Meet the Owner Handler: Genevieve Carpenter

Meet the Owner Handler: Genevieve Carpenter

My name is Genevieve Carpenter and I am an Owner Handler with my first show dog, “Freya,” RBIS NBISS MBISS Tivoliz Hippo Hippo Hooray JH. She is a 2.5-year-old Vizsla and we compete in Conformation, Agility, Obedience, Rally, Hunt Tests, and Dock Diving. Freya has been the dog of a lifetime, with multiple Best in Specialty wins, multiple Group wins, a Reserve Best in Show, and now, the 2025 Vizsla Club of America National Specialty winner. We have accomplished things that I never thought possible as a new Owner Handler, and I am so grateful to Freya’s breeder, Debbie Stern, for trusting a new Owner Handler with such a special girl.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: I grew up showing horses, and when I stopped, I decided to show dogs instead. I was mainly looking for an Agility dog that I could owner-handle myself in some shows. I have always loved Vizslas, and after having Standard Poodles I felt that a Vizsla would be a faster Agility dog.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: I have owned dogs my whole life. Freya is my first Vizsla and my first show dog, so that would be 2.5 years in Vizslas.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: When I first started, I went to handling classes weekly and now I try to fit them in at least once a month or when I have something I need to work on. I have never attended in-person handling seminars.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: I have not used much of the virtual handling tools.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: I do compete in the National Owner-Handled Series. The rankings are not important to me because I am just out there having fun with my dog no matter what the placement or ranking is. I’m also not campaigning my dog, so I choose the shows that can work into my schedule.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: I am most likely to enter in Best of Breed and the National Owner-Handled Series.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: My dog’s breeder, Debbie Stern of Tivoliz Vizslas, has been my mentor through everything. From puppy raising to Hunt Tests to the Conformation ring, she has taught me so much.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: Everyone has been very supportive of me as a new Owner Handler in Vizslas. We have made so many new friends and met so many people through competing as an Owner Handler.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: I am still a new exhibitor, but I am very supportive of other new exhibitors in the ring as well.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: Luckily, there’s not much grooming in Vizslas, but I think having a well-muscled dog is important in the Sporting breeds.

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

Genevieve Carpenter: We just won Best of Breed at our National Specialty, so I’m not sure what can top that right now. I’m still on cloud 9!

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

Genevieve Carpenter: Last year, I was at a show with my breeder when one of the other owners came up and complemented my breeder on how nice her professional handler is, and my breeder laughed and said, “That’s not my handler, she’s my puppy owner and this is her first show dog.”