Help The Judge See The Dog: Conformation Handling Classes Â
Plus Private Owner-Handler Coaching.
Second Thursday of Every Month
January–November 2027
ADOG -Â 3929 Green Industrial WayÂ
Chamblee, GA 30341
Monthly Drop-In Handling Class
1:00 - 2:00 PM
As an AKC judge, I see it in seconds. And once you see it—you can fix it. That’s what we do here.
Great handling helps the judge see the dog.
You've trained the dog.
You've groomed the dog.
You've paid the entry fee.
Now—are you presenting your dog in a way that
helps the judge see everything you love about them?
Whether you're new to AKC conformation or an experienced owner-handler looking for those small adjustments that can make a big difference, these monthly conformation handling classes in Atlanta are designed to help you and your dog become a more polished, confident team.
Because great handling isn't about making the judge notice the handler.
Great handling helps the judge see the dog.
Your Coach – Sandy Weaver
As an AKC conformation judge, long-time competitor, and seasoned handler coach, I know exactly what makes a dog and handler stand out. But my real superpower?Â
I see the tiny adjustments in:
- Timing
- Posture
- Expression
- Movement
- Ring awareness
That turn a “nice dog” into a winning dog.
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the neuroscience of confidence, I help you overcome self-doubt, show up with poise, and develop the skills that win.
“Thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. The presentation was informative and the storytelling was spot-on.”
- Cindy Jo Proctor
"As I am showing, so many of Sandy’s teachings pop in my head of what to do and not to do. Her classes have made me more comfortable and a better owner handler.”
- Jen Baker
"You are a wonderful instructor !!!!!! Thank you! Your knowledge and encouragement is invaluable."
- Sharon Aenchbacher
Class Details
Monthly Drop-In Handling Class
1:00–2:00 PM
Bring your dog, your lead and your questions.
We'll work on the skills that can improve your show-ring presentation:
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Gaiting your dog at the speed that shows them best
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Stacking and positioning
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Smooth, effective lead handling
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Showing the bite confidently
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Ring patterns and transitions
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Paying attention to—and responding to—the judge
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Presenting your dog's virtues
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Building show-ring confidence and ring presence
This isn't simply practice going around in circles.
It's ring-craft training for owner-handlers—learning to make smart handling decisions based on the dog at the other end of your lead.
Drop-in class: $20
7-class package: $120 — save $20
Have more than one dog to work?
Bring them! There's no additional charge for additional dogs.
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Want a Judge's Eyes on YOUR Dog?
Private Conformation Coaching - 30 minutes • $150
Sometimes you don't need another general handling class.
You need someone watching you and your dog and spotting the little things you can't see from your end of the lead.
In a private session, we'll focus specifically on your team—your dog's movement, your handling, your presentation and the things that could be keeping the judge from seeing your dog at their best.
We can work on gaiting speed, stacking, lead handling, bite presentation, ring strategy, judge awareness, confidence and those tiny adjustments that can change the entire picture.
Bring more than one dog at no additional charge.
And there's another bonus:
Book a Private Session and That Day's Handling Class Is FREE.
Use your private session to identify and work on specific issues, then put what you've learned into practice during the 1:00 PM class.
Private coaching times:
10:00 AM • 10:45 AM • 11:30 AM
2:15 PM • 3:00 PM • 3:45 PM • 4:30 PM
Only seven private appointments are available each month.
Want More Than One Tune-Up?
Book a 3-session private coaching package for $400 and save $50.
1 private session — $150
3 private sessions — $400 (save $50)
And yes—the handling class is free on the day of each private session.
Learn to See Your Dog Through the Judge's Eyes
One of the challenges of owner-handled conformation is simple:
You're standing on the wrong end of the lead to see what the judge sees.
That's where my perspective is different.
As an AKC conformation judge, longtime dog-sport competitor, trainer and owner-handler coach, I'll help you understand not only how to handle your dog, but why particular choices affect the picture the judge sees.
The goal isn't to turn you into somebody else's idea of a handler.
It's to help you become the best possible presenter of your dog.
We'll showcase virtues, improve communication, eliminate distractions and make it easier for the judge to evaluate the dog you brought into the ring.
New to Conformation? You Belong Here.
If you're looking for dog show handling classes for beginners in Atlanta, you don't need to know everything before you arrive.
That's why there's a class.
Learn how to stack your dog, gait effectively, show the bite, use your lead properly, understand ring procedure and walk through the ring gate knowing what to do.
Experienced owner-handlers are welcome, too. Sometimes the biggest improvements come from the smallest changes—a better gaiting speed, a cleaner transition, a quieter hand or simply knowing where to be when the judge turns around.
Convenient Atlanta Location
ADOG
ADOG is located just inside Atlanta's perimeter highway, I-285, with convenient access from I-285, I-85, GA-400 and I-20.
Classes and private coaching are offered on the second Thursday of every month, January through November 2027.
Let's Help the Judge See Your Dog
Your dog already knows they're fabulous.
Your job is to present them so clearly, confidently and beautifully that the judge has every opportunity to see it, too.
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Show Better. Handle Smarter. Help the Judge See the Dog.
Reserve your spot in class or book your private coaching session today.
Handling Class: $20 drop-in
7 Classes: $120
Private Coaching: $150 per 30 minutes + FREE class that day
3 Private Sessions: $400 + FREE class on each coaching day
Multiple dogs: No additional chargeÂ
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âś… Not Ready Yet?
Start Here!
Download the Ring-Ready Checklist
…and see exactly what most owner-handlers miss before they even step in the ring.
You don’t need more effort.
You need:
Better insight
Better strategy
Better execution
 That's what creates winners.
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I also teach a handling class most Wednesday afternoons; 2:30 - 3:30pm at another location. If you are interested in that option,
please email me and I will give you all the details.
PLEASE NOTE - per current AKC rules, people who receive conformation handling instruction from a judge cannot show to that judge for 6 months. If this is important to you, click here and enter 94535 in the "Judge number" field to be taken to a list of breeds I'm currently approved to judge.Â