DOM SANTORIELLO, 14 YEARS OLD

DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE: Bedfordshire

HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?

I went to a companion dog show with my family and friends and borrowed one of our friends dog's and was placed second. I really enjoyed the class but as we had Dobes at the time, and as I only just turned seven years old I was not strong enough to handle Josh.It was a whole year later that we got Scooby and I started ringcraft training with lots of advice from Marion Bye that I have got to where I am now.

DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?

No just showing.

HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?

I show Dexter our new champion! And I will be back to showing the Dobes soon!

WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY? I use Oscar, but he isn't going to be shown that much anymore, so I will be in with the Dobes.

WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION

Dobes, Min Pins, Siberians, German Pinschers, Giant Schnauzher, Japenese Chin, Lancashire Heelers and more!

TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?

Min Pins are extremely fidgity and are also table dogs - just to add to the challenge! They are a breed that you freestand. The Min Pin breed are VERY hard to handle because of their fidgitness and they think everyone's business is their business! The Min Pins move better on a loose lead so you can actually see the hackney action.

WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION? I wear a black blazer with a white t-shirt, and creamy colour trousers and a Blue Tie.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?

Making Dexter up into a Champion all 3 CC's were with BOB and was shortlisted twice and given a G4! Quite an acheivement!

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?

Definitely making Dexter up! Really couldn't believe it, and it was a great birthday present!

IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

My top tip would be to keep talking to your dog and always listen and keep a careful eye on the judge because they might trick you!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?

Meeting alot of people and spending more time with my dogs.

WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?

The thing that disappoints me is the lack of respect for the dog, other exhibitors and judges shown by some handlers.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?

Yes, I have been asked to become a member of the Senior Show Team for UK Toy Dog from 2009!

Also, if you want to get to know our dogs then visit our website www.freewebs.com/noiratanminpins

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