West Of England Ladies Kennel Society

West of England Ladies Kennel Association

Royal Young Kennel Club Handling & Adult Handling Association Classes

I’d like to thank the committee for inviting me to judge these classes at this year’s show and all of my stewards for keeping the ring running smoothly. Over the four days I have been able to judge some brilliant handlers throughout all the age classes, in particular there were a number of 6-11 aged handlers who thoroughly impressed me which is very encouraging to see. I did notice a few mistakes that seemed to be common across all age groups such as only showing the front of the mouth when asked for the teeth, that would be correct if I asked for the bite, all three sides must be shown for the teeth. A few people were caught out when I moved a leg on the table so try to be aware of your judge’s movements as this is an easy thing to miss. Another thing that is a pet peeve of mine is wearing trainers. Some handlers had really lovely, smart suits on which complimented their dogs well and it looks great but trainers can detract from this. A pair of smart, black shoes that blend in are much nicer to complete the overall look than trainers.

A number of people came to say that this was their first time competing in a handling class which is very exciting and shows that the interest in handling classes is still increasing. The overall quality of handling was very good and I’d like to say a big thank you for your entries.

Day 1- Hound & Toy

RYKC 6-11 (2,0)

1st Libby Burke, aged 11, handling a Papillon.

Libby is a competent, polite young handler who made a lovely pair with her dog who she encouraged throughout the entire class. Libby made good use of the ring, completing good pattern work with straight lines and tight corners. Libby had her dog stood well at all times and was well aware of my movements throughout the class. Being picky, she could have shown her dog’s teeth a little bit clearer but overall she handled very well and I’m sure she’ll be one to watch in the future.

2nd Robert Stuart, aged 11, handling a Hamiltonstövare.

Robert is another competent and polite young handler who had his dog stood impeccably at all times. Robert moved his dog at the correct pace and spent the whole class communicating to her well. Robert’s individual assessment was neat, showing his dog’s teeth very clearly and shadowing seamlessly. Unfortunately, Robert completed a reverse triangle rather than a triangle which cost him the class on this occasion but his lines were the straightest of the day. I’m sure Robert will have a bright future in junior handling.

RYKC 12-17 (5,3)

1st Daisy Bray, aged 12, handling a Whippet.

Daisy gave a very polished performance today. Daisy had her dog stood perfectly at all times, her tablework was great, standing her dog to advantage, showing the teeth cleanly and gently and she was aware of my movements at all times. Daisy’s pattern work was neat with straight lines and tight corners, standing her dog three paces away and in line with my feet. Daisy used the ring size to her advantage throughout the class, a very strong performance today.

2nd Kaitlyn Collier, aged 17, handling a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Kaitlyn had a difficult time today as her dog was not particularly interested in completing a handling class but she worked well trying to encourage him. Kaitlyn kept calm throughout, re-stood her dog when he moved and showed the teeth very well but just be sure to check that your dog’s front legs are underneath him as he was a little bit overstretched on the individual assessment. Kaitlyn’s pattern work was good with straight lines, neat corners and standing her dog in line with my feet three paces away. Despite Kaitlyn’s best efforts encouraging her dog, her overall performance was not quite as polished as Daisy’s today but given the hard work she put in today I’m sure this would have been better on another day.

RYKC 18-24 (1,0)

1st Katie-Jayne Jennings handling a Maltese. A quiet style of handler who handled her dog in a very sympathetic way. Katie had her dog stood well at all times. On the table she showed her dog’s teeth cleanly and gently. Her pattern work was completed to a high standard, using an appropriate amount of the ring to show her dog well, her line on the straight up and down could have been straighter but a nice performance overall.

Adult Handling Association 17-30 (1,0)

1st Kaitlyn Collier. Kaitlyn did well with another high-spirited dog who, I believe she met only minutes before the class. Kaitlyn’s table work was good, showing her dog’s teeth well and she was aware of my movements, correcting her dog’s stand after the leg was moved. Kaitlyn’s pattern work was a high standard with straight lines, tight corners and moving her dog at the correct pace. A very sympathetic handler with two challenging dogs today.

Adult Handling Association 31-35 (4,2)

1st Katie Dawson. Katie put on a polished performance today, showing her dog on a lovely loose lead. Katie’s dog was perfectly stacked at all times, her lead was neat whilst showing her dog’s teeth well. Her lines were straight with tight corners and she shadowed around her large dog in a quiet and neat manner. A very nice job.

2nd Lindsay Poxon. Lindsay handled in a very gentle and nice manner. Lindsay’s table work was good, showing her dog’s teeth cleanly and gently and her patterns were neat with straight lines and tight corners. Unfortunately Lindsay broke the golden rule, coming in between her dog and myself. Overall a very nice handler to watch.

