I don't know where you are in NY, but Genessee Valley Kennel Club (Rochester) offers handling classes I think, so you might want to call them. Even if they aren't near you, maybe they know someone in your area.
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"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George
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