Meet the Owner Handler: Elise Singer

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

Elise Singer: I grew up showing cattle with my Father and then horses for many years. I started showing Wire Fox Terriers in 1999. I took my first puppy to shows knowing she wasn’t great, but it gave me a chance to get to know some people in the breed and learn how showing dogs was different than cattle and horses. Among others, I had a Fox Terrier on our farm growing up and just loved the breed, so that’s the breed I headed to.

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

Elise Singer: I bought my first Wire puppy from Wirehaven kennels in 1996. I later found out that Allison Sunderland had shown a few of their dogs to their championships. “Sammy” never made it to the show ring herself, but all of my dogs go back to her in their pedigree. She herself had a very good pedigree with several dogs from Marilyn Laschinski’s kennel and Al Pertuit’s kennel. When I decided I did want to get serious about showing and breeding Wires, I sent a letter, along with Sammy’s pedigree, to three people for their advice. Those letters went to Gail Obradovich, Carol Wainwright, and Al Pertuit. I received three very nice letters back with sound advice and much encouragement.

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

Elise Singer: I attended one of George Alston’s clinic in the early ‘80s. It was held at the AKC Museum when it was still in St. Louis. I made it all the way to the Best in Show, and by that time my girl was getting very tired. George kept walking back and forth between us and making comments to the people observing, and I finally turned her around to face the dog behind me to perk her back up. It was at the same time George finally pointed to his winner, which was the dog behind me. He then looked at me and said, “I was waiting for you to do that!” I have taught Conformation classes in the past for my CIKC club and have tried to help new people get started. I enjoy helping people who really want to learn.

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

Elise Singer: I am not a big social media person, but I will search out help and have found it in the places mentioned. I have always found that watching the Groups and other breeds in big classes can provide some of the best learning, because you get to see how mistakes are corrected. You get to see up close what seems to work and what doesn’t. And I have been very fortunate to have handlers help me, with grooming and with showing. I so appreciate their willingness to help.

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

Elise Singer: Yes! I very much enjoy the National Owner-Handled Series. I have had four NOSH No. 1 Wires in the past 13 years, and I believe my boy from this year may accomplish that as well. He is co-owned with Jim & Sue Herdeman. I believe the quality of dogs and handlers in the NOHS has improved tremendously over the years. Having said that, I am also very serious about my Breed and regular Group wins. I believe a good dog should be able to do well in both.

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

Elise Singer: Bred By! Always... That is very important to me.

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

Elise Singer: I have been very fortunate to have had several good mentors when I started. Robin Pensinger, Gail Obradovich, and Judy Halbeck are three from the past. Many memories, and I will still hear their voices pushing me. I loved it. And as I mentioned, there are several very good handlers who have taken the time to point things out to me, or help me fix my mistakes. Also, there are a few judges who will explain what it is they like, or would like to see. All of that helps tremendously. I think if you are very serious about breeding and showing, there are those who will help you if you keep trying.

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

Elise Singer: The obvious benefit is that it gets your dog out there to be seen. Another benefit is it gives you that much more ring time to work with your dog and become a team, gain some confidence. I have also made some wonderful friends, which always makes the trips better.

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

Elise Singer: I tend to get very focused when I am getting ready to show, and have been told I can be hard to approach. (I have been teased quite a bit by some about this.) It is not intentional. I will reach out to help others if I feel I can without stepping on toes. I enjoy helping those who truly want to learn. As I mentioned, I spent several years teaching Conformation classes for my CIKC club and it always made me smile to see them go into the ring and win or place. I enjoyed those who needed help working through an issue. I am glad I can return some of what has been offered to me.

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

Elise Singer: Our breed is a low-entry breed. I would just like to encourage anyone interested in our breed to please come on in. It may not be an easy breed, but as long as you have a sense of humor you will get along just fine. Yes, it takes hard work and determination, but is anything really worth it without that? There are those of us who would be happy to help you.

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

Elise Singer: I always have goals. I may not realize what the next one is until I have accomplished the ones I’m working on, but there are always goals. When there are not, it’s time to quit.

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

Elise Singer: One of my dogs was still pretty young but had been doing very well and was pretty confident in the ring. In an Owner-Handled Group we were in, there was a Skye Terrier right behind us. It was a large Group and the handler behind me was staying pretty close. My boy would not settle. I finally figured out he was concerned because he could not see that dog’s eyes! I turned him around and let him study him as much as he wanted. He finally settled down, and the other handler and I had a good laugh about it.

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