As a fairly new exhibitor your attitude is uppity calling some posters mean chicks.

You could have ruined a Junior Handlers entire Junior career by paying $50. Be humble, don't cop an attitude that your question wasn't answered without saying o'my, I didn't know not to pay a Junior.

I don't think a change should be made unless the handler is ill. You bought their services, finish them out and then don't use the handler again if dissatisfied.

I personally think you have much to learn including a little humility when you're wrong.

To answer the original question...if the judge has already gone over the dog you cannot switch handlers. If it is before then it is up to the judge if a switch will be allowed.

I appreciate the 2 informative answers.

First of all no one answered my question: Can you or someone else take over handling your dog once the class has started?

One more thing: Another handler could have taken the dog into winners even if the child had handled in the classes. I would not have switched after the exam in winners, though! Congrats to the OP on getting RW--many would brag on a class win plus that!

You are quick to call others mean girls when what you are posting does not add up. You said that you asked the judge if he was considering your girl. Of course he would consider your girl, he is supposed to judge all the dogs in the ring. Also, you quote the judge as saying "Yes but he gave the handler time to stop feeding her and she didn't".

Why would the judge who is speaking say that "he" gave the handler time? Wouldn't he say "I gave the handler time."? Your post does not make sense. And I agree...by paying the junior you are creating a very bad situation for her. You are supposed to be familiar with the rules when you sign the entry form....better to read the rules and get yourself to handling classes rather that fuming ringside because of your own actions.

I couldn't agree more.

To the OP, more than likely the junior was also nervous as the judge was looking at your dog. Your whole attitude stinks. Oh it cost you a point? Big deal. I am sure you were fuming when the handler came out of the ring and you probably came down hard on the junior too.

If you don't like the way the junior presented your dog then do it yourself or don't be so cheap and hire a real pro.

If you wanted genuine responses, perhaps you should have just asked the question about changing handlers instead of creating all your drama.

A little off the subject, but is it customary, or even allowed, to ask the judge if he/she was considering a certain dog?

Seems a little unprofessional? Or is it done all the time?

Just wondering..

I appreciate the informative answers.

First of all no one answered my question: Can you or someone else take over handling your dog once the class has started?

Confused and Mean chick, I feel exactly the same as both of you and the poster you quoted, not a short time breeder.

I think the OP has some learning to do about proper ringside etiquette.

No judge I know of would make any comment that could be taken as derogitory about a Junior. They're the future of the breed and children. They should be encouraged not knocked like the OP is doing. I can only imagine what she said to or faces made at the the Junior Handler.

Last, no one cost the owner a point. If anyone lost 1 point it was the dog. OP is just another owner living thru their dog. The dog is being shown, not the owner unless the judge is looking at the wrong end of the leash and the owner is there.

I was very happy with my win.
Someone told me that you could go to the ring steward any time before the judge chooses winners and ask to handle your dog with a valid reason of course.
Is this true?

What would your valid reason be and I'll tell you if that would work.

After the comments I got here today I think I'll just call AKC and ask someone who knows the rules.

I'll not allow people to create madness where there isn't any.

Why not read the rules? That's why the AKC has Rule Booklets ...also in PDF so you can read them online.

Sounds good. Don't let the door hit you in your behind.

Before I hire a handler, I observe them very, very carefully. That way, I know what I am going to get. We don't all like the same thing, so do your homework.

I guess you guys chased off another one. What a fun sport we have.

It just amazes me that such judgmental, unyielding, often times even hateful people are breeding such loyal, reasonable, generous, forgiving dogs??

Sometimes I just don't get life.....I think I'll go hug a dog...

this has nothing to do with the OP question but these posts are the best on this thread, sad true. How can you own such wonderful labradors and act the way you do?

what makes it even worse you dont even care

Contact the AKC to get your answer.
As for your posts, it's doubtful to me showing your own dog would have changed much other than you most likely wouldn't have gotten RWB with you as the handler. You sound young, and without a doubt, very inexperienced. You've been given good advice here, one being you do not pay a junior handler. Instead of thanking experienced breeders on this forum, your posts are rude and disrespectful. Get off your high horse and show your own dog, it's not as easy as it looks. Kudos to the junior handler, she did you a favor.

...have a lot to learn? That is good advice for each of us.

Obviously, some more than others.