Meet the Owner Handler: Karen Park

Meet the Owner Handler: Karen Park

Hello, my name is Karen Park and I am a veterinarian residing in Northern Virginia. Nike (BISS CH Rivergroves Dare To Dream FDC CGCA CGCU TKN VHMA VHMP FITB) is my first show dog and has introduced me to the joys of showing and deepened my love for this incredible breed. As a new Owner Handler, I have put every point on her myself and look forward to her continued career as a special. Outside the show ring, Nike is a devoted family guardian at home, a wonderful breed ambassador in public, and also serves as a certified Therapy Dog.

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

Karen Park: I was first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs in 2000, when my family purchased our first Bernese Mountain Dog, Daisy. After extensive research, we connected with a local BMDCA breeder. Although we were a pet home, we attended local Conformation and Specialty shows as spectators and were introduced to various dog sports, including Agility and Drafting, through Daisy’s breeder. Even as a child, I was drawn to the breed community and wanted to be involved, though I did not yet have the opportunity.

After graduating from veterinary school and nearing the completion of my residency, I was finally able to begin the search for my first show dog. I initially looked for a Bernese Mountain Dog, but ultimately chose a Great Pyrenees, as the breed proved to be a better fit for both my lifestyle and what I was seeking in a dog.

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

Karen Park: I was raised in a dog-centered household and have been involved with dogs my entire life, with both ethically bred dogs and rescues. I have been directly involved with the Great Pyrenees for three years. Nike is my first ethically bred Great Pyrenees, and I am a member of the Great Pyrenees Club of America, currently serving as the GPCA Health Chair.

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

Karen Park: I attended show handling classes diligently when Nike was a puppy.

I am very interested in attending in-person handling seminars under respected judges, as I value constructive feedback on both my handling and my dog’s presentation to continue improving in the ring.

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

Karen Park: In the beginning, I utilized a variety of online resources, including Dog Show Prep, AKC Canine College, Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, YouTube, and various social media groups. These tools were extremely helpful in expanding my knowledge and building my “toolbox,” especially when Nike and I encountered roadblocks in our training and performance. Ultimately, I found that the most valuable learning came from watching experienced handlers present their dogs in the show ring.

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

Karen Park: Yes, I am grateful for NOHS! Rankings are a fun way to provide an objective goal, but my priority is always to enjoy the journey with Nike and focus on our growth as a team. NOHS gives Owner Handlers a separate and unique opportunity to showcase their dogs and compete in a supportive environment.

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

Karen Park: Nike is currently in Best of Breed, as we are currently working towards her Grand Championship. Nike started in the Puppy classes and finished from the 12-18 Month class. I hope to experience BPUP with my next show prospect before starting in the Puppy classes!

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

Karen Park: I would not be where I am today without the support of Nike’s breeder and my breed mentor, Jean Boyd. Jean was once a highly successful Breeder/Owner Handler, and she continues to encourage and challenge me to be the best I can be as I grow in this sport. I am incredibly grateful that she trusted me with Nike and for everything she has taught me along the way.

I am also incredibly grateful to Mauricio and Cassandra Vargas, who took me under their wing at shows and mentored me in both handling and grooming. They have always believed in Nike and me as a team, while consistently offering constructive feedback.

While there are many others who have influenced my journey, I am thankful for the encouragement and guidance I have received and strive to extend the same support to new exhibitors whenever I can.

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

Karen Park: There are many benefits to competing as an Owner Handler, both as a dog owner and as someone committed to the breed and sport long-term. The process, from preparation and travel to time spent in the ring, strengthens the bond between handler and dog, and I am proud of the team Nike and I have become. Competing as an Owner Handler also deepens my understanding of the breed, encourages continual learning, and has introduced me to a supportive community of mentors and friends within the sport.

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

Karen Park: I strive to be welcoming and supportive to new exhibitors. I enjoy sharing tips and resources, as well as meeting up at shows to offer support. Additionally, people in my personal and professional life who see my dog show updates on social media have expressed interest in attending a show with me, either to spectate or even to participate themselves.

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

Karen Park: I am still learning, and it has certainly been a steep learning curve. I’ve found that with the Great Pyrenees, less truly is more when it comes to presentation. They are an elegant, noble breed that should naturally command presence in the ring, and over-handling can easily detract from that. Head and expression are crucial, and a large part of achieving the correct expression is keeping the ears down and flat… which can be challenging when simultaneously maintaining engagement and focus in the ring!

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

Karen Park: I feel incredibly blessed for my success with Nike so far, especially since she is my first show dog! My primary goal has always been to do right by my dog, her breeder, and the breed, and it’s certainly been a steep learning curve. One goal I hope to achieve in the future is attending the NOHS Finals in Orlando, Florida.

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

Karen Park: I have one that also highlights the importance of always double-checking for last-minute schedule changes! As you might guess, I missed a change in the Group order. Luckily, my grooming area was near the ring, and I had just put Nike on the grooming table when I noticed some Working breeds in the OH Group ring. I didn’t think much of it and continued to brush her out, until it suddenly clicked that the OH Working Group was already in. In a panic, I scooped my 90-pound dog into my arms and ran to the ring—what a sight that must have been! The judge, Mr. Thomas Coen, was very kind and allowed us to enter late. I’m sure I looked ready to burst into tears, but so many people offered words of comfort and encouragement. To my surprise, we went on to win the OH Group that day! I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Coen and to everyone who made that moment possible.