|
JODIE - LEA BALLARD, 15 YEARS OLD
LIVES IN KENT
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I started off watching mum and dad in the breed ring as we had large Newfoundland boys and eventually got the chance to show in the handling ring when I was older.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
Obedience, biathlons and grooming comps
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
We have 5 dogs and I get to show friends dogs in different breeds. We have 3 Newfoundland’s, a working cocker spaniel and an English cocker spaniel.
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I use my English cocker in handling and now starting to use our 9 month old newfie puppy
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
Spaniels, pointers, bernese mountain dogs, schnauzers, and loads of Newfoundland’s
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
A Newfoundland is a stacked breed and the front legs should come straight down from the shoulder, the back legs out behind them depending on there size you can put them in different positions.
An English cocker is also a stacked breed but is a table dog so their front legs go straight under their shoulders with their back legs stretched out a little.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I either wear a pink suit or a grey jacket and black shirt and trousers. Also black or red shoes depending on the suit and weather conditions!
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
My most memorable achievements are winning Best JHA in show at open level, being placed at championship shows and also qualifying for the YKC grooming finals twice!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
Competing with my newfie puppy and winning at all levels of showing winning first place at champ shows. Also any placing’s I have had with my cocker in obedience or biathlons, as he is not very easily motivated! And of course getting through to the finals in grooming as a cocker requires many different techniques of grooming!
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Be happy if your not the dog can tell your nerves through your lead. And remember to enjoy it; you always go home with the best dog at the end of the day!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
I like the junior handling as its YOU that’s being judged and you can learn so much from competing, you get to make new friends throughout the country with people who share the same interests as you!
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
In handling when the judge knocks you for the breed of dog you handle. Having handled different breeds and being knocked due to having a large dog I find it very unfair.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?
Be proud of the dog you own and handle if not what is the point of competing?!?
BACK TO CASE HISTORIES PAGE
|
