RHIANNA BROOKS, 9 YEARS OLD

DISTRICT WHERE YOU LIVE:

Frinton-On-Sea, Essex

HOW DID YOU START?

I started Junior Handling when I was 7, I first showed at a companion show and liked it, so I started showing with my Nan at Open Shows.

HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH/OWN/SHOW?

I live with 2 Papillons, Gizmo who is 2 years 8 months and Teddy who is only 8 months.

DO YOU DO OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES?

I have done some Obedience work with my older dog, but would like to compete in Agility in the future.

WHICH BREED/S DO YOU USE IN JUNIOR HANDLING?

I show Izzy for Junior handling as he is more experienced and less likely to try and run out of the ring! I have started showing Teddy in breed classes and when he has got more experience I would like to show him in Junior Handling as well. I have also shown a friends Italian Greyhound in a breed class.

TELL US HOW TO HANDLE YOUR BREED;

Papillons are Free Standing dogs that are shown on the table. I have to keep there attention when they are on the table to show them to their best. This is not always easy as they are easily distracted. When I walk them Teddy walks better with a loose lead and Izzy with a slightly tighter one.

WHAT I WEAR;

I normally where a suit to show. I have a lovely pink jacket and Navy trousers for Championship shows and various coloured ones for open. My favourite is a beige one with a Butterfly embroidered on the lapel.

WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?

My Best Achievements are qualifying for Richmond each year so far and getting 1St's in JHA & YKC at Sheringham Open Show this year as I have never done that before.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION?

Most memorable occasions have been showing at Richmond in Junior Handling and showing in the Breed Class at Crufts.

IF YOU HAD ONE TOP TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Always try your best, don't worry if you are not placed, there is always next time and congratulate those that are. If you are lucky enough to be placed be nice to those that aren't.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?

Meeting new people and making new friends.

WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?

Judges who judge the dog not the handling and when the Junior Handling Class is left until the end so the dogs are all tired and want to go home.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING UP?

Try to go to Marina & Helena’s Training Weekends they really help. Listen to other more experienced handlers and ask for feedback from the Judge. Try to go to Ring Craft classes if you can. Be nice and try to help new starters we have all been in that position. Most important though ENJOY YOURSELF if you don't then there is no point in showing as the dogs won't be happy either!!!!

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