Dundee Canine Club

I asked the same pattern from all of the handlers, a triangle, straight up and down and round to the end. My aim was to see if the handlers were listening, I was looking for handlers to carry out the pattern work and return to the line up without standing their dog. Watching the handlers, as a whole the standard of handling is on the increase again, but time needs to be taken on practicing the basics such as showing teeth and straight lines.

JHA- Handling 6-11 Years

1st and Best Junior Handler Abigail Kirkwood-Emery, Mini wire Dachie. A very talented young handler, who is welcome to show my dogs. She took her time setting up her charge, ensuring she was shown to advantage. Her lines were very straight, corners tight and she used the ring well.

2nd Lexa Smith, whippet. Another good handler who was unfortunate to come up against 1st today. She listened well and moved her dog to his best. Lost out on corners today but with a little work will be one to watch in the future.

JHA- Handling 12-16 Years

1st Ellie Darling Steele, Rhodesian Ridgeback. Even though she was showing a large dog, this handler still managed to have the straightest lines and neatest corners of the class. With the correct balance of confidence and “blending into the background”. She has a great understanding of how to stand her dog to advantage.

2nd Alexis Kirkwood-Emery, Soft Coated Wheaten. You can tell this handler puts in a lot of work behind the scenes and it is paying off. Today she handled a borrowed puppy, who made her work for her placing. She managed her charge with patience and sympathy, which paid off, the duo completed the pattern work well. She didn’t get flustered when her dog was a bit over excited on the move. Missed out on 1st today as didn’t quite have the polished performance.

Adult Handling Up to 50 Years

1st and Best Adult Handling Chloe Auld, Standard Poodle. A handler completely at one with her dog. Her suit complimented her dog but her understated handling meant she blended into the background. Her floor work and moving of her charge was very neat.

2nd Erin Logie, Large Munsterlander. Another attentive handler who knows how to get the best out of her dog. Her rapport with her dog was first class and she moved her dog at the perfect speed.

Adult Handling Over 50 Years

1st Jane McNiven, handling a stubborn Scottish Terrier. A very quiet handler who gets the best out of her dog. Listened well, carried out the pattern work and her corners were very neat.

2nd Billie Darling, Rhodesian Ridgeback. Handling a large dog, this handler showed the teeth well and moved her dog at the correct speed during her pattern work. A very nice performance, just felt that 1 had the harder job today.

Caitlin Penny Forbes (Karensbrae)