Jane Bailey, Canvasback Labrador Retrievers
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If you are considering using a handler, you would be doing yourself and your dogs a favor by choosing Pat Malan.

After struggling for what seemed like a long time to find the right handler for my dogs and me I found Pat and entrusted three of my precious young Labrador puppies to her. What she sent back were 3 well trained show dogs, who enthusiastically entered the ring with big smiles on their faces and performed like specials in the 6 to 9 puppy classes! In a breed where entires are usually very high, a dog must "sparkle" at all times to be noticed. Separating herself from other handlers, Pat invests a lot of time into bonding with the dogs and becoming their best friend. As a result, a "team" walks into the ring with a polished performance - giving the dog every opportunity to win the judge over. And believe me- these dogs love her and will do anything to please her!

Her points of difference are three fold. First, she trains and sets a foundation for the dog. Then she formulates a plan of specific shows/judges/locations that are individualized for your dog. I never once felt that my dog(s) were just filling her van to pay for another dogs itinerary nor to fill her pocket. If a show is not right for your dog - she will tell you. Secondly - Pat keeps me informed. Whatever is happening on the road, whether it be good, bad, ugly, or outstanding. I get a call, email, message - something! I always know where my dogs are, and HOW they are. I have so many friends that have sent dogs out with other handlers who never heard a word from them other than "you can come pick up Fido now, and here is your bill". This is not the way she operates! This leads me to her third point of difference. Her ethics and values: Pat has without exception been honorable and fair in her dealings and the dogs always come first!

The above information is so much more important then the wins, but it wouldn't be fair to not mention the success! My young male Bruce has 8 points now from the puppy classes (quite a feat in Labradors), and is certain to finish in the coming year - my puppy bitch Audrey, has several reserves (including reserves to majors) and will be back out with Pat in the spring. She has made me a player not to be unrecognized in my breed - and has helped a friend of mine who has never gone winners get her first championship points after only a few shows. If you want every advantage for your dog to win - I recommend Pat with the highest regards. Please feel free to contact me should you care to discuss her services. I would be happy to do so. And when you do, remind me to tell you my favorite Pat & dog story!

Jane Bailey - Bruce, Gerry, Audrey
Canvasback Labradors

Hugh Flaherty - Irish Wolfhound
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Maguire, my 165 pound, two-year-old Irish Wolfhound, and I fell in love at first sight when he was three months old. The bond between us grew so tight that he would not allow anyone to handle him in the ring, in addition to all the other problems that spoiling a dog rotten creates. Maguire growled protectively at people who got too close to me. His separation anxiety led him to misbehave in the conformation ring, including pulling one of my breeder's slight handlers out of the ring to get to me. Another excellent handler of my breeder said she would never show Maguire again in her lifetime. I decided to stop showing him until I got the problem fixed. I knew I had to do something to change things if he was to become a champion like his parents. I was desperate for help. In 1999, I had attended a handling seminar hosted by Pat's company Best In Show K-9 Services, so I called her to see if she could help. We began an intensive one-on-one training program with Pat training me as much as the dog. I learned a lot and the dog learned more. Not only did Pat make Maguire a better dog, capable of coping and handling separation from me, but she had him showing in the conformation ring so well that in eleven shows he entered with her as his handler, he won his AKC championship, including a 5 point major winning Best of Winners at the Potomac Hound Club Specialty in June, 2000. All this in just three months of Pat working her dog magic on Maguire. Not only am I deeply grateful to her, I continue to be a client and recommend her very highly to any owner, breeder or handler looking for a truly dedicated professional who knows her dogs and how to get the best out of them.

Sincerely,

Hugh E. Flaherty - Maguire
Owner

Rita & Dave Yost, Lionheart Giant Schnauzers
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We would like to thank Pat Malan for her expert conditioning and handling of our Giant Schnauzer Xena. Pat was given a young, inexperienced bitch to work with. At the beginning of Xena's career, Pat told us she would go far and finish quickly. Little did we know how well she would do! Pat encouraged us to enter her in the national specialty in California. She thought we had a good chance for her to win, and win she did - BOW over some great competition.

This was our first time breeding out Giant Schnauzer Ali. This is also our first home-bred champion, so we couldn't be prouder. Pat has taken our girl into her home and treated her just like one of her own. Without Pat this would not have been possible. Once again we can't thank Pat enough for taking a chance on us, and making us so proud of our new Champion! Ch. Lionheart's Warrior Princess.

Rita & Dave Yost - Xena
Breeder, Very Proud Owners

Evelyn Velez-Crawford, Berry Irish Water Spaniels
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Pat was very successful in getting Bramble, an extremely reserved and insecure dog, to relax and perform for her. She has good instincts and is a very hard worker and spends time and energy in trying to figure out what exactly the dog requires to relax and give her their very best in the ring.

