Perthshire Canine Club

Junior Handling 

I competed in JHA in the past. I am not a judge who is looking for perfect lines. Blocking the dog from the judge is not a severe fault for me, something to take note of yes. But for me I would rather see a handler & dog at one. Showing off breed specific details “ears” are something to take note of, it’s important they are forward not flat back to the head. But most importantly a strong rapport, a loose lead & a sparkle in the dogs eyes rather than a robot. Please handlers take note of this, the dog should be enjoying it as well as yourself. Have fun, it will in turn come across to the judge in your favour. 

1st 7 Year old handler with dachshund who I when I said “go round in one final circle come back do a free stand to impress” did exactly that. I was totally blown away with the attention to detail for a handler of such a young age. Stood the dog beautifully on the table, showed the teeth well, needs a little work on side teeth. Moved at one with dog when settled with excellent L shaped arm. When coming back to the free stand at the end it was what made the final decision for me, I was so impressed with how efficiently he was able to stack his dog & pay attention to breed specific details, even tucking the tail & raising the head to show off the neck. It’s rare to see one so young with such natural talent. I hope he continues to show with such enthusiasm! 

2nd 10 year old handler with Papillon. Impressed me from the first moment. It was clear to see a very strong rapport between handler & dog I loved how sympathetic this handler was. This dog was not so easy as he does not naturally hold his tail up so she was working extremely hard at all times. Stood the dog very well on the table needs a little work picking up legs over the top of the dog. When moving she kept the dog interested throughout with praise, extremely fluent with a lot of enthusiasm. I would love to see this pair with a few more years under their belt, possible a little more work on the freestand. Another naturally talented handler. Keep up the good work! 

1st 13 year old very polished handler with Chinese Crested. Impressed me a lot. Handling its not so easy with an 11m old puppy and this handler made it look easy. When standing was stood beautifully at all times, ears forward whenever I looked at the expression. Showed the teeth very well. Stacked the legs efficiently. Moved at one with the dog with beautiful L shaped arm, a little excessive chuffing when the dog was moving I can put it purely to nerves, just settle it down use a collar at the side of her face and loosen the lead a little bit. A lot of talent. Looked the total picture with this little dog. Once again keep up the good work. One for the future! 

2nd 14 year old handler with Border Collie. I liked how natural this young handler was. No frills. But again totally at one with this dog. Stacked the dog beautifully, showed the teeth well. On movement very fluent at all times. L shaped arm but take note bending back with the hand, keep the arm stiff as if you fall or the dog pulls you won’t damage your arm. It was clear to see a really good rapport with this dog. Was a few hairs at the end just breed specific details getting those ears forward. Work on holding the side of the dogs face and tipping the ears bringing that topline up a little bit. It’s tiny things that will make a huge difference to this talented handler. So close up to 1. Keep up the good work!