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DANIELLE JONES, 17 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE:
Andover, Hampshire
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I first started handling when I was 5, handling my Working Sheepdog, Tag at companion dog shows. I then progressed onto open shows with my mums Border Collie, Indy and I really enjoyed it. At the time there were no training clubs for me to attend so it was up to my mum to teach me everything she knew.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
I am also very much into Obedience and have to try and fit Breed shows into my busy schedule as well as Obedience shows. I currentley work my two borders, Shara and Tallis and my belgian, Dante in YKC Obedience and open Obedience. I also compete in the YKC Biathalon with Dante
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
I live with five (soon to be 6) dogs, four Border Collies and a Belgian Shepherd (groenendael) and I share the dogs with my mum. I also show other Borders for people but mainly the Mobella line.
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I use my Belgian for handling as I have a good rapport with him and he is a challenge, he also tries his best for me. I also handle my Borders and a few other breeds for different experiences.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
Besides the Belgians and Borders I have handled breeds such as Corgi's, Poms, Paps, Siberian Husky, GSD, Aust Shepherd, and Border Terriers
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
When handling a Belgian you should free stand them and gait them on a nice loose lead at a brisk pace, they should also look alert at all times. Borders are generally the same but can be stacked as well as free stood.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
In the summer I wear a light purple skirt suit or a Ivory or Pink trouser suit to complement my dogs dark colour. In winter I generally wear just wear trouser suits.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
My best achivements have to be, getting a third at Richmond at my first attempt at seven years old, and good places subsequently. Then winning the Biathalon and 17-18 senior handling at Crufts 2005, I also came 2nd in the YKC Obedience and YKC Pastoral Stakes. To date i think my best achivement is winning the 12-16 pastoral group at Richmond this year. Not forgetting all the oher places I have had at Crufts in the past.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
Having a great year this year (2005) at Crufts as well as Richmond.
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Make sure that you enjoy what you are doing and always make it fun for the dog.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
For me and my dogs to enjoy what we are doing and making a day of it regardless of what happens.
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
Judges that dont know what they are judging and later critisise you for doing the right thing!!!!!!!!!!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
I think that there should be a handling exam for judges like in the breed which enables them to be on a judging list
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