{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F6f6c1fd2-7d4a-4e02-ba74-b626702faadf","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"48 \u2013 Mike Pitts: Teaching the Next Generation\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/6f6c1fd2-7d4a-4e02-ba74-b626702faadf\"></iframe>","title":"48 \u2013 Mike Pitts: Teaching the Next Generation","description":"<br />\n\t<br />\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<br />\n\t\t<br />\n<br />\n\t\t\t<br />\n\t<br />\n\t<br />\n\t<br />\n\t\t<br />\n\tFrom Apprentice to Master Handler to Mentoring the Next Generation<br />\n&nbsp;<br />\nMike Pitts, along with his wife Linda, are among the top tier handlers in the country, having run multiple top dogs over the years. Most recently, Linda piloted the Puli, Preston, to number one all breeds all systems in 2016.<br />\n&nbsp;<br />\nBack in the day, they studied under top handlers, including Linda\u2019s time working for Houston and Toddie Clark, now well-known and respected AKC judges, and Mike\u2019s apprenticeship with top Cocker handlers of the day.<br />\n&nbsp;<br />\nBut they also carried their knowledge forward to the next generation, mentoring other aspiring young dog people. One of those folks you heard from last week when we talked to Jason Lynn about his second win at Crufts in the last few years.<br />\n&nbsp;<br />\nMike and Linda live in Knoxville, Tenn. Mike\u2019s recommendation for new and hopeful dog people (handlers or breeders) is to bring your passion, your determination to succeed and a willingness to embrace brutally hard work. And, most importantly, to ask for help. \u201cWe will help anyone who has a legitimate desire to learn,\u201d he said.<br />\n&nbsp;<br />\nThe operative phrase there is \u201cdesire to learn\u201d\u2026 Mike expresses frustration with folks who don\u2019t want to put in the effort to get ahead. \u201cWe had a kid, he was always on his phone\u2026. With my dog on the table\u2026\u201d His expression spoke volumes about this lack of attention and focus on the number one priority\u2026 The dogs.<br />\n&nbsp;<br />\n\u201cIt isn\u2019t about politics, it isn\u2019t about who you know\u2026. It\u2019s about doing the work, putting in the time, paying your dues,\u201d Mike says.<br />\n<br />\n\t<br />\n<br />\n\t<br />\n<br />\n\t<br />\n\t\t<br />\n\t<br />\n<br />","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/a704ac25-bd82-4d66-a7e5-d62a61fa1675/itunes1800_a.png"}