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KATIE STEWART, 11 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE:Orcop in Herefordshire
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I started off Junior Handling at the age of 9 at companion shows
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH, OWN AND/OR SHOW?
I live with 6 Labradors, I show 3 of them.I use Molly a black labrador for junior handling because Molly and I work well as a team and she is my best friend.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
I have also handled other peoples labradors and have handled a beagle and Siberian Husky at training classes.
Handling a Labrador in junior handling classes is quite difficult as they are a free standing breed. You need to stand your dog away from you and make sure it is positioned four square and that the dog shows its full attention on you. Also when moving you must move at a speed that the dog is comfortable with not too fast or too slow.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I normally wear a light pink suit in the summer to complement my black labrador. In the winter I normally wear beige trousers and a brown jacket.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
In junior handling competitions:
2005 - Richmond 5th, judge Adam Rose (1st time competing).
2006 - Richmond 3rd, judge Kirsty Miller.
2007 - Richmond 2nd, judge Leanne Bryant.
2008 - 1st Crufts handling, judge Ray Morland.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
1st at Crufts 2008 with my black labrador Molly. This was my first time at Crufts and to win the class was fantastic.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TOP TIPS TO SHARE?
Top Tip to share would be when you enter the ring enjoy it and do your best and always remember you always take the best dog home with you.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
My favourite thing about junior handling is that it is something to look forward to at the weekends and you can make loads of new friends and other breeds of dogs.
WHAT DISPPOINTS YOU IN JUNIOR HANDLING?
What disapoints me is that some judges, judge on the dog and not the handlers ability.
WOULD YOU LIKE TOP BRING ANYTHING ELSE UP?
Always congratulate the person infront of you and behind you in the line up and always thank the judge after you have done your show.
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