"Agent" and Handler - is there a difference?

[amjrchamberlain]

Ok. I have a question...On the paperwork to enter a trial, it says to mark the box if you are an agent for another person. What does that mean? Is it the same thing as being a handler? And is there a requirement for being someone's handler that must be fulfilled through AKC etc?

Thanks everyone!

Ang

[MaggieRoseLee]

Wow, I don't think that's on agility paperwork.

I believe the 'handler' is the one in the show at the other end of the leash......

so not sure about the agent thing?

[BlackPuppy]

I'm looking at an entry I'm sending in today. I believe they are all AKC standard. Are you referring to the section that says, "Name of Owner's Agent (if any) at the show."?

Obviously, I skip that because I'm showing my own dog. But I think it's somebody authorized by the owner to show the dog. (?) It must be in the rule book, which I don't have time to look for right now.

[BlackPuppy]

Okay, I did a search and there's no definition of "agent" in the obedience rule book. It's not the same as "handler", though. Here are some of the excerpts where the word appears.


• Be signed by the owner or his duly authorized agent

Section 23. Risk. The owner or agent entering a dog in an obedience trial does so at his own risk and agrees to abide by the rules of the AKC and the Obedience Regulations.

No judge or any person residing in the same household as the judge
will exhibit or act as agent or handler at a dog show or obedience trial at which they are judging.

The official veterinarians will not exhibit or act as agent
or handler at the show, and dogs owned wholly or in part by them will not be eligible to be entered at that show.

[amjrchamberlain]

I'm still not sure...LOL Maybe I should call AKC?

Are there any handlers on here? Do you have to have any type of special paperwork to run someone else's dog?

I am offerring to run someone else's dog at a trial that I already plan on being at with my own dog(s)....

[amjrchamberlain]

Oh..and yes, that is the part I am referring to.. Thanks!

[MaggieRoseLee]

I still think if you are the one with the leash, it means you are the handler.

If you own the dog, you are the owner.

If the owner asks someone else to take their dog for a while to train, breed, take to shows (paid??? ) then that would be an 'agent'. And they wouldn't have to be the one who actually 'shows' the dog..... (with the leash), just the one responsible for the dog.

[amjrchamberlain]

Thanks MRL.

[JenM66]

I just went through this on a herding entry. I am the "owner" the "agent" is the paid individual who I have "handling" Gracie in the show. I am deathly afraid of the sheep hurting the leg I broke - plus the fact I am not coordinated enough to move myself, Gracie and the sheep at the same time

[Wildtim]

I'm not a lawyer but I did stay at a Holiday Inn express last night

A persons Agent is a legal term meaning representative of that person who can enter into binding agreements for them.

For instance when you sell your house you hire a real Estate AGENT who represents your interests with regards to the sale. The agent accepts bids for you and will make up the purchase agreement essentially promising the sale to someone without needing your signature as long as that is within their contracted duties. Contract negotiators are also considered agents of their company they are the ones authorized to commit the resources of the company to projects.

With regards to dogs, it is not uncommon to have a trainer take and work with your dog, entering it into shows (under a separate handler hired by them) in order to get its championship. This person would then be your AGENT acting in your interests at a show you might not be attending.