Hitchin & District Canine Society

Hitchin and District Canine Society – Handling classes

Thank you to the committee for inviting me to judge. I thoroughly enjoyed my day.

The overall quality of handlers was excellent and I was interested to find out my winners from the junior classes were trained by the same person- they’re a credit to you.

JHA 6-11 Years  (12/5)

It was lovely to start judging with such a strong class of young handlers both numerically and in ability.

1st Lily Torrance aged 11 – This young lady impressed me as soon as she entered the ring. Smartly dressed she showed her dog with ease and just blended into the background. Her pattern work was perfect and she spoke to her dog continuously. Just lost out for BJH as in the final line up during shadowing she went between the dog and the judge. Lily was a joy to watch.

2nd Emily Parry aged 11 - This handler was very smart and put on a very confident performance. Overall she showed her dog very well and was one to watch, showing her dogs teeth with ease and efficiently. Just need to work on your straight lines and more encouragement to your dog which will finish the picture. 3rd Bradley Stevans.

JHA 12- 16 years  (6/0)

1st Abigail Levine aged 15 – A handler I have always admired.  Today she definitely lived up to my expectations. Everything about this handler I loved! She showed her dog with such a calm manner while encouraging her dog throughout. Putting her dog first she completely blended into the background. Although at times her dog didn’t make it easy Abigail didn’t get flustered and gained full control and achieved tidy patterns. Never overshadowing and keeping an eye on the judge at all times. A handler I would happily let handle my dogs. BJH

2nd Jasmine Appleby aged 12 - Another lovely handler who presented her dog well. Jasmine completed her patterns with tight corners and straight lines. She showed her dogs teeth well ensuring I could see and her dog was comfortable. Just make sure you don’t overshadow, keep any eye on the judge and don’t move round the dog too quickly blocking anyone else in the process.  A very nice handler. 3rd Izzy King.

Adult Handling 17- 35 years (6/1)

1st Tye Kitchen - Very smart handler showing her dog with ease and encouraging her dog the whole time especially when the dog was slightly unsure. Showed teeth well making sure I had full view and with a manner to ensure the dog was happy. Her patterns were really good and another handler who didn’t overshadow and was always aware of my position. BAH

2nd Georgia Brown – Another I have competed with and admired from the ringside. Her dog today did was rather unruly making things difficult for Georgia. She encouraged her dog calmly to try and keep settled. Neat pattern work with tight corners and straight lines. Pushed hard for first place just losing out to Tye on final pairs work as her lines were not as neat.

3rd Rebbecca Walls.

36 Years and over (13/10)

1st Dan Mann – I really liked Dan’s handling – Presenting his dog to the best showing a great rapport, all the while encouraging her around the ring. Enjoyable to watch, Dan made sure his lines were straight and neat, tight corners. It was lovely to see that he didn’t overshadow his dog keeping a close eye on what I was doing at all times and moving round only when necessary. He always checked my feet position prior to pattern work/lines.

2nd Steph Parry - A tidy handler who showed her dog well, completing her patterns correctly and easily. Steph lost out to Dan as she has a tendency to overshadow thereby blocking the dog behind. Remember to always check the judges feet position.

3rd Michella Jones

Jess Horler (Judge)