Luton Premier show

28th/29th/30th December 2006

Judge: Leila Tarabad   (Khatibi)

YKC Handling.

The quality of the handlers over the three days was amazing. The 12 - 16 category had some especially accomplished young handlers.  The two main problems encountered were that leads are not being held neatly enough and in some instances were dropped totally whilst standing the dogs, swung around the dogs head whilst moving and dangled in the dogs face while showing the teeth. This is one of the easiest problems to solve and can improve the overall performance tremendously.  The other point is the showing of the teeth. I know it can be hard with some uncooperative dogs but there’s no excuse for putting your hand over the eyes or nose, pointing the mouth to the floor or putting your own head in the way when the dog is standing perfectly. 

The main thing I look for is an unfussy, smart and polite handler who can show the dog to the best advantage.  A handler who could show the dog in the breed ring effectively and ensures it is the dog that is noticed and not themselves. 

Well done to everyone who entered and good luck to all those who have qualified for the handling competition at Crufts.

DAY 1 TOY/HOUND/UTILITY

6 - 11 YEARS (6,1a)

1. Rosie Shepherd (9yrs, Affenpinscher). This young lady showed her little puppy extremely well. The breed is one of the harder ones to handle being so small and full of life, however Rosie managed to complete everything I asked of her neatly and calmly even when her dog was being difficult. She was dressed smartly to complement her dog and was extremely polite throughout the class. I’m sure she will get better and better.

2. Charlotte Culyer-Dawson (11years, PBGV).  Ran 1 very close throughout the class. Equally well dressed, good table work and stacked dog well.  Just needs to straighten her lines when moving and ensure the dog is always stood the correct distance away from the judge when presenting.

3. Mikaela Allitt (11years, CKCS). This smart handler had an extremely hard time with a free standing dog that refused to pay any attention to her.  I do not necessarily penalise handlers who have this problem as long as I can see that they are trying their hardest and staying calm.  Unfortunately this handler seemed to give up trying half way through the class. Would like to see her handle a more cooperative dog as I am sure she is more than capable.

12-16 YEARS(10,2a)

1. Toni Gillman (15, Lhasa Apso). Practically perfect performance from this handler. Smartly dressed to accentuate her dog. Table work correct and unfussy, patterns perfect with straight lines and proper corners.  Set up her dog quickly after moving at the correct distance from me.  I really liked her quiet and confident manner. Well done.

2. Georgina Ferguson (14, PBGV).  Another accomplished handler who I thought might be my winner at first. Moved her dog at the correct speed, dressed perfectly to compliment her dog.  Table work was neat and patterns were correct.  The one thing that let her down was the set up of her dog after moving.  It could have been slightly quicker and neater . Could swap with 1 on a different day.

3. Summer Cawley (12, Min Schnauzer) Summer obviously knows her stuff. Correctly completed all I asked, just wasn’t quite as neat a performance at 1 and 2. Corners could be tighter and lines straighter but overall a good performance.

17 - 24 (1)

1. Kirsty Miller (19, Papillon) A handler I’ve seen ( and competed against) on many occasions. Stood alone but extremely worthy of her place. Most accomplished handler who shows a free standing dog so well.  Table work was wonderful and patterns were correct and executed at the correct pace for her small dog.  Has such a good rapport with her dog that it made her performance a pleasure to watch.

*********

DAY 2 TERRIER/GUNDOG

6 - 11 YEARS(6)

1. Katie Kelly (11, Golden Retriever). Very professional young handler who really knew how to show her dog off to it’s best advantage. Her outfit perfectly complimented her dog, she did all that I asked of her quickly without any fuss and presented a large breed extremely well given that she wasn’t very tall herself.  Corners could be a bit neater at times but overall a lovely display topped off with a happy face!

2. Anna Brawn (11, Clumber Spaniel).  Nice performance from Anna, she completed everything I asked of her correctly, could do with straightening her lines up slightly. Would finish the picture if she were to tie her hair back and try not to lean over her dog too much when stacking after moving.

3. Heather Brawn (8, Cocker Spaniel). Good table work although lead could be tidier.  Was impressed that she didn’t get flustered and start to rush when the dog behind got very close as the class went round together. Instead she completed the circuit at the correct pace for her dog and stacked it nicely to finish.

