FAQ 2025

Dog Show Mentor FAQs

Lee Whittier

The Dog Show Mentor

Q: Why did you create Dog Show Mentor?

A: As a judge, I have often observed exhibitors struggling because

they have no idea what factors influence judges’ choices. They show their dogs, but have no idea why they win or not. Dog Show Mentor was created to help the owner handler develop an approach to showing their dogs that is directed and focused on winning strategies. I’m thrilled to be able to offer this program!

Q: What this program is about?

A: Dog Show Mentor is a personalized group led by Lee Whittier

that provides mentoring to owner handlers from a judge’s perspective. You will develop your own strategic approach to showing your dog and be ready to meet the challenges you encounter in the ring.

Q: Do you work with other mentors?

A: Dog Show Mentor partners with resources all over the country including handling class instructors.

Q: Is this an online handling class? Will you teach me advanced handling techniques?

A: Dog Show Mentor approaches competition from a strategic and

highly intentional perspective. It is not intended to replace a handling class or handling seminar. Skills-based learning is addressed from the judge’s viewpoint. WE use video and in person training to achieve improvement in skills.

Q: What is an online Masterclass or MasterMind?

A: An online MasterClass is a virtual seminar, an online

meeting. The Mastery program has MasterMinds where we dive deeply into one topic in each session together.

Q: How do these online meetings take place?

A: Dog Show Mentor uses Zoom Pro. Anyone that has a computer or mobile device can attend a MasterClass. Think app!

Q: Are the meetings “live” and will I be seen at the meeting?

A: The meetings are live and recorded, not pre-recorded. We prefer to see each other and interact in real time. Cameras are usually on so we can see your beautiful and handsome faces. Q: Will I have the option of asking questions during online Masterclasses?

A: Following each presentation, Lee opens up the mics and

everyone has the opportunity to ask a short question relating to the material.

Q: What if I miss an online MasterClass?

A: All the MasterClasses are recorded and posted in the Members

Only Video Library. Whether you miss one (or many),you can still benefit by listening to it later at your own convenience. You also have access to interviews by judges, successful owner handlers and other experts 24/7 on the app.

Q: Do I have to wait for the first of the month to begin?

A: You can start at any time. It’s a “rolling month.” The day you start is the first day of your own month.

Q: Can anyone join?

A: Join Signature or Jumpstart at DogShowMentor.com or apply for Mastery. For questions, contact [email protected] for

more information about the program's parameters. Professional handlers and judges are not members.

Q: This is a month-to-month membership. Can I drop out at any time?

A: If you do not find value in this program, you can leave at any time. You are responsible for canceling your own membership. I am happy to assist, however, please allow four (4)working days to withdraw from the program ahead of your renewal date (which is the same day of the recurring months). All members are enrolled through a recurring payments system.

Q: Will I have to catch up to others who have been in the program longer than me?

A: Dog Show Mentor is an on-going membership program oriented to people at their own level. We meet you wherever you are!

Q: My main competition is with other breeder/ owner/handlers rather than professional handlers. Will this program work for me?

A: Dog Show Mentor focuses on the approach to training yourself

to compete effectively at the highest level you can, whether it’s competing with quality professional handlers or other quality owner handlers.

Q: How does it work with owner handlers of varying experience? Will we work from a syllabus?

A: There is wide variation of experience in the group, so we

don't work from a syllabus. Each person works at their own pace based on their unique goals. I am available for 1:1 coaching to work with each member to help set strategic goals.

Q: What is the Private Facebook group page about? What happens there?

Our Private Facebook group is a place where we talk about specific, relevant topics to achieve our respective goals. In 2025, we are in the process of transitioning to another platform. Members can ask questions and share wins or have extended discussions of MasterClass topics.

It’s our chat room area. It’s also a place where Lee shares announcements of new postings, changes, additions and interim assignments.

Q: What about group dynamics?

All conversations, are to remain confidential and between the members of this group. However, neither Lee Whittier nor Dog Show Mentor nor affiliates guarantee confidentiality. Some of the MasterClasses will be posted and sold online. Gossip will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion without refund.

As a winner, you set the stage for how to act and what your personal virtues bring to the Sport. Anyone who, in the opinion of

the host, Lee Whittier, creates a combative or hostile group environment in any way may be immediately terminated from membership with no refund of payment. A winner is a leader!

Q: What is a 1:1 Secret Weapon Session?

