SEDGLEY & GORNAL CA OPEN SHOW

24th NOVEMBER 2007

Judge: Leila Tarabad

Handling.

I was slightly disappointed with the standard of the junior handlers on the day as I felt many were making far too many obvious mistakes such as getting between the judge and the dog, showing the teeth badly and sometimes not even listening to what I wanted them to do. Having said this I was more than impressed with my winners and was pleasantly surprised to find the adult classes were filled with some outstanding, skillful handlers who put many of the juniors to shame. When I have judged handling classes on previous occassions I have found many adults, although competent in showing their dogs, usually don't know the first thing about the skills required for handling competitions. This definately wasn't the case here so well done to you all adults!

6-11years

1. Melissa Phillips (11,CKCS) Very good performance overall, judged this pair earlier in the year and placed her 3rd so it was good to see she had been practicing and polished up her performance. The rapport between these two is a joy to watch, Melissa constantly encourages her dog, moving it at the correct pace and completing the patterns correctly. She was one of the few that showed the teeth correctly although she did fail to re-stack her dog on the table when I moved the back foot. All in all a promising young handler. Keep it up!

2. Bobby Dale (11,Portugese Water Dog)Thought this young lady might have been my winner from first impressions but she was unfortunate to come up against 1 today. Another strong performance and this handler did notice me moving the dogs foot however overall she was not quite as neatas 1. Bobby was dressed to compliment dog beautifully and obviously knows how to get the best out of her dog.

3. Chloe Wiley(7,Lab)

12-16 years

1. Leanne Roberts (13,sib Husky) I've come across this handler on a few occassions and have to say this was her best performance yet. I believe she hasn't been handling for a particularly long time but has already become a brilliant handler. She was the easy winner of this class standing her dog correctly whenever I glanced over, completing the patterns correctly and is also very polite which is something I always expect of any handler. Couldn't fault her today and I'm sure as she reaches the top end of the age group she'll be one to beat.

2. Craig Houghton (16,Boston Terrier) Another I have judged before but he handled a larger breed last time. Craig put in a very good performance, completing everything I asked for correctly and neatly. He is very quiet and gentle, showed the teeth well and stood the dog foresquare when required. His quiet manner can sometimes come across as a lack of confidence which in turn means he may blend into the background at times, especially when showing a small breed. Smile more and dare to be noticed!!

3. Eden Fox (13, PWD)

17-40 years

1. Mrs H J Beverley (GSP) Well what can I say about this handler, I would have put money on her being an ex junior handler and yet I found out after the class that this was her first ever handling class!! She completed everything I asked exactly how I wanted it done from the showing of teeth to the completion of patterns and when I moved during a circuit of the ring she adjusted her position perfectly. Couldn't fault her at all and I wish her every luck in future handling classes. Had there been an award for Best handler I think she would have won it!

41+

1. Miss J Such (ESS) Another I have judged before and yet another near perfect performance.Stands her dog so well to show off its virtues, completed the patterns I asked for correctly as well as showing the teeth very well. I love her quiet manner in the ring, polite to the judge, encouraging to the dog and yet her voice never distracts. Smartly dressed to complement her dog to finish a lovely partnership. This was not an easy class to win and she was pushed all the way by Colin. Well Done.

2. Colin Langan (sib husky) Seen this handler on a few occassions and think he's probably one of the best adult handlers competing at the moment. Unfortunately today his dog was not willing to cooperate fully which meant a couple of corners were cut in the patterns and he didn't stand his dog as quickly and neatly as 1. Other than that there was little to seperate these 2. It was so refreshing to judge such a high quality class of older handlers.

3. Mrs G Lazell (Border Terrier)

Webmaster - thanks to Leila  for sending this critique in.

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