Gravesend & Medway Towns Canine Society

Junior Handling 6-11 years (6, 1)

A very smartly turned-out group of young people. A few general pointers for everyone to think about going forwards. For handling classes, the judge is watching from the moment you step into the ring, so please note where the judge is standing as you enter and take your positions for the start of the class. All the handlers broke the golden rule (of getting between the judge and their dog) as they walked into the class. When asked to show the “bite”, the judge only needs to see the front teeth assembly – almost all of the handlers showed the “teeth”. Also, after the judge has “gone over” your dog, just have a quick glance at where your dog’s feet are – only a couple of handlers corrected the hind leg that I moved to the wrong position (a useful tip for breed showing too, especially with a fidgety dog).

1st Amelia Blanchard handling a Miniature Poodle. I liked how Amelia spoke kindly to her dog, and didn’t make a fuss when the dog was a little unsure on the table. Corrected the hind leg I misplaced. She moved with nice straight lines and at the correct pace for her dog. 

2nd Leah Sharp handling a German Shepherd Dog. It’s difficult to handle a large dog for handling classes, but Leah did a great job. She correctly showed the bite and moved at the correct pace for her dog, with tidy lines.

3rd Edward Huttley Kemp handling an American Cocker Spaniel. A very keen handler, who shadowed well in the line up. I would just ask that Edward takes a moment to listen to the instructions of the judge before doing the pattern work, although he did move with straight lines.

4th Esme Streeter handling a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit). A polite young handler who was very attentive to her dog’s foot placement. Could have straighter lines and move with a consistent stride to achieve harmony with her dog.

5th Rose Philo handling a French Bulldog. She was able to control her dog nicely but broke the golden rule on her individual pattern work. I understand it was her first time in the ring, so this will come with practice.