Ilfracombe & District Canine Society

Ilfracombe & District Canine Society

16.02.19

Junior & Adult Handling Critiques 

Thank you to the committee for offering me this appointment I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Junior Handling 

6-11 years (2,1)

1st. Harriet Duffield handling a Border Terrier. A very gentle young handler who quietly encouraged her dog throughout the class. The lead was always kept tidy which gave her good control over her dog. Showed the teeth in a very calm, clean and gentle manner and spoke to her dog whilst doing so. Unfortunately broke the “golden rule” by getting between myself and the dog but this will come with experience. 

12-16 years (7,1)

Overall a very good quality class but I was surprised by how many handlers in this class failed to provide me with a poo bag. This is essential in both breed & handling classes as you can never guarantee when your dog’s going to need to go.

1st. Caitlin Channon handling a Bichon Frisée. This handler was on form today. Another handler who quietly spoke to her dog giving praise and encouragement throughout. She kept her eyes down on her dog and stood with her feet together at an angle when presenting which left my focus on the dog - Clear presentation of the teeth and completed straight lines at the correct pace for the dog. This handler was able to provide a poo bag and was dressed to complement her charge. Best Junior Handler.

2nd. Ryan Dewey handling a Whippet. Stood his dog well at all times and moved in clean, straight lines with very neat corners. I appreciated the patience this handler had when his dog wasn’t cooperating with the showing of his teeth. Overall very gentle handling with lots of encouragement which could be more subtle. Provided me a poo bag.

Adult Handling

Excellent quality in both classes and everyone was able to provide a poo bag which was great! Well done to you all.

17-39 years (7,3)

1st. Liam Petherick handling a Pointer. A very considerate handler who was always police and very gentle with his dog. Smartly dressed which complemented his dog. Clean presentation of the teeth. Shadowing was just how I like it - not overdone! Great straight lines and tight corners. 

2nd. Savannah Wawman handling a German Wire-haired Pointer. A calm and polite handler who gave her dog plenty of encouragement. Stood her dog correctly at all times and presented the teeth excellently. Dressed very smart in a blue skirt suit which coincidentally matched the blue mats which helped her dog stand out. Shadowing was very neat keeping an eye on my position at all times. Movement wasn’t quite as subtle as 1st which gave him the edge.

40+ years (11,6)

Another class full of top class handlers with very little separating them.

1st. Rena Barrow handling a Beagle. This handler faded into the background throughout. Everything asked of her was completed without hesitation in a very calm and collected, gentle manner. Teeth presentation was good and didn’t over-do the shadowing. Nice tight corners and straight lines following the direction of my feet. Dressed in a grey trouser suit to contrast from her dog which completed her overall presentation. Best Adult Handler & Best Overall Handler.

2nd. Zoe Adey handling a Beagle. Very calm, fuss-free handling quietly done. This handler completed excellent lines with tight corners and kept her lead neat and out of sight at all times preventing distraction. Dressed in a burgundy blazer with black trousers which complimented her dog and wasn’t too flashy.

Meaylee Lewis