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JANE CRYER
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE: Cambridgeshire/North Yorkshire at university
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
After much nagging, my Mum and Dad allowed me to get a border collie puppy when I was 9. My Mum had always wanted one, so I don't think she really needed that much persuasion!! We thought we'd give showing a try and soon got hooked, myself especially to JH. Peggy was a fantastic handling dog: teaching me lots and helping me to many successes (and not doing too badly herself in the breed ring either!). I really enjoyed taking her into the classes and training her, although it was quite unusual to see a junior with a BC at the time - hard to believe given the increased popularity of the breed for handling now.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES?
I don't do any other activities competitively but I do take part in pet obedience at home with our local training club.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH/SHOW/OWN?
I have four dogs at home: Chip, who is a lab/springer cross; Peggy-Sue, my border collie; Wanda who is Peggy's daughter and belongs to my Mum and the newest addition to the family, Jack my Mum's parson russell terrier. In addition to this, I co-own one other border collie and have co-owned two others before I went to university, all of which I showed. I also handle other border collies at certain times as well.
WHICH DOGS DO YOU USE FOR JH AND WHY?
I have used Peggy, Wanda and Jack in handling. I used Peggy when I was starting off. She absolutely loved the show ring and junior handling. When we retired her, her daughter Wanda took over. Although she doesn't seem to have inherited her mother's enthusiasm for the ring, she still did me very proud by helping me win my biggest achievements. Jack is another extrovert in the ring and has also helped me to some major wins. I try to build up a rapport with any dog I handle, but obviously this is stronger with your own dogs. I like the fact that they are pleased to be with me in whatever they are doing.
WHAT OTHER BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN IN COMPETITION?
Weimeraner, Irish Setter, Shetland Sheepdog, Belgian Shepherd (Terveuren), Cocker, American cocker, Mini poodle, Schnauzer, Tibeten Terriers, Whippet, Vizsla + others that I've probably forgotten!!!
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
Border collies should be free stood, baited if necessary or they can be stacked by holding them gently in the stance just behind their ears. They should be moved on a loose lead. PRTs are stacked holding the tail up at an angle to balance the head position. When moving, I normally have some tension in the lead, but it should not affect the movement of the dog.
WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I always wear either a trouser or skirt suit. I don't stick to a particular colour but I try to avoid colours that obstruct the dog's outline like black trousers with the border colllies.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
I was Pedigree Junior Handler of the Year for 2002 and KCJO (now YKC) show handler of the Year at Crufts 2003, both of which I won with Wanda. Winning the latter meant I went on to represent the UK in the International Show Handler of the Year competition also at Crufts. In this I was runner up so it was a pretty eventful year for me!! Also at Crufts the next year, I won the 17-20yrs YKC handling class with Jack. Aside from JH, I became the proud owner of my first border collie champion. Having handled her to two CC's, I unfortunately couldn't be there when she won her third.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
In general I'd say the whole of 2003!!! More specifically I suppose winning the Pedigree JH finals as it was something that I can remember reading about when I first started handling and wondering what it would be like to be there! It led onto so many other amazing things. However, all of my major wins mentioned above were huge highlights for me.
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Be sporting to other competitors - win graciously and don't take losing badly. Above all, enjoy being with your dogs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
Meeting people with the same interest in dogs as me. I also just enjoy seeing nice dogs being shown well, which is ultimately why we go to dog shows!
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
Bad sportsmanship and gossip
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