I have seen her take on even harder to handle dogs. Dogs that were growling and snapping at everything they came near and within a short time I have seen the same dogs behaving impeccably for her in the breed ring.

Pat takes very good personal care of the dogs she takes on. She is an outstanding dog groomer and keeps the dogs in her care well groomed. Not only is she skilled at her craft but she also has the eye for what makes a good dog and this is especially well exhibited in a breed such as mine because most people cannot groom a Water Spaniel well. I would have no reservation in entrusting one of my dogs in her care for any purpose.

I have been in dogs since 1985. In that time I have finished and titled several dogs in breed and conformation rings. In addition to professionally training, I am currently the Assistant Training Director at Capital Dog Training Club where I teach two upper level obedience classes. With my years of experience I feel very confident making this recommendation.

Sincerely,
Evelyn Velez-Crawford - Bramble
Breeder/ Professional Trainer

Debbie Dayton, Ramahill Kennel - Giant Schnauzers
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Debbie Dayton, Ramahill Kennels-Ohio - Tosh
Boarding, Grooming & Training Facility

Grace Lawson, Ricochet Vizsla
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I would recommend Pat to anyone who has a problem dog, whether it's a dog in competition or simply a pet. She certainly has a knack for communicating with our four-legged friends.

Grace Anne Lawson - Misty, Ch.
Vizsla Breeder, Owner, Handler

Kathy Finks, Dutchman Labrador Retrievers
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I had to take a break from showing due to an accident, but wanted my dogs to keep going until I could return to the ring.  A good friend had started using Pat Malan in the spring, and had great success with several of her puppies.  Pat put all the singles on the male in a very short time, all before he turned 1 year of age - something very hard to do in our breed.  She also did very well with the females.

My friend suggested I give Pat a try.  I gave Pat my yellow male, who is very ring wise, and a challenge to show.  In very short order, she had him showing like a special, and had picked up several singles and a major over several top specials.  

Pat then took one of my girls, and went BOS & BOW her first shows out with her. 

I can't imagine using another handler.  My dogs love her, would do anything for her, and they truly shine for her in the ring.  The are always immaculate and, most importantly, superbly presented in the ring.  Pat never gives less than 150% on the dogs she is showing.  She limits how many dogs she will take on, and spends time with those she does outside of the ring, learning what makes them tick.  When she goes in the ring they are a team, intent on winning.

I am not sure when I will be returning to the ring and with Pat showing, there is no reason to do so. 

Thanks Pat!!

Kathy Finks
Dutchman Labradors

Rob Frantz - Mini, Standard and Giant Schnauzer Owner
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I have a dear friend who has taught me so much about raising, training and grooming dogs that I cannot express my gratitude enough to fully cover it. She also connected me with the world of Giants. But there is something very obvious to me that separates us and always will, forever. And that is the fact that this lady has a truly natural ability to read dogs, all dogs, in a way that i do not. Even when we are standing side-by -side and she is verbally describing the situation I do not always see it. She explains training methods to me in a comprehensive manner and the methods have been reinforced in videos and books I have seen. But when it comes to implementing the methods I cannot consistently implement and execute the procedures with any real degree of skill. The reason is her natural abilities as well as her years of experience professionally make it easy for her to do and impossible for me to mimic. Oh, and by the way, thanks for everything Pat.

Sincerely, Rob (a happy pet owner)

Chris LeBel - Flat-Coated Retriever
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When I first contacted Pat Malan at Best In Show, I knew very little about showing and even less about handling a dog in the show ring.  I basically stumbled into the dog show arena and Pat steadily guided my dog Java and I to our very first championship, winning three majors, by his second birthday. 

A year and a half ago I was initially looking for a pet, however, out of sheer good luck, my breeder unexpectedly had available a puppy she indicated was very “nice” and would do well in the ring.  A retired client, unprepared to handle the commitment of raising a puppy, had returned the dog.  I had never even considered showing before, but she convinced me that it would be a rewarding experience to learn how to handle and show my own dog. 

I contacted Pat and explained what I wanted to do.  Through a series of one-on-one instructions, Pat taught me more than just how to handle a dog in the ring.  She educated me on how dog shows work; how the point system is set up; what judges are looking for; how to conduct myself in the ring; how to communicate with my dog through body language, as well as direct verbal communication; and even how to correct and prevent bad habits.  She taught me everything basic and basically everything.  Pat emphasized, most importantly, that it essential for showing to be a fun experience for the dog.  Well, thanks to Pat, it was a wonderful, rewarding experience for both Java and myself!  

If you want to learn how to work with your dog in or even outside of the show ring, I highly recommend that you contact Pat Malan at Best In Show!

Sincerely, Chris LeBel – Java, Flat-Coated Retriever

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Best In Show K-9 Services
Hedgesville, West Virginia
(Along the Eastern Panhandle-near everything!)

Phone: (304) 258-1122
Email: info@magnagiantschnauzers.com

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