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KRISTIAN HITCHIN, 15 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE:
Manchester, England
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?:
When we bought our first Norfolk Terrier, Komotion, we bred our first litter of puppies and I trained one of the puppies we kept and it went on from there!
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?:
I’ve tried agility a few times, but I usually stick to showing however I would like to start getting involved into agility.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?:
I live with five Norfolk Terriers (2 puppies) and I have showed a numerous number of dogs – Welsh, Kerry Blue, Norfolk, Norwich, Cesky, Sealyham and West Highland White Terriers. Also I have shown a Siberian Husky, and I hope to handle more dogs from every group!
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I have used a lot of different dogs for Junior Handling but my favourites are the Kerry Blue and Cesky Terrier as they are stacked as opposed to free-stood dogs, which makes life easier when it comes to shadowing.
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
My handling style varies from dog to dog, as their pace is unique and how the dog stands.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
A suit always, as I believe you appearance is key on making a good impression and also the colour contrast between you and the dog your showing. So for instance I wear a black suit when showing a lighter coloured dog and a light coloured suit for when I’m showing a darker coloured dog.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
My best achievements have to be winning with my Norfolk Terrier in the breed class at Crufts, and also handling a Cesky terrier to gain BOB and enter the Terrier group at both National Terrier and East of England. I have also had 2 Reserve BOB’s at Norfolk Terrier club shows handling my Norfolk. Hopefully there will be many more to follow!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
My most memorable occasion has to be getting first, for the first time in a junior handling at Blackpool championship show!
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My best tip I can give to anyone competing not only in junior handling or in any other activity is to relax, as what the handler is like will transmit down the lead and make the dog nervous. This will then ultimately make the dog very difficult to handle.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
My favourite thing about junior handling is meeting new people.
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING? Judges that don’t judge the handler!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?
If anyone wants any tips or just to chat email me or add me on MSN – kristianhitchen42@hotmail.com
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