A: A 1:1 Secret Weapon Session (SWS) is an individual, online or

in-person coaching session with Lee. This service is available to both members and non-members. It is a strategy session where we address specific questions, concerns or objectives.

Q: What advice can you give to someone just starting out?

A: Join Dog Show Mentor! It can be challenging to understand the

sport. This program reveals the secrets of the sport that you’ll find nowhere else.

Q: Can you give me a quick tip?

A: A wise man once told me, “You got to know the rules to play

the game.” Those rules are far more complex than just reading the AKC Rulebook. In fact, they extend to cultural norms and unspoken do’s and don’ts. That’s another reason you should become a member!

Q: What kinds of things will I learn?

A: You will learn how to develop specific strategies for showing

dogs. You will also learn to evaluate your dog as judges do and sharpen your skills through a targeted approach. Members learn how to maximize the virtues and minimize faults of their dogs.

Q: I go to handling classes and practice regularly with my dog, but I want to know, what is it that prevents me from winning? I know I have set high goals, but I want to be successful, enjoy the journey and have fun.

A: That is exactly what Dog Show Mentor is all about. These are the exact issues that we cover in our MasterClasses.

Q: I have several puppy people who would like to share a membership.

A: Members of the same household are welcome to enroll as one

membership, providing they are life partners or married to one another. There are no shared membership slots other than this. It is designed to give members an edge, so sharing the information would be contrary to one of the program’s objectives. Members pay for their personal use of the information, which is copyrighted.

Q: How will I know if the program is right for me?

A: Dog Show Mentor members have between zero and 40+ years of

experience in conformation dog shows. They are often people who have enough experience to know that they need help in moving to the next level of excellence. The program is geared to help people move from “coasting” to

“excelling” by shifting awareness and mindset. It is for people who are really dedicated to ramping up their competitive edge.

The Dog Show Mentor program isn’t for everyone, but if you think

it might be for you, Lee will take the time to talk with you if you have questions. Contact Lee.

Q: Can I still show dogs to you while I'm a member?

That would be a conflict of interest and ethically questionable. AKC requires a six months wait period from the last day of your membership (not from the last payment

date) before you can show dogs to me. If you have a question about this policy

and how it affects you, please contact me privately.

Q: Who else will know I’m a member or know about my participation?

A: Hopefully you will tell all your friends and use our Affiliate Program to help them become members too! Please #dogshowmentor when you post your wins on Facebook .

Membership Policy

Dog Show Mentor reserves the right to deny membership to any person for any reason whatsoever. Members with more than one breed are expected to contribute in the meetings and on the private Facebook page on one (declared) breed only.

References to and photos of other breeds are removed or deleted.

Refunds

We have a 100% NO REFUNDS policy. Dog Show Mentor is a monthly membership program which is most productive for members who choose to stay in the group on a month-to-month basis. You will learn more in the months with Lee than you would in years if you were to depend on chance encounters.

However, it is your responsibility to cancel your own membership. Any member may cancel their membership any time before their payment is posted (rolls). All members are charged through on a recurring platform schedule on a rolling month. There are no refunds once the transaction has rolled for the month, or for pre-payments for 1:1 Secret Weapon Sessions.

Confidentiality & Group Dynamics When you join Dog Show Mentor, you agree that any post on social media made by you may be used in promotional copy for the purpose of promoting The Dog Show Mentor programs. Building trust is essential to the ability to create and be part of individuals becoming leaders. As a winner, you set the stage for how to act and what your personal virtues bring to the Sport. Anyone who, in the opinion of the host, Lee Whittier, creates a combative or hostile group environment in any way may be immediately terminated from membership with no refund of payment. A winner is a leader!

Materials & Downloads

Members may download or print written materials for personal use. Videos and interviews are available on the website 24/7 for your listening pleasure. You have paid for the right to view the materials that you receive as a member. Please honor the ethics of the group by safekeeping these materials only to your personal use. One person or relationship per membership (marriage or union of two individuals). Why share this valuable information with someone who isn’t committed enough to pay for the privilege to participate?

Anyone who shares any materials in any format whatsoever may be immediately terminated from membership with no refund of payment. Materials are copyrighted and duplication is strictly forbidden.

Please click on the AKC Policy tab for details on members showing dogs to Lee.

The Dog Show Mentor program isn’t for everyone, but if you think it might be for you, go to DogShowMentor.com or message Lee at facebook.com/lee.whittier.3

Lee will take the time to talk with you if you have questions.

The Dog Show Mentor Lee Whittier

FAQ 2025

Two Step