next spring, where I plan to pursue my Veterinary Technology degree.

3. Have you grown up in a doggy family? What is your breed(s)?

Veronica Chaille: While my family always loved dogs, I didn’t grow up in an active show home. I found my passion through Doberman Pinschers, and they’ve become my heart breed. I’m fortunate to have Arrow (CH Denalli’s Caught In The Crossfire), my heart dog, and my puppy, Sassi (Denalli’s Spice Up The Party), to share this journey with.

4. How were you introduced to Junior Showmanship? When did you start competing?

Veronica Chaille: I was introduced to Junior Showmanship through 4-H, where I competed in Agility, Obedience, and attempted Conformation with my Labrador Retriever, Dolli. She was sweet, but preferred belly rubs over showing! I officially started in Junior Showmanship when I was almost 15, in 2023, and it’s been an amazing journey ever since.

5. What do you remember about the first time you showed as a Junior?

Veronica Chaille: My first show was at home in Indianapolis, and it was the perfect place to start. It was a smaller show, and I got to go home each day to be with my Mom, which made the experience feel safe and familiar. I’ll never forget the excitement of earning my first two qualifying wins to move up in class—it was the moment I realized I wanted to keep pursuing this sport.

My second show, however, was a completely different experience. It was a much larger show in Madison, Wisconsin, and my first time traveling with my mentor. I was thrilled to earn my last qualifying win to move into the Open Class, but the week came with its challenges. I was so homesick that I cried a lot and ended up going home early. My Mom worried that maybe this wasn’t the right path for me, but I was determined to stick with it.

Now, just a year and a half later, I look back on those moments with pride. That determination helped me grow into one of the top Doberman handlers in Junior Showmanship and helped me finish my puppy, Arrow. What felt like a rocky start became the foundation for achievements I never could have imagined back then.

6. How do you prepare your dog and yourself for the ring? Any rituals? Any good luck charms?

Veronica Chaille: I always wear a special Doberman necklace that was gifted to me by a wonderful lady who let me show one of her Dobermans. It’s my good luck charm and a reminder of the connections I’ve made in this sport. Before going into the ring, I make sure Arrow has a quick potty break—it’s our little ritual that helps calm both of our nerves!

7. What’s it like in the ring when the pressure is on? Do you have a secret for handling the nerves?

Veronica Chaille: I handle nerves by sitting outside the ring and pre-planning every move—when to take out bait, when to put it away, and how to handle each moment. Being prepared helps me stay calm and focused.

8. Do you have a mentor in the sport? Have you assisted any Professional Handlers?

Veronica Chaille: Leona Sibo is not just my mentor and breeder—she’s like my “stepmom” because of how much time I spend with her. In fact, whenever things don’t go my way at home, we joke that my Mom gets demoted to “stepmom,” and Leona gets promoted to “mom.”

In the summer of 2023, Leona invited me to stay with her to help whelp a litter under her “Denalli” kennel, and it was an unforgettable experience. She taught me everything from raising newborn puppies to identifying the traits of a promising show dog. She even let me pick out my very first show prospect, Arrow, and has been there to guide me through every step of raising and training him.

As the currently ranked Number One NOHS Doberman, I’ve been fortunate to meet and assist multiple professional handlers through Leona’s connections. Their hard work, dedication, and expertise have been truly inspiring. Watching them handle dogs with such skill and precision has taught me so much and motivates me to continue improving as a handler.

While I deeply respect the dedication of all handlers—owner-handlers and professionals alike—learning from the pros has given me a unique perspective on the craft. I hope to keep building on these experiences and aspire to one day become a professional handler myself, carrying forward their passion and commitment to the sport.

9. Are there any wins for which you are particularly proud? Any memorable losses?

Veronica Chaille: One of the achievements I’m most proud of is finishing Arrow in such a competitive breed. Dobermans are known for their high standards and the level of competition in the ring, so finishing him at just 17 months old was a huge milestone. It wasn’t just about the time spent in the ring—it was the countless hours outside of it, training, bonding, and preparing, that made all the difference. Watching all that effort pay off was incredibly rewarding.

Of course, there have been memorable losses along the way as well. Each one has been a learning experience—teaching me how to adapt in the ring, prepare more effectively, and handle setbacks with resilience. These moments remind me that the journey is about growth, both as a handler and in my relationship with my dogs.

