For Heritage Middle School eighth grader Sawyer Johnson, a typical weekend might look a little different than most middle school students. Instead of sleeping in or spending a Saturday at home, Johnson may be traveling to a dog show, preparing several dogs for competition, running between agility rings, and fitting in homework wherever he can. 

A third-generation dog enthusiast, Johnson has grown up around Australian Shepherds and dog sports. What began as an interest he inherited from his family has developed into a significant commitment of his own, with Johnson now competing in Junior Showmanship as well as Rally, Obedience, Agility and Fast CAT. 

“I like training the dogs. We have great relationships, and it is so much fun to see our hard work pay off,” said Johnson.  

For people unfamiliar with the dog world, Junior Showmanship is a competition specifically designed for young handlers. Rather than judging the dog itself, judges evaluate how well the young person handles and presents the dog in the ring. The American Kennel Club describes Junior Showmanship as an opportunity for young people to develop handling skills, learn sportsmanship, and build relationships with their dogs. 

Johnson also competes in performance sports such as Rally and Obedience, where the dog and handler work together to complete a series of exercises. In Rally, for example, a handler guides the dog through a course of signs and exercises that test precision, teamwork, and communication. In Obedience, teams are evaluated on their ability to perform specific exercises accurately. 

“While people know about junior showmanship (which is what you see on TV - Westminster, etc.), juniors can also compete in other venues,” said Johnson. “I do mostly rally and obedience, but also Junior Showmanship, agility, and FastCat.” 

That variety means Johnson is often competing alongside experienced adult handlers. 

“Because I show in other venues, and not just junior handling, I am often up against the top adult teams in the region,” he said. “So, I'm not just out there trying to beat other kids, but some of the best handlers and dogs, and sometimes judges.” 

The American Kennel Club's Junior Recognition Program recognizes young handlers for their participation and accomplishments across multiple events, including Junior Showmanship, Rally, Obedience, Agility and Fast CAT. 

Johnson's connection to dogs began long before he became a competitive handler. 

His family has been involved with Australian Shepherds for decades, and Johnson is a third-generation dog fancier. He began showing dogs as a young child and entered AKC Junior Showmanship as soon as he was old enough. 

Over the years, his involvement has continued to grow. He has learned how to train dogs, prepare them for competition, and even help with his family's breeding program. 

“I think my initial interest in dogs is because I was born into a dog showing family,” Johnson said. “As a young child, I watched the older kids in the ring and watched my mom and dad, and decided that I wanted to join them.” 

For Johnson, the relationship with the dogs is at the heart of it all. 

“Dogs don't care about ribbons,” he said. “They just want to be part of a team and have a good time. They love to practice and compete, or just to hang out together.” 

That perspective has helped Johnson develop a mindset focused not only on winning, but also on the process of becoming a better handler. 

“Every time I show, I try to do the little things better than I did before,” he previously told the American Kennel Club. 

In addition to competing with his dogs, he is involved in several activities at Heritage Middle School, including competing in cross country and track, and playing the clarinet. He also participates in the National Junior Honor Society. 

When competition takes him out of town, schoolwork doesn't disappear. 

“I have to find creative ways to fit things in,” Johnson said. “On a show weekend, I compete and then do some homework.” 

He has even found ways to keep up with his physical training while traveling. 

“I run laps in the parking lot after dinner and before a shower and bed,” he said. “I don't want to skip practice just because we are on the road.” 

At home, Johnson works around his regular schedule, fitting in clarinet practice and dog training. 

“I always get my schoolwork ahead of time so that I don't fall behind,” he said. 

That same organization is necessary once he arrives at a dog show. With multiple events sometimes scheduled at the same time, Johnson has learned to communicate with officials, adjust his schedule, and move quickly between competitions. 

“Sometimes I literally run from one building to another and skid into the ring,” he said. 

While Johnson has experienced significant success, he has also learned that competition does not always go as planned. One thing he’s learned through Junior Showmanship that will stick with him as he gets older is being resilient.  

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is resilience, not giving up. Not letting one bad run or one bad day take you out,” Johnson said. “You just suck it up and try again. Sometimes there is nowhere to go but up.” 

Johnson's dedication has him preparing for one of the biggest events of his year: the National Championship Dog Show, Obedience Classic and Junior Rally and Obedience Showcase in Orlando, Florida, in December. 

He has earned an invitation to compete in Junior Handling and invitations to compete in the Obedience Classic with two of his dogs. 

He is especially looking forward to the Junior Rally Showcase, where he hopes to continue working toward another Rally Championship, or RACH. In AKC Rally, championship titles are earned through qualifying performances and points accumulated across advanced levels of competition. 

The AKC's Junior Recognition Program also gives young competitors the opportunity to earn recognition across multiple sports and events, with year-end awards and scholarships. 

“We have shows planned out between now and then, so now it is just on me and on the dogs - we need the scores!” 

Whether he is in a classroom at Heritage Middle School, running cross country and track, practicing his clarinet or stepping into a dog-show ring, Johnson continues to demonstrate the same qualities that have carried him through years of competition: preparation, dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning. 

And while the ribbons and accomplishments are certainly meaningful, Johnson's favorite part may still be the simplest. 

“I like training dogs. We have great relationships, and it is so much fun to see our hard work pay off,” he said. 

Great work, Sawyer Johnson! Frenship is proud of your dedication and hard work inside and outside the classroom.