Adult Handling Association 46-59 (1,0)

1st Katie-Jayne Jennings (I’m not sure if this was a misprint in the catalogue as I have this name down for winning the 18-24 RYKC class, apologies if this is a mistake). This pair made a lovely picture together, having her dog stacked advantageously both on the table and on the floor. Pattern work was really nice, showing their rapport together, straight lines and tight corners. Just make sure to watch if the judge moves a foot on the table and to not cover your dog’s nostrils whilst showing their teeth. Overall a very nice handler to watch.

Adult Handling Association 60+

A very nice class to judge.

1st Simon Sampson. A very nice job today. Simon was attentive to his dog throughout the entire class and showed his dog on a lovely loose lead. Simon’s table work was good, showing his dog’s teeth well and he was aware of my movements at all times. Lovely straight lines and tight corners, completing his pattern work with a great free-stand.

2nd Susan O’Neill. Very nice presentation from this handler today. Susan’s dog was free-stood in an advantageous manner at all times. On the table she showed her dog’s teeth gently and clearly although a neater lead would help the overall neatness. Susan’s patterns were very good with super straight lines and she shadowed around her dog well.

Day 2- Utility & Terrier

RYKC 6-11 (3,1)

1st Myla Mae Haynes, aged 11, handling a Bedlington Terrier. Myla is clearly a very experienced young handler who has good knowledge on how to handle her breed. Myla’s dog was a little reluctant on the move today, possibly due to the heat, but she encouraged her dog throughout the class and got them moving well. Myla’s dog was stood beautifully on the table, the teeth could have been shown a little bit clearer but her lead was very neat whilst doing this. Myla’s lines were very straight despite her dog’s reluctance. A very nice job.

2nd Tilly Vaux, aged 10, handling a Jack Russell Terrier. Tilly coped well with a very lively dog. Tilly had her dog stood very well throughout the class and showed her dog’s teeth nicely on the table. Tilly’s lead was a little bit tight on the move but she was doing well to try to control her excited dog. Unfortunately the golden rule was broken on the up and down but a good job working with an excitable dog today.

RYKC 12-17 (7,1)

1st Lena Tate, aged 15, handling a Miniature Poodle. A very smart pair. Lena handled in a very gentle and sympathetic manner. Lena’s dog was stood in an advantageous manner throughout the class, she showed their teeth clearly and in a gentle manner. Lena’s lines were super straight with tight corners, showing her dog on a lovely loose lead. Overall, a very polished performance and I found out after this class that this was the first time Lena had shown this young dog in a handling class- very well done.

2nd Texas-Lee Dunstone, aged 14, handling a Norfolk Terrier. Texas-Lee had a difficult job today with her dog who was giving her quite the challenge but she coped very well, handling in a quiet and sympathetic manner. She had her dog stood very nicely on the table, showing their teeth well, her lines were straight with neat corners. A very nice handler, just not quite as polished as the 1st on this occasion.

RYKC 18-24 (1,0)

1st Rhys Wyn, aged 20. Rhys worked well with his dog who was giving him a harder time today, slowing them down to work at a nice speed. Rhys’ dog was stood well on the table and he showed their teeth well. Nice straight lines on the patterns, using a good amount of the ring for his small dog. Just make sure to keep your dog in between you and the judge for handling classes.

Adult Handling Association 17-30 (3,2)

1st Megan Rayner, handling a Chow Chow. I have been told that this was Megan’s first time handling this dog and this breed in a handling class and she did very well with her dog who was a little reluctant to move out in the heat today. Megan handled to a high standard, standing her dog very well. She showed their teeth in a gentle manner but this could have been a little bit clearer. Megan’s patterns were very neat with very straight lines and tight corners. A nice performance, working well with her dog today.

Adult Handling Association 31- 45 (6,1)

1st Hailey McKnight, handling a Tibetan Spaniel. A very polished performance today. Hailey had her dog stood beautifully at all times and showed her dog’s teeth clearly on the table. Hailey’s pattern work was very neat, moving her dog at the correct pace with straight lines and neat corners. Hailey showed her dog advantageously and her style of handling won this quality class today.

2nd Andrea Keepence-Keyte, handling a Tibetan Spaniel. Andrea is an experienced handler who has a lovely rapport with her dog. Andrea completed everything that I asked correctly and competently, showing her dog’s teeth well, moving her dog at the correct pace with straight lines, using the ring size well for her dog’s size. Andrea pushed the winner hard today but I preferred the style of 1st on this occasion.

Adult Handling Association 46-59 (3,1)

1st Marie England, handling a Dalmatian. A very nice performance from Marie today, making a lovely partnership with her dog. Marie’s dog was stood well throughout the class, she showed their teeth clearly and corrected the stand after I had moved their foot. Marie moved her dog on a lovely loose lead, completing the patters with straight lines. Marie shadowed around her dog well. A very nice handler to watch.

