National Gundog Association

National Gundog Association- YKC Handling and Fosse Data Senior Handling

Thank you to the National Gundog Association for inviting me to step in as a replacement judge for the YKC Members Handling and Senior Handling classes. It was a real pleasure to see so many enthusiastic and promising young handlers — the future of our sport is in good hands. There was some lovely work on display, but I'd like to offer a few points of constructive feedback. Not all handlers appeared aware of the judge's position throughout the pattern, and at times got between the dog and the judge breaking the golden rule. I was particularly looking for handlers who moved their dogs at the correct pace, showed clean and accurate pattern work, and demonstrated working in unison with their dog. With continued focus on these areas, I have no doubt we’ll see some of these handlers achieving great success in the future.

YKC -6-11 (4,1)

All 3 of these handlers have a promising future, with time and practice they have the ability to achieve great things.

1st Anastasia Voutsis Handling a Pointer, this was a well-presented handler who moved the dog at the correct pace, with clean and accurate pattern work. However, at times Anastasia’s lines could have been straighter, which is something to continue working on. Anastasia, demonstrated good technique when showing the dog’s teeth, ensuring the judge’s view was not obstructed. Importantly, she had a strong rapport with her dog, using voice commands effectively to guide turns and maintain connection throughout. Well done!

2nd Karson Maver Handling a Italian Spinone, a well-presented young man who showed his dogs with confidence. He moved the dog at the correct pace and demonstrated the bite clearly without obscuring the judge’s view. However, at times Karson positioned himself between the dog and the judge. I would also like to see cleaner, straighter lines in his pattern work. That said, he maintained consistent communication with his dog throughout, showing a positive rapport. Well done, Karson

3rd Lucas Pearson, Another young well presented handler and showed good potential. However, he broke the golden rule by getting between the dog and the judge.When asked to show the bite, Lucas did show the teeth which wasn’t what I had asked for, although he showed teeth he did so well, without obstructing the judge’s view. He moved the dog at the correct pace, which was pleasing to see. As with others, his lines could have been straighter, but with continued practice and focus, Lucas has huge potential. Well done, Lucas!

YKC 12-17(9,3)

1st Leila Levene Handling and Irish Setter, Leila was a well-presented handler with super slick pattern work. She always kept the dog visible to the judge. Her movement was smooth and at the correct pace, with straight lines and crisp corners throughout. Leila was a really lovely handler to watch — confident, controlled, and composed. She showed the mouth correctly, was aware of the judge’s position and made full use of the ring. Pushed hard for best handler.

2nd Chole Cooper Handling a Flat Coat, a well-presented handler with super slick pattern work. She was very attentive to her dog, moved at the correct pace, and showed the mouth clearly and confidently. However, on the up and back, her lines could have been straighter. Chloe conducted herself with great politeness and professionalism, making her a pleasure to watch in the ring.

3rd Keira Clark Handling a Cocker Spaniel, Keira was an attentive handler who showed a good connection with her dog. However, when entering the ring, she positioned herself between the dog and the judge. She moved the dog well, with clean pattern work, and made excellent use of the entire ring. Keira also showed the mouth clearly and without obstruction.

YKC (4,2)

1st Phoebe Toublic, Phoebe was a lovely handler who demonstrated excellent ringcraft throughout. She never got between the dog and the judge, showed the mouth of her dog correctly, and moved the dog at the correct pace. Her lines were super clean, and her pattern work was crisp and precise. A standout performance. Best YKC Handler

2nd Mia Pullen Handling Vizla - Mia was an attentive and well-presented handler who showed good potential in the ring. At times, she positioned herself between the dog and the judge, Her pattern work could benefit from a bit more crispness, but her up and back was nice and straight and showed good report with her dog.

Fosse Data Senior Handling 17-30 (6,3)

This was a tricky class to judge as all 3 of these handlers were top draw.

1st Harriot Turner Handling a GSP, Harriot was a really tidy handler who demonstrated excellent ringcraft. Her lines were straight, her pattern work was crisp, and she showed the mouth clearly and confidently. She moved the dog at the correct pace and worked in harmony with her dog throughout, showing it off to the best of her ability. A lovely performance from a composed and capable handler.

2nd Elizibeth Gough Handling a Nova Scotian duck tolling retriever. Another handler who was at one with her dog. Crisp pattern work. However, her up and back could have been slightly straighter. Showed the mouth wow. Showed the dog off. Another excellent handler.

3rd Emily Bennet

Fosse Data Senior Handling 31-45 (4,3)

1st Victoria Wilkins Handling a Munsterlander. Such an attentive and sympathetic handler. Was always aware of my position. She had good pattern work, crisp lines, and showed good skill in shadowing. Showed teeth, without obstructing judges view, and is at one with her dog. Push hard for Best Handler.

Fosse Data Senior Handling (11,4)

1st Sophy Pashley Handling a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, this handler delivered everything I was looking for today. She showed the dog to its best advantage, demonstrating excellent ring awareness and never losing sight of my position. Sophy moved the dog at the correct pace, with crisp, clean lines and a beautifully executed triangle. Shadowing was precise and well-timed, showing a strong connection and teamwork with her dog throughout. Confident, composed, and in control from start to finish, she gave a polished and professional performance. Best Handler.

2nd H. Malvin showed another strong performance as a handler with her Visla. She was well presented. Her handling was confident, and she demonstrated good ring awareness with clean, straight lines that allowed the dog’s movement to be assessed clearly. On one occasion, she stepped between the dog and me, which momentarily disrupted the flow of her presentation. While this did not significantly detract from the overall impression, it is something to be mindful of in future.

Senior Handling

1st S. Noaks stood alone in this class but demonstrated the qualities of an accomplished handler. She moved the dog at exactly the correct pace, ensuring the dog was shown to its best advantage. Her pattern work was accurate, smooth, she pushed hard for best handler on the day and gave a performance that was polished, controlled, and worthy of recognition.

Kyle Cy Bridgman-Lewis (Suttonpark)