Five Ways to Know If You’re a Mentor (Even If You’ve Never Called Yourself One)
Jan 06, 2026
Are you a mentor?
First of all, how would you know if you’re a mentor? A very long-time friend of mine was shocked when I told her I considered her one of my foundational mentors in Siberian Huskies. She just thought we had good conversations about the breed and her philosophy of training and breeding.
Even if you think you’re not, you’re probably a mentor. Here are five signs:
- People Keep Asking You Questions
If exhibitors, newbies, or even seasoned folks regularly ask:
- “Can I watch how you do that?”
- “What would you do here?”
- “Can I run something by you?”
…you’re already functioning as a mentor. Mentorship starts with trust, not a title.
- You Notice Things Others Don’t
You catch details like:
- Subtle changes in movement or structure
- Handler body language and timing
- The real reason something worked…or didn’t
And you naturally explain it in a way others can easily see it too. That ability to translate experience into insight is mentorship.
- You Care About Someone Else’s Success
You genuinely want others to:
- Improve their dogs
- Grow their skills
- Stay in the sport and enjoy it
You celebrate their wins and help them process losses, even when there’s nothing in it for you. Mentors invest emotionally, not competitively.
- You Share Knowledge Without Needing Credit
You:
- Answer questions ringside
- Offer tips without ulterior motives
- Help quietly and move on
You don’t need recognition, you just want the sport (and the dogs) to be better. That generosity is a mentor’s signature.
- You Remember What It Felt Like to Be New
You haven’t forgotten:
- The nerves
- The confusion
- The “I don’t know what I don’t know” phase
…so you’re patient, kind, and honest, not dismissive or gatekeeping. Empathy is the difference between experience and mentorship.
And, even if you’ve never thought about yourself as a mentor, here’s what you need to remember: If you’ve ever helped someone love this sport a little more, congratulations. You’re a mentor.
Thank you for helping our sport be better!