2nd Samantha Jones. Samantha showed her dog well throughout the class, moving them at the correct pace and standing them well. She could have shown their teeth a little clearer but her patterns were completed to a high standard with straight lines and a good use of the ring size.

Adult Handling Association 60+ (9,2)

Largest class of the day and full of quality handlers.

1st Janet Rice, handling a Tibetan Spaniel. Janet is an experienced handler who showed her dog in an advantageous manner, moving her at the correct speed with a lovely loose lead, standing her well both on the floor and on the table. Janet showed her dog’s bite correctly, showing them in a gentle manner. Janet’s patterns were neat with straight lines, ending in a very nice free-stand. A lovely job.

2nd Lynda Holmes, handling a Border Terrier. Lynda handled in a very sympathetic manner. Her dog looked great at all times. On the table she correctly showed her dog’s bite and she corrected her dog’s stand after I had moved a leg. Lynda showed her dog at the correct pace, using the whole ring to her advantage. Being picky, her lines could have been a little bit straighter but she handled her dog very nicely throughout the class.

Day 3- Gundog

RYKC 6-11 (6,3)

I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with the level of quality in this class for handlers so young.

1st Anastasia Voutsis, aged 10, handling a Pointer. I have never judged this handler before but I believe that I first saw her compete at a show last year and I was very impressed then but today I was blown away by her handling. For one so young she had complete control over her big dog throughout the class, she had them stood perfectly both on her individual assessment and within the group of handlers. Anastasia completed the neatest lines of all ages over the four days and she moved her dog at the perfect pace. If I’m being picky, she could have shown the front of her dog’s teeth a little bit neater, making sure her fingers were out of the way but I really am nitpicking. These two make a very smart partnership and I’m sure Anastasia has a very bright future as a handler.

2nd Emily Windler, aged 11, handling a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. A lovely, experienced handler who was unlucky to come up against the 1st today. I am involved in handling this breed so I have seen Emily in the breed classes and I have always thought that she is a lovely natural handler who gets the best out of her dog and today was no different. Her dog was unsettled by the loud speaker and by a loose dog who came running into the ring but Emily reassured her. Emily showed her dog’s teeth gently and clearly, I would recommend for Emily to change the hand her lead is in when placing her dog’s legs when stacking as this will look a lot neater and help the overall picture. Emily shadowed around her dog well and completed very straight lines with tight corners. A very nice performance and another handler who will have a very bright future in handling.

RYKC 12-17 (6,4)

1st Connie Norman-Thorpe, aged 15, handling a Labrador Retriever. Connie is a very sympathetic handler who showed her dog advantageously. Connie’s dog was a little bit sluggish on the move and Connie tailored her speed to suit her dog on the day rather than rushing. Connie noticed that I moved her dog’s foot and restacked them well, she could have shown their teeth a little bit clearer. Connie had lovely straight lines but must remember to finish the up and down, if the judge moves, make sure to continue going straight until you reach your starting point then return to stand in front of the judge. Overall a very nice job.

2nd Annabel Green, aged 13, handling a Flat Coated Retriever. A smartly dressed handler who was at one with her dog. Annabel moved her dog at the correct pace and had a lovely free- stand throughout the class. Make sure to show all three sides of your dog’s mouth if a judge asked for teeth as only showing the front would be correct for showing the bite. Annabel also had lovely straight lines and used the whole of the ring to her advantage, however, like 1st, Annabel must remember to finish the up and down, if the judge moves, make sure to continue going straight until you reach your starting point then return to stand in front of the judge. Some really nice moments throughout the class and a lovely partnership between handler and dog.

RYKC 18-24 (9,5)

1st Phoebe Toublic, aged 20, handling an English Springer Spaniel. A very neat and polished performance from Phoebe today. Everything Phoebe did was gentle, tidy and nice to watch. Phoebe’s dog was stood very nicely throughout. She moved them at the correct pace with straight lines and tight corners. Phoebe encouraged her dog throughout the entire class which was lovely to see. Being very picky, Phoebe could be a little bit quicker stacking her dog after moving but she did so very gently. All very nice to see.

2nd Lucy Wareham, aged 21, handling a Clumber Spaniel. Lucy is another skilled handler who showed her dog off well, moving at the correct speed for the breed. Lucy’s dog was a bit fidgety whilst being stacked but Lucy calmly and gently restacked them well. Lucy showed the teeth clearly and in a gentle manner. Lucy’s patterns were good with neat corners and straight lines. Lucy’s lead could be a little bit neater to help the overall picture but this is a very small improvement. A nice handler to watch.

