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CALLUM MARTINS - 10 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE:
Pontypridd, South Wales.
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I had been living with my foster mum Carla, for just over a year when we got our first cavalier, which we started to show. It was when we got our 2nd cavalier, that after a year of my mum showing her, I decided to then have a go. I recently had more practice when my foster mum broke her foot.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
We have had a go at obedience and agility which was great fun.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
We currently have four cavaliers, two blenheim girls both age 3 (one expecting our fist litter of 6, this week!), one very loving ruby boy age 2 and the naughtiest ruby girl age just 5 months. We show our ruby boy 'Rubin' (Lisgarth Karneval at Clemartill), who qualified for Crufts at his first champ show age 6 months and 2 days and we also show our blenheim girl, 'Billie Jo' (Rhybank Billie Jo) who has got her stud book number.
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I have used both Rubin and Billie Jo for Junior Handling, but I have mostly used Billie Jo as Rubin had suffered a fright at a show when another breed attacked him as my mum was carrying him. It really seemed to unsettle him for along time, but he now seems much happier again and confident, so am looking forward to handling him again soon.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
As well as my cavaliers I have shown a shih tzu, a corgi and a whippet.
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
My breed, the cavalier is a free standing dog, but it's still important to get the stance correct, as my own dog can sometimes overstretch herself and so I have to correct her, she can be hard work and get's easily bored, so I try and make it as much fun as possible with lots of attention and lots of praise. I have to really work hard with her.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I usually wear a suit, dark trousers, white shirt, tie, burgundy waistcoat and black shoes. I like to look smart, it makes me feel good and I think it helps me to concentrate more.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
My best achievment was winning 1st at Bath Champ Show 2007, and previous to that getting my first 1st's at open shows. Also being placed throughout 2006 and 2007 in Junior Handling competitions as well as having to show and getting 1st place in breed classes when my foster mum was unable to show with her broken foot.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
When our 'Rhybank Billie Jo' got 'Best In Show' at the 'West of England Cavalier Club' show, in April this year.
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Talk to your dog and let them know how much you love them. I see so many other children who expect their dogs to just 'do it'. They need encouragement like us and need to know that they are pleasing you.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
Since coming into foster care, my dogs and Junior Handling has opened a whole new world for me. I love and enjoy spending time with my dogs. I am proud to show them, as they are the most important thing in the world to me. I've really enjoyed the discipline of learning what is expected of myself and my dog for handling. My dogs and my Junior Handling has given me a purpose and a future that I am really looking forward to. I can see myself always involved in dogs. I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new friends wherever I go.
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I think it's sad when some people who are bad losers, cry and stomp out of the ring because they don't get a first all the time. It should be fun, well it is for me!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?
I have seen and noticed, that sometimes when a child is showing in a breed class, the judge doesn't always take a child handler seriously, can be totally ignored, that seems very unfair. I would like to say thank you to all the other handlers in my area for their help and sharing advice and tips. I like to think I have a good relationship with all the other handlers. I always like to say 'Well Done' to anyone who wins.
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