Oxfordshire Canine Society

Oxfordshire Canine Society  

3rd March 2019 

Handling  

Thank you to all of the handlers who entered under me, I was thrilled with my entry. Although never a Junior Handler myself, my son was for years and I have spent a lot of hours watching and learning from him as well as from other Junior Handlers who have used my dogs for handling so I hope that I judged you all fairly. I was very impressed with the appearance of all of the handlers who were very smart and well presented. Use of leads was very good too, although don’t forget when you have a long coated breed to keep checking that the coat is still lying flat. On the whole there was very good interaction between handlers and their dogs, never underestimate the importance of this though. The handlers who did the best today had a real rapport with their dogs. One thing that I was surprised at was that a fair number of handlers were unprepared should their dog “perform” in the ring. My son learnt this to his peril when his dog did it at Crufts one year! Always carry a poo bag! 

YKC Members Handling Classes   6-11 – Despite this being the youngest of the handling classes, I was very impressed with what I saw. I think that both of these girls have a bright future in handling.   

1. Lucie Ward aged 8 handling an Afghan Hound. This is a really challenging breed to handle as they can be very wilful and challenge any handlers talents. Lucie was very smartly dressed and looked very confident with her dog. Her lead use was excellent, ensuring that the dog’s coat was lying flat after moving. She showed me the teeth in the correct way. She was very aware of where I was and moved accordingly. She constantly talked to and encouraged her dog having an excellent rapport. She took two attempts at doing her pattern, but that can be forgiven as the dog was playing her up and she remained unphased and on me asking her to repeat it she did, perfectly that time. She noticed that I had moved her dogs leg when I went over it and moved it back. She was also very polite, coming up afterwards and asking to shake my hand. Such a thing can be commended and whoever is training her should be very proud. I will be keeping an eye on this young lady as I think she will grow into a fabulous handler.  

2. Emily Russell aged 11 handling a Parson Russell. Emily was dressed smartly and looked the part for handling her breed. Her lead use was good but she needs to watch that she keeps hold of it at all times. The teeth were  shown correctly. She needs to be more aware of where the judge is standing as she broke the “golden rule” a couple of times. When moving around the ring, she made full use of the space which is excellent, she didn’t cut any corners. Her pattern was very good, with sharp turns.    

12-16 – This was a class with some excellent handlers in it. I really struggled with the top placings as there was very little to fault with any of these girls. If I am being picky, not all handlers made full use of the ring, some were unprepared for accidents and also unaware of me moving their dogs legs whilst going over them.  

1. Abby Webb aged 16 handling a Tibetan Terrier. Abby was immaculately turned out, really looking the best to handle her dog. Her lead use was excellent, always keeping it out of the way, making it almost invisible to the observer. She was aware when the lead moved the dogs coat and always correctly it quickly. She showed the teeth correctly and clearly but gently. Her awareness of where I was standing was excellent, always looking up to see where I was standing before changing position. She was extremely attentive to her dog, they really have a great rapport. She performed her pattern well, making full use of the ring. A pleasure to watch.  

2. Evie Tinegate aged 15 handling a Parson Russell. Evie was very smartly dressed, her lead use was excellent, she showed her dogs teeth to me in the correct order and very clearly. She made full use of the ring whilst completing her pattern continuously looking at her dog and talking to it. She was aware of where I was standing and corrected herself when necessary without any fuss.

  17-24 – Some of these handlers are ones that I recognise as they are from a time when my son was competing and it was lovely to see them now at the top of their game. As you would expect, the standard in this class was exceptional. I was really splitting hairs with some of my placings. 

1. Connie Hazeltine aged 22 handling a Pointer. I have seen Connie in breed classes at many shows but this is the first time that I have truly appreciated what a great handler she is. She was immaculately turned out, from her suit to her hair. Her lead use was flawless, always making sure that it was well out of the way. She showed the teeth correctly and clearly. She was fully aware of where I was the whole time, constantly checking between where I was and what her dog was doing. She had a great rapport with her dog  who hung on her every word. She made full use of the ring which showed her dog to its absolute best. Her pattern was excellent. I was delighted to award her best “Junior” handler and then Best Handler in Show.  

2. Robin Alner aged 22 handling a Leonberger. I must ,mention the age of the dog that Robin was handling as I feel that he did an excellent job handling a challenging and mischievous breed let alone a 9 month old puppy. Robin was very well presented, looking the part in his suit. His lead use was excellent, he was very aware of where I was at all times. He showed the dogs teeth perfectly despite the dogs age. He made full use of the ring and had fantastic rapport with his dog. He performed his pattern well.     

Adult Handling Classes   25- 40 – All handlers in this class needed to be more aware of where the judge is standing at all times. There was also a slight lack of rapport with the dogs. Handlers would benefit from reading up about handling rules as apart from the winner all handlers didn’t follow the golden rule. Talking to your charge is so important if you are to get the best out of it both in the handling and the breed ring. Handlers should also be prepared for accidents in the ring, most in this class were not.  

1. Michelle Jones handling a Hungarian Puli. Michelle was smart and presented her dog well. Her lead use was excellent. Her showing of the teeth was good. She was aware of where I was standing and kept the golden rule. She had excellent rapport with her dog and this along with her well performed pattern won her the class today.  

2. Mindaugas Baziulis handling a Pomeranian. Mindaugas was immaculately dressed, one of the smartest of the handlers today. His lead use was excellent, holding it just right so as to have good control over his dog. When I asked him to show me the teeth he only showed me the bite, it should be left side, right side and then bite. He performed his pattern well, making full use of the ring. He needs to be more aware of the judge as when I was looking around the dog on the table he didn’t move, although he did when the dog was on the floor. He also needs to talk to the dog not just standing but also on the move in order to get the best out of his dog.

41 Years & Over – A class of very good handlers who impressed me. I was hard pressed to choose between them and found my final decision very hard.  

1. Gemma Perry handling a Swedish Valhund. Gemma was very smart, showed excellent use of the lead and showed her dogs teeth correctly and gently. She was aware of where I was standing the whole time and kept looking up to see where I was. She was very attentive to her dog, being firm but fair which I think is  needed with this breed who seem to be quite wilful! She performed her pattern well, making full use of the ring. Best Adult Handler. 

2. Shelley Skinner handling a Rough Collie. I have judged Shelley before and was impressed with the rapport that she has with her dog and she was no different today. There are a lot of handlers that could learn a lot from her about having a good relationship with the dog you are handling. Shelley was smartly dressed and her use of the lead on her coated breed was very good. She showed the dogs teeth accurately. Her pattern was good, watching the dog and me as she performed it and made full use of the ring.  

Sarah-Jane Finch (Dalticino)