|
SOPHIE ELLIS, 11 YEARS OLD
DISTRICT/COUNTY WHERE YOU LIVE: Lincolnshire
HOW DID YOU START OFF JUNIOR HANDLING?
My Granny Cherry breeds and shows Akitas, Shiba Inus & Japanese Akita Inus. She took me to a show with her when I was about 6 years old and let me have a go in one of the breed classes, from that day I was hooked.
DO YOU TAKE PART IN ANY OTHER DOGGY ACTIVITIES (OBEDIENCE,AGILITY,FLYBALL,ETC)?
I am a YKC camp regular and attend the YKC activity weekends so I have a go at all the activities on offer, but my first love is showing.
HOW MANY DOGS DO YOU LIVE WITH,OWN AND/OR SHOW?
I live with two Smooth Fox Terriers Roxy and Dizzi and at the moment five smooth fox terrier puppies.
WHICH ONES DO YOU USE FOR JUNIOR HANDLING AND WHY?
I'll use either of my dogs for junior Handling or if I've not entered my dogs and I am handling for another owner I will use their dog for Handling.
WHAT BREEDS HAVE YOU SHOWN BEFORE IN COMPETITION?
Obviously Smooth Fox terriers, Japanese Akita Inus, Shiba Inus, Airdales, Boston Terriers, Beagles and a Flatcoat Retriever.
TELL US ABOUT HOW TO HANDLE (SHOWING STYLE) YOUR BREED IN JUNIOR HANDLING CLASSES? The Smooth fox terrier is a natural showman, and what you see is what you get, although some do make you work a little harder than others as they are easily distracted by other dogs and what is going on outside the ring, so you have to work at keeping their attention.
WHAT DO YOU NORMALLY WEAR IN COMPETITION?
I prefer trouser suits in muted tones like black, dark grey or brown I just team them with more colourful tops and matching shoes.
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
I came fourth in the junior handling at the Euro Dog Show in Belgium, it was the first time I had handled on the continent and had to learn quickly the differences in what you are required to do when junior handling in Europe.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE OCCASION SO FAR?
I have had many memorable occasions, but I think that qualifying a puppy I had bred for Crufts the first time is definitely something I will always remember.
IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE 'TOP TIP' TO SHARE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
If you are just starting out in junior handling, watch other junior handlers to see how they do it, there are some very good junior handlers out there with lots of experience, and remember that if you don't win, lose graciously and however disappointed you feel, congratulate those that have won.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT JUNIOR HANDLING?
Making friends and spending my weekends and (sometimes school days) with my dogs, doing something I love.
WHAT DISAPPOINTS YOU IN THE WORLD OF JUNIOR HANDLING?
I wish that some judges didn't just take junior handling judging appointments for the sake of it, especially if they have no understanding of what junior handling is all about. One time in particular sticks in my mind, the judge checked the dogs teeth himself, spent ages going over the dogs and then turned to look at the next dog in line whilst the juniors were performing their patterns. Needless to say the best dog won, not the best junior.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO BRING UP?
Remember junior handling is a hobby, so enjoy it.
BACK TO CASE HISTORIES PAGE
|