10. How do you accentuate your dog’s breed type in the ring? How do you try to stand out?

Veronica Chaille: Accentuating a Doberman’s breed type means showcasing their elegance, strength, and confidence, and for Arrow, that comes down to both preparation and presentation. All the training I’ve put into him—like teaching him to free-stack—really pays off in the ring.

When we’re being examined, I love holding his ears up to highlight his alert expression, making sure his tail is up, that he’s standing square, and that every detail is just right. I also focus on presenting his bite correctly and efficiently, ensuring the judge has a clear view without any fuss.

I know that sometimes it is about the gimmicks—those small extra touches that catch the judge’s eye or make your dog stand out in a competitive lineup. But at the core, it’s about the bond we share and the effort I’ve put into making sure Arrow looks and performs his absolute best.

11. Is your breed generally well-suited for a Junior Showmanship career?

Veronica Chaille: Dobermans can be a great breed for Junior Showmanship, but they definitely require dedication. They’re intelligent, strong-willed, and thrive with a confident handler. Building a bond is essential because Dobermans feed off their handler’s energy, and without that connection they can be challenging to manage. However, when that bond is there, they are incredibly rewarding to show.

12. Are there any breeds that you would love to show but haven’t shown yet?

Veronica Chaille: It’s a long list, but some that really stand out are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Giant and Standard Schnauzers, Great Danes, Wire Fox Terriers, and German Shorthaired Pointers. At the moment, though, I love getting my hands on any dog I have the opportunity to work with.

One of my favorite things to do is sit outside the Group ring and watch all the different breeds in action. Seeing how each breed presents its unique traits is fascinating, and it inspires me to keep learning and improving as a handler.

13. What can be done to encourage more young people to participate in Junior Showmanship?

Veronica Chaille: Encouraging mentorship is one of the best ways to bring more young people into the sport. Having someone experienced to guide and support you can make all the difference. Hosting hands-on workshops or Junior-focused events would also help new handlers feel more confident and welcome.

Social media is another powerful tool—it’s a great way to showcase the fun and rewarding aspects of Junior Showmanship, from the bond with your dog to the excitement of the ring. Sharing those stories might inspire others to give it a try and see what the sport is all about.

14. Have you bred or co-bred a litter? If so, can you share what you’ve learned from the experience?

Veronica Chaille: I haven’t bred or co-bred a litter yet, but in 2023 I had the opportunity to help my mentor, Leona, whelp a litter under her “Denalli” kennel. It was an incredible experience that taught me about raising puppies, from their earliest care to evaluating their health and show potential. I also learned about the process of ear cropping and tail docking and how, when done responsibly, they reflect the traditional Doberman Standard.

Overall, the experience gave me a new appreciation for the amount of dedication and effort it takes to breed responsibly and preserve the unique traits of this amazing breed. When I eventually breed my own litters, I hope to carry on the “Denalli” legacy with the same care and dedication Leona has shown.

15. Is breeding something that you’d like to pursue? Is breed preservation important to you?

Veronica Chaille: Absolutely. I want to be involved in breeding Dobermans in the future, with a focus on preserving their breed type and health. Breed preservation is incredibly important to me because it ensures that future generations can experience and appreciate these amazing dogs as they were meant to be.

16. What are your goals for the future? Do you see yourself continuing in the sport once you’ve aged-out?

Veronica Chaille: My ultimate goal is to become a professional handler, working with multiple breeds and mentoring younger handlers just as I’ve been mentored. I also want to be involved in breeding and possibly judging someday. Aging-out of Juniors isn’t the end for me—it’s just the next step in a lifelong passion for the sport.

17. Can you share a word or two about your relationship with your current dog? What does s/he mean to you?

Veronica Chaille: Arrow is my heart dog—he’s so much more than just a show partner. From the moment I picked him out as a puppy, we’ve had a special bond that’s only grown stronger. He’s taught me patience, resilience, and how to work as a team. Every success we’ve had together feels even more meaningful because of the relationship we share.

18. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Junior Handler?

Veronica Chaille: One of my funniest moments happened during a big Junior Showmanship entry where Arrow decided to pee right in the ring! My Mom, of course, caught the entire thing on video. At the time, I was so embarrassed, but now I can laugh about it—it’s one of those memories that reminds me to stay humble and not take myself too seriously.