Meet the Owner Handler: Brook Radwanski

Meet the Owner Handler: Brook Radwanski

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

Brook Radwanski: My mom was a show groomer when I was little, that is how I knew I wanted an Afghan Hound. I truly fell in love with Cane Corsos while pet grooming. You just never really saw them, but when you did they were always so striking in presence.

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

Brook Radwanski: I have had 20 years in dogs, two years with Corsos specifically.

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

Brook Radwanski: I have not taken any handling classes. I actually just went in with no knowledge and learned as I went along.

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

Brook Radwanski: I feel some tools are useful, but social media isn’t used much for learning anymore. More so to try and get ahead in status.

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

Brook Radwanski: Sometimes I do compete in NOHS, but rankings aren’t as important to me. The experience and having fun with showing are more enjoyable.

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

Brook Radwanski: I usually enter the American-Bred or Open classes. Am-Bred usually gives the dogs a chance to automatically make it into Winners. But since my own personal dogs are a little nervy, I find that when they go into a class like Am-Bred, and then back in again afterwards, it makes them worse. Just being in the Open class, they have a little less time to build up all that nervousness and have a shot to shine a little better.

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

Brook Radwanski: My mentors have been Daniel Rosa, Michelle Smith Wolcott, and Darlene Bell-Bergan. They are always helpful with my leash placements. They all have also worked with both of my dogs on specific movements for improvement.

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

Brook Radwanski: The benefits include learning more on my own independently, and bonding with my dogs.

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

Brook Radwanski: I encourage new exhibitors mostly from owning my own grooming shop. I do talk to a lot of my clients about it and they love to learn if my dogs won or got any points from recent shows.

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

Brook Radwanski: Corsos shouldn’t be gargantuan and sluggish. They are a Working breed at the end of the day and should be able to run without getting tired within five minutes.

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

Brook Radwanski: I just enjoy the accomplishment of finishing my own dog. Being that I get pretty nervous, it’s nice to know there’s a reward somewhere down the line. Unfortunately, some handlers do try to intimidate you or purposely say demeaning things about your dog. Definitely takes away from the enjoyment of the sport. I would love to finish my Corso. She didn’t really have the best start, but we’re onto the right track.

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

Brook Radwanski: I was in the Owner-Handled Group one time when my bitch did NOT want to move. We ended up with a Group 4, but the judge did shake my hand, and pulled me close and said, “I wanted to give you a Group 1 so bad; she just didn’t wanna go, huh?” I obviously had to agree. I still laugh about it to this day.