2nd January 2005

CHESHAM & DISTRICT CS

Judge - Ray McDonald

Entering into handling classes these days can be a bit of a lottery. There is no ‘Breed Standard’ for judges to follow and there are many different thoughts on what is correct.  Some appear to want the juniors to demonstrate that they can do all sorts of complicated manoeuvres with their dogs with little to do with the actual task of ‘handling’ a dog. Personally I think we should be training these youngsters to ‘Show their dogs as if they are in a breed ring and to present them in such a way as to highlight their strengths, using the facilities within the ring’. I had a number of handlers ignore the mats and run their dogs across the slippery floor. All this does in my mind is show some inconsideration for the dog and means that they could not move them to their best advantage. With this in mind, and although I was not judging the dog, I was looking for handlers who could demonstrate that they could stand their dog correctly for the breed, have the dog at its best during their time with the judge and move them at the correct speed using as much of the ring as was safely possible.

One final note.  If a handler uses a different dog to that which they are entered with they should keep the same number and not use that of the dog they are actually handling.  Judges books usually have only the number listed and it does cause confusion if handlers appear with different numbers to those in the catalogue/judges book.

6-11 years
 

1. PAIGE FORSYTHE. 11 yrs. This young lady handled her GSD with calm confidence.  Every time she stood the dog it was correct, she gaited the dog into the ring at a good speed, she shadowed to allow me to see the other side of the dog, she showed me the teeth clearly and she moved the dog exactly to my requests at all times.  Just needs to improve her own dress and increase her confidence to complete the picture.

2. SUMMER CAWLEY.  10 yrs. Very similar to the winner, positive and proficient with her Miniature Dachshund. Stood and moved the dog beautifully. Lovely clear presentation of the teeth and good shadowing. Loved the way she kept talking to the dog encouraging her round the ring. Just remember to listen to what the judge has asked for and do not just do the same as the person in front.

3. JODI ALLEN. 11 yrs. I have seen this young lady handling a number of times. Gaited her Rottweiler into the ring nicely, stood the dog on the floor at the table which meant that it was slightly tucked under behind but worked well with dog keeping it freestood, showed the teeth clearly.  A bit too much movement and anticipation when shadowing for me and by not using all the ring she could not gait her dog enough to show its movement.

12-16 years.
 

1. ALEXANDRA MacBAIN.  14 yrs. This young lady oozed confidence, poise and competence handling her Field Spaniel. She gaited the dog into the ring at the correct speed, shadowing was calm and uncomplicated, every time she stood the dog it was perfect, showing the teeth was clear. Strayed off the mats slightly on the triangle but I did not notice it detract from the movement of the dog. Listened to my requests at all times. Would be happy for her to handle my dogs.  A well deserved BJH.

2. REBEKAH DAWSON.  13 yrs. Sound uncomplicated handling of her Rough Collie. Nicely gaited into the ring at good speed and good use of the voice to encourage.  Correctly stood at the table, worked well to keep her free stood. Lovely clear presentation of the teeth and good shadowing. Loved the way she kept talking to the dog encouraging her round the ring. Among the best lines of the day.

3. GEORGINA FERGUSON.  12 yrs. Lovely entry into the ring gaiting her Whippet correctly. Stood the dog very well and attentive when it moved. When I asked her why she had stood the dog on the floor rather that the table she replied, “Because the dog prefers it”. Lovely consideration to the dog. She did stray off the mats on the move but did maintain good lines and used enough of the ring to show her dogs movement. Used her voice well to encourage her dog.

Adults 17yrs +

1. FELICITY FREER. Another young lady that showed confidence, poise and competence handling her Siberian Husky.  She gaited the dog into the ring at the correct speed, shadowed when required and was always alert when her free stood dog moved. Showing the teeth was clear and calm and her patterns were completed using all the ring at good speed and straight lines. Having to dash between rings as the class clashed with her breed judging did not seem to phase her at all. I am glad I did not have to decide between her and the 12-16 winner.

2. ROSANNA LEE.  Very tight between Rosanna and Felicity.  Handling her Lhasa Apso with calm precission.  Gaiting was spot on, shadowing not overdone, teeth clear, (not easy with all that hair). Not being quite as attentive to how the dog was standing on the table and the floor was the only way I could split these two handlers.

3. MRS J FERGUSON. Another calm, confident handler that made her PBGV look easy to handle. Nicely gaited at all times with straight lines and good use of the voice to command and encourage, clearly shown teeth despite all the hair. Remember to check the dog on the stand, they do fidget.

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