20TH MARCH 2005

OKEHAMPTON & DISTRICT CS

Judge - Nick Gourley

I fully understand the importance of ensuring you keep your dog between the judge and yourself at all times but feel that many of handlers are taking this a little too far. Many of the dogs were getting anxious (showing the whites of their eyes and ears pinned to their heads) as their handlers moved to the dog¹s rear as I made my preliminary and final assessment of the class. It is important that you do not obstruct the judge¹s view but please ensure your dogs can also see you at all times. Exaggerated striding detracts from the judge¹s eye when trying to assess the dog¹s gait, particularly when the handler¹s pace is inappropriate for their breed of dog. I have judged the Junior Handling in Okehampton a few years ago and I am extremely impressed by the dedication shown by our future exhibitors. Please take this snippet of advice in the spirit in which it is intended as you all have talent and it was obvious that your dogs love you as much as you love them.

6 ­ 11 years

1, Rachel Benney. Rachel handled her Norfolk Terrier superbly. She answered my questions about her breed confidently and knowledgeably with an in-depth knowledge of breed characteristics and her own dog¹s virtues. Her dog was shown to its best advantage at all times with minimal fuss. My notes say simply ­ unassuming, confident and very natural. Rachel scored heavily in the collected manner in which she showed her dog. She had some very stiff competition, but many were Oover-handled¹ with the handlers worrying more about their position than that of the dog. Rachel’s very natural approach to handling her dog appealed.

2 Charlotte John. Smart handler for a very smart Buhund. Charlotte complimented her dog well and made no mistakes in her ring procedures. Her knowledge of her breed should be commended. Just lacked the overall confidence of the winner in terms of her dog’s breed characteristics. A very close decision.

 12-16 years A tough competition ­ splitting hairs for my final decision.

1 Amy Balch. Obviously an experienced junior handler who did not put a foot wrong. Amy’s concentration and determination was evident from moment she entered the ring. Very smart appearance complementing her ‘super fit’ Weimaraner. Amy knew the breed standard very well and was able to explain the Oform and function¹ of her breed. A calm and collected performance. Got the final nod based on her ability to use the entire ring to ensure I appreciated her dog’s side gait.

2 Katherine Andrew. Katherine has one of the most sympathetic approaches to handling that I have seen. She has the utmost respect for her dog which is reciprocated producing a real team performance. She confidently discussed the CKCS breed standard and was able to answer all my questions. Instilled confidence in her dog at all times. A well presented team.

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