Stafford & District Canine Society

Stafford & District Canine Society 24th September 2022

JHA – Handling classes

Great to see these classes well supported, so many fantastic handlers coming up and was brilliant to see such a variety of breeds being shown in these classes. Lovely to see all exhibitor’s congratulating each other and working together in the classes, thank you for the entries.

6 – 11 years (6,3)

1st Livia Boryc aged 11. Livia presented her Samoyed extremely well, showed the teeth cleanly and correctly, and was attentive at all times. Very clean lines in her pattern work and made smooth lead changes. I really liked how Livia was not only aware of my position at times, but set up her dog at the correct distance at the end of the pattern. Lead work really smooth and she allowed the dog to shine and was polite throughout. In the challenge for best junior handler, her neat corners clinched her top honours. BJH

2nd Abigail Twigg aged 8. Abigail was showing a very cheeky Kooikerhondje who at one point did steal all Abigails bait just as she was setting the dog up, this didn’t put Abigail off she was very patient and waited until the dog was relaxed again before resetting the dog. Moved her dog at the correct pace and showed great rapport throughout. Excellent shadow work and worked hard to keep her dog focused.

3rd Sydnie Ledgar aged 9. Sydnie set up her Golden Retriever with minimal fuss, the only handler showing a stacked dog so sometimes there can be a tendency to rush but Sydnie was very efficient in setting up. Just needs a little practice showing all the teeth to the judge and remember to not get between the dog and the judge. Really nice lead work throughout and both dog and handler moved at the correct pace.

12 – 16 years (5, 3)

1st Maddie Buchwald aged 14. Maddie handled her Leonberger extremely well as navigating a large breed around the ring whilst maintaining straight lines and neat pattern work can be a challenge. Maddie was efficient in setting the judge up and showed all teeth correctly. When moving, Maddie was aware o my position and made sure to settle her dog prior to moving to ensure they were both ready to go. In the challenge, just lost out on the lines being not as neat, I think partly due to the dog becoming tired coming straight from the class, but Maddie worked really well to encourage the dog round the ring.

2nd Tilly Crookes aged 15. Tilly handled her Dalmatian with minimal fuss, excellent shadow work demonstrated with this typically free-standing breed. She set up the dog well, just remember to show all the teeth on both sides not just the bite. Another handler that made sure the dog was ready to go, this creates straight lines and both dog and handler move off at the same pace. Great rapport with her dog throughout and made a smooth hand changeover whilst moving when I asked an additional pattern from this class.

3rd Hannah Whittingham aged 15. Hannah demonstrated excellent shadow work with her Australian Shepherd, clean demonstration of the teeth and was able to correct the dogs stack easily. Moved at the correct pace and gave me enough room to see the whole picture of the dog at the end of the pattern. Just remember when turning, not to come between the dog and the judge. Great lines when moving and set off dead centre from where I was standing.

Judge

Lisa Marley (Bellili)