12 - 16 YEARS (8,2)

1. Joe McDonald (16, R&W Setter). I have watched this handler grow up and judged him on a few occasions and have to say he gets better and better every time.  Extremely smartly dressed, standing dog correctly at all times so as I glance over I always got a good look at the dog. Made use of the whole ring and manoeuvred his large dog  skilfully in the patterns which is not easy to do.  Very polite young man who won an extremely competitive class.

2. Stephanie Jefford (16, Wire Fox Terrier).  Not quite as polished a performance as 1 but still a quality handler.  Stacked her terrier beautifully every time, completed table work well and moved her dog nicely.  Just felt Joe had the edge over Stephanie today but I’m sure they could change places.

3. Georgina Ferguson (14, PRT) Today Georgina was played up by her young puppy. Still a very good performance overall just failed to stack her dog correctly a couple of times and could have moved her dog in straighter lines. Obviously a good handler but today was in a very good class.

17 - 24 YEARS (2)

1. Rachael Buckwell (21, WSS). Handled a nervous 6month old puppy  extremely well. Was calm and gentle with her dog and although she didn’t look like the obvious winner I had to commend her ability to get the best  from a worried dog. Both handlers ran each other so close throughout the class, both giving exceptional performances.

2. Kirsty Miller (19, Springer Spaniel). Won her class on toy day and showed today that she is able to adapt her handling technique perfectly to show a totally different breed. Completed everything  I asked to a very high standard, an exceptional handler.

*******

DAY 3 WORKING/PASTORAL

6 - 11YEARS (4)

1. Corinna Swann (10, Pem. Corgi).I loved the overall picture of this young handler and her dog. She worked hard throughout the class and had her dog stood perfectly whenever I looked over.  Very smartly dressed and looking extremely happy to be handling.  Table work needs neatening up but overall a very nice performance.

2. Page Allen (Australian Shepherd) Smartly dressed handler. Very nearly won the class but unfortunately didn’t see me as I walked round  a final time. Showed teeth very well and moved her dog at the correct pace.  I’m sure 1 and 2 could change on another day.

3. Samantha Reeve (10, Newfoundland)  Samantha did a good job at handling an extremely large breed.  She maintained control at all times and was well presented.  With practice she could become even better.

12 - 16 YEARS (7,1)

1.   Holly Kavanagh (12, Dobermann) Beautiful performance. Holly really got the best out of her dog throughout the class. She showed me the dogs teeth perfectly, moved him well in the small space we had, stood him perfectly at every opportunity and kept her lead held neatly at all times. She thoroughly deserved this place in a class of high quality handlers. I see she’s at the bottom end of the age group so can only imagine how skilful she might be by 16.

2. Jodi Allen (13, Australian Shepherd) Smart young handler with another great performance. Similar to 1 in most ways just could do with straightening her lines and tightening her corners when moving. Unfortunate to meet 1 today.

3. Pippa Kelly (13, Powlish Lowland Sheepdog) I can imagine this handler may get overlooked at times as unfortunately the breed she handles can never match the visual impact of a dobermann or Australian Shepherd however she gave a good performance and obviously knows her stuff. They worked well together, the dog was moved at the correct pace and was allowed to free stand correctly whenever I glanced over. A smile or two would enhance the performance!

17 - 24 YEARS (2)

1. Mrs E Herring (Mastiff) I loved the simplicity of this handlers’ performance. Probably the hardest of all breeds to handle and yet she made it look effortless. She was practically dressed and polite, completing all I asked of her. With such a small ring I was sure she would come unstuck when moving but I was proved wrong as she showed exactly how a dog of this size and strength should be handled. Very well done.

2. Gabrielle Williams ( Bearded Collie) Smart handler showing a beautifully presented dog. Needs to make sure the brush she carries doesn’t get in the way and to show the teeth to the judge and not herself. Moved dog at the correct pace and seemed to have a good rapport with her. Will improve with a bit of practice.

Webmaster: thanks very much to Leila for sending in this crit.

BACK TO JH CRITIQUES

[Home] [About me] [My dogs] [Junior Handling] [Adult Handling] [Private tuition] [My Book] [News] [Training Day] [Results] [Case Histories] [JH critiques] [FAQ's] [Contacts] [JH links]