Adam Kucera: How a Homeschooled Teen Became a Dog Show Champion

Adam Kucera is a 16-year-old homeschooler who became a dog show champion by training, grooming, and handling his Irish Setter himself from a young age, winning major owner‑handled titles through consistent practice, mentorship, and competing at top shows. Adam credits his success to talent, dedication, and his homeschool education. Adam and his sister were homeschooled from kindergarten, as mom and dad wanted their children to learn based on their interests.

How He Got Started

Growing up in Greensboro, Maryland, Adam always liked animals. He was introduced to the world of grooming and dog shows by his grandmother, who worked at a veterinary hospital and groomed Irish Setters for professional handlers. She gave Adam his first dog, an Irish Setter named Stryker.

Adam‘s grandmother taught him everything she knew, and Adam started showing Stryker at a young age. He quickly rose through the owner‑handled ranks by combining hands‑on training, handling classes, and guidance from experienced breeders and handlers.

When Adam was just 13, he became the youngest competitor ever to win “Best in Show” at the AKC National Owner‑Handled Series (NOHS) finals, a high‑profile national title, which cemented his status as a champion.

Steps That Led to His Success

Started young and stayed committed: Adam began showing Stryker at an early age and treated it like a long‑term project.
Owner‑handled approach: He trained, groomed, and handled Stryker himself rather than relying solely on professional handlers.
Formal handling education: He attended handling classes and seminars to refine ring skills and presentation.
Mentorship from breeders and pros: Support from Stryker’s breeder and experienced handlers helped accelerate his learning curve.
Consistent competition experience: Regular entries at regional and national shows built confidence and exposure to top judges.

Training and Handling Details

Adam focused on breed‑specific conformation—teaching gait, stack, and ring etiquette that highlight an Irish Setter’s movement and silhouette. He combined daily handling drills, grooming routines, and show‑style practice to make Stryker comfortable under scrutiny. Attending seminars and owner‑handler clinics gave him technical feedback on presentation and ring strategy.

Notable Wins and Recognition

Adam’s most notable achievement was winning the AKC NOHS finals in Orlando, where he beat hundreds of competitors across many breeds—an especially notable feat for a junior owner‑handler. Media coverage and interviews with breed and sport publications documented his rapid rise and his partnership with Stryker.

Now in his fourth year of competing, Adam rarely misses a weekend show. He and Stryker have racked up multiple “Best in Show” wins and are currently riding a 21-show “Best of Breed” victory streak.

Competition Challenges

Training and competing at this level demands time, travel, and financial investment; young handlers must balance school, practice, and show schedules. A profile published by the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) describes his schooling situation and how homeschooling helped him balance travel and training with academics. In addition, to enroll in certain AKC junior competitions, Adam must meet specific GPA requirements, something his family ensures with the help of HSLDA’s Transcript Service.

How to Fit Showing Around Schooling

Flexible schedule: Adam takes online classes that give him enough flexibility to travel to regional and national shows, and to fit daily training and grooming into his routine.
Customized learning pace: Being homeschooled allowed him to concentrate school hours around practice and ring prep on show weeks.
Parental support and logistics: Family involvement in homeschooling often makes it easier to coordinate long show trips and mentorship meetings.

Homeschool Advantages

Focused practice time: The extra scheduling flexibility means more consistent handling drills and grooming practice, which are critical for owner‑handled competitors.
Ability to travel: Competing at national events requires travel; homeschooling reduces conflicts with a traditional school calendar and makes multi‑day show trips feasible.
Stronger handler‑dog bond: Handling and training the dog personally, rather than relying solely on professionals, deepened their partnership—an advantage in owner‑handled competition.

Risks and Trade‑offs

Academic balance: Intensive showing can strain study time; the family must plan to keep academics on track while traveling to shows.
Social opportunities: While online classes offer some peer interaction, most of his social opportunities revolve around dog‑sport communities.
Cost and logistics: Frequent travel, grooming, and entry fees add financial burdens that require careful planning and budgeting.

Looking Ahead

Adam hopes to become a professional dog handler—someone who travels the country to show dogs for clients. In such a competitive and entrepreneurial career, he would be required to learn to groom multiple breeds, market his services, and run his own small business.

If you want to follow Adam’s path or learn owner‑handling techniques, consider these options: attend local handling classes, find a mentor or breeder to advise you, or enter regional shows to gain experience.