Meet the Owner Handler: Natalie Lewis

Meet the Owner Handler: Natalie Lewis

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

Natalie Lewis: My grandmother introduced me to the sport of dogs. When I was a young girl, she showed Chinese Cresteds and Bichon Frise. I have vivid memories of going to many shows with her and just being mesmerized by all the unique breeds of dogs. At the time, showing was not something I did, but I did other sports. I had always loved Dachshunds, and specifically, the Longhairs. I ended up buying a pet-quality bitch, because it was very difficult to find a reputable breeder who would take a chance on a newbie. I bred that dog and kept a puppy from it to show.

It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I decided to step into the ring for the first time, with my first bred-by Longhaired Dachshund. She placed Winners Bitch both days, under Doug Johnson and Kimberley Ann Meredith. Two judges I will never forget.

My fiancé wanted a more “manly dog,” so we looked into Bloodhounds. When contacting breeders, we really only wanted a companion/working dog, until I saw how much they needed serious people to show and continue their preservation.

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

Natalie Lewis: I grew up with dogs all my life. I started in Longhaired Dachshunds in 2015, so 11 years now. I added my first Bloodhound in 2022.

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

Natalie Lewis: I do attend handling classes as needed: If there is a new puppy we are training, if a special has been sitting out and we need a refresher, or if we are working on an issue. I have not attended any handling seminars due to a busy life schedule, but I would never hesitate to attend one in the future. We can never stop learning.

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

Natalie Lewis: Absolutely! I utilize a lot of YouTube, social media, and Show Dog Prep School.

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

Natalie Lewis: I do compete in the National Owner-Handled Series. Rankings are important. It shows how far we have come. It creates goals—and that is something we should all have, no matter what they may be.

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

Natalie Lewis: I like to enter my dogs in the Bred-By class. It is a class I majorly respect. It shows the blood, the sweat, the tears, the heartbreak, and the sleepless nights. It showcases what our program is producing: quality, soundness, and consistency with each generation we enter in the Bred-By class. There would not be dogs to show if it wasn’t for the dedicated breeders.

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

Natalie Lewis: I have not had any specific mentors. I have learned many tips and tricks along the way from many people, including breeders, handlers, and other owner handlers. I have gained a lot of success by watching others and what they are doing with their dogs, what works and what may not work… a lot of trial and error along the way.

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

Natalie Lewis: The biggest benefit is the bond you create, time and time again, with your dog. The more you show, the better team you and your dog are going to be. A Bloodhound is a tough breed to show and it’s an honor to showcase a quality Bloodhound to the fancy. I can’t tell you how many judges have been shocked that I raise my hand for the OHBOB ribbon when I am awarded Best of Breed.

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

Natalie Lewis: When people tell me “Oh, I could never do that” or “I would be too nervous to step in the ring,” I like to tell them that everyone, even I, was new once. I used to be very nervous when I would be waiting ringside for my turn in the ring, and even worse when I was in the ring. I still get nervous sometimes.

One thing that I do is block everything else out around me. It’s just me and my dog. And the judge, of course! But I leave everything behind and focus on my dog.

Even an Owner Handler can do it! You just have to have the dedication to do it.

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

Natalie Lewis: I see a lot of untrained dogs in the ring. I wish handlers would prepare their dogs more before deciding to enter them. Going to handling classes, watching videos, etc., is so beneficial. Also, early and consistent socialization! The atmosphere of a dog show can be A LOT, and having a socially prepared dog is half the battle.

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

Natalie Lewis: I have done a lot as an owner handler. I have worked hard to have accomplished all that I have so far. My end goal is to always have a happy dog, that is most important.

We have successfully achieved an Owner-Handled Best in Show. We are Group Winning & Multi-Group Placing. We have placed highly at our breed’s National Specialty. We are top-ranked in our breed, currently No. 3. And we are working towards an invitation to Westminster 2027!

A victory that has eluded us so far would be a Best in Specialty win, and, of course, a Best in Show!

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

Natalie Lewis: There certainly is! One that I will never forget.

I was showing my eight-month-old Bloodhound puppy at our first National. My first ever National, ever. As I was running around the huge blue carpeted ring at the Roberts Centre, I was watching my dog and, in the corner of my eye, I noticed all my bait was flying out of my bait pouch! I was APPALLED. And I knew that everyone watching, including the judge, was not watching my dog—they were watching all this bait fly around the ring!

My breeder told me that I did the right thing and continued to show my dog instead of stopping midway to clean the mess. Afterwards, she and I cleaned it up before the next class.

Needless to say, I’ve not ever used a bait pouch again!