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ROBYN CONNELL, 14 YEARS OLD
LIVES IN STIRLING, SCOTLAND
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I was 8 years old and I attended Falkirk and District Ringcraft Club's show night with my aunties boxer. It was my first time and i was placed 1st, i really enjoyed taking part in it. So I decided to start showing in junior handling classes.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
No but I would like to try it!
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
I show my aunties boxers, we only show 2 of them , but there are 4 in the house!
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I use the youngest dog (Fletcher) as I enjoy handling him because he has a great temprement and it is fun and caring.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
I mainly show boxers but in the past I have shown many different breed such as labradors etc.
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES?
First of all I stand my dog in the line-up, and the judge walks around the ring and looks at each dog. When it is my turn to present my dog to the judge, I stand him in the box shape (stacking) which is, having his two front legs paralell and having his two back legs paralell to each other. I put his chain under his neck and pull it up (a little, not to hurt him!) so his ears go up and his head is in position. The judge then goes over the dog, and usually ask a few questions about the breed and the age of the dog etc. I show the judge my dogs teeth (if asked) and do whatever movements she asks me to do. When I have finished the movements I stand my dog once again for the judge to see, thank the judge and return to the line-up.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I wear a trouser suit to competitions.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
I have shown at Crufts twice, I have qualified and shown at Scottish Junior Hnadler of The Year several times, I have shown at Richmond, I have won 1st at Scottish Kennel Club Champ show lots of times and have been given best junior handler on various occasions!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
My most memorable occasion so far would have to be the 1st time I showed at Scottish Hanler of The Year 2000, it was the first big competition I was in. I enjoyed it so much which made me even more confident about showing.
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Always pay attention to what the judge is saying and be happy, even if you don't win, there is always next time!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
I enjoy everything about junior handling, i like making new friends and meeting new people and having fun!
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
The thing that disappoints me in Junior Handling is when people start showing their dogs and don’t get placed at a show, so they stop handling all together.
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