Adult Handling Association 17-30 (4,1)

1st Lucy Wareham. This class was less than 5 minutes after the RYKC 18-24 Years class and so the same comments apply.

2nd Shelbi Lodge. A newer exhibitor to handling classes, in fact, after the class Shelbi told me that it was her first ever attempt at a handling class so I was thoroughly impressed. Shelbi had her dog free-standing very nicely throughout the class and she showed her dog’s teeth very well. Shelbi kept her lead nice and neat, ensuring it didn’t get in the way. Shelbi moved her dog at the correct pace, make sure to start your pattern from the judges feet, her lines were straight and she shadowed around her dog well. A great first attempt at a handling class.

Adult Handling Association 31-45 (7,5)

1st Elizabeth Gough, handling a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. A very polished performance. Elizabeth had her dog stood advantageously at all times in a lovely free-stand. Elizabeth showed her dog’s teeth clearly and gently, making sure she did not get in the way of my view. Her patterns were good, moving her dog at the correct pace with straight lines and tight corners. Elizabeth is a quiet handler who works well with her dog throughout.

2nd Natalie Storey, handling a Pointer. Natalie is a competent handler who worked well with her dog. Natalie had her dog stood well throughout the class and showed their teeth clearly. Natalie’s patterns were good with straight lines. I preferred the natural style of handling from 1st today but this doesn’t reduce the quality of handling that Natalie produced today.

Adult Handling Association 46-59 (3,0)

1st Silke McDowell, handling a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. A very nice performance from this pair who work very well together. Silke showed her dog on a lovely loose lead, moving them at the correct pace at all times. Silke had nice straight lines and tight corners on the pattern work. Silke’s dog was beautifully free-stood which looked great, she showed her dog’s teeth clearly and shadowed well around her dog. A very neat and nice performance.

2nd Nina Parker-Miles, handling a Curly Coated Retriever. Nina had her dog stood very nicely at all times. Nina also moved her dog at the correct pace and they made a good partnership. The teeth could have been shown a little bit clearer and keep the lead hidden in your hand to make the overall look a bit neater but I am nitpicking here. Nina encouraged her dog throughout the class which was lovely to see. Nina’s pattern work was neat with straight lines, finishing with a very nice stand from her dog.

Adult Handling Association 60+ (9,6)

1st Helen Golding, handling a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Helen and her dog made a lovely partnership to watch. Helen moved her dog on a lovely loose lead, with straight lines and tight corners, coming into a lovely free-stand at the end. Helen showed her dog’s teeth well but could keep her lead a little bit neater whilst doing so for the overall neatness. Helen had her dog looking good at all times. A very nice job.

2nd Sandy Nokes, handling a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla. I really liked Sandy’s style of handling, just enough that you notice her but not enough to detract from the dog. Sandy’s dog was stood very well, showing the teeth could be clearer. Sandy’s pattern work was very neat, moving her dog at the right pace. Just watch for a judge moving your dog’s foot on the stand. Another good job.

Day 4- Working & Pastoral

RYKC 6-11 (4,0)

1st Connor Morris, handling a Siberian Husky. What a polite, experienced young handler Connor is. Connor and his young dog make such a lovely partnership as she works so well for him and doesn’t take her eyes off him! Connor moved his dog at the correct pace with the straightest of lines and neat corners. Connor showed her teeth gently and clearly. Connor had his dog stood perfectly at all times. A really lovely performance and another handler that I am sure has a very bright future.

2nd Abigail Twigg, handling a Rottweiler. A nice young handler who encouraged her young dog throughout the class, especially to show their teeth, which they were reluctant to do so. Abigail moved them at the correct pace to complete neat pattern work. Abigail’s lead could have been neater in her hand rather than wrapped around her hand to make the overall finish that bit neater but a very nice job with a big, young dog.

RYKC 12-17 (9,2)

A very nice class.

1st Grace Rutherford, handling a Border Collie. I have seen Grace in handling classes for years and so I know that Border Collies are not her breed but if I didn’t know what breeds she handles, I would have thought this was her own dog. Grace had a lovely partnership with this dog and she showed them in a breed specific manner. Grace is a calm, quiet handler who lets the dog take centre stage and it looked great, especially with this dog. Grace’s patterns were super neat with lovely straight lines and she had her dog stood to perfection throughout the class. Being picky, showing the dog’s teeth could have been a little bit neater but that didn’t take away from the great job Grace did today.

2nd Livia Boryc, handling a Samoyed. I really like Livia’s handling style and I have awarded her in the past, since then she has developed into a lovely, quiet but stylish handler. Livia’s dog was a little bit sluggish on the move and she encouraged them well whilst completing her patterns which had straight lines and tight corners. Very close between 1st and 2nd but Livia’s performance wasn’t quite as polished as the winner’s today due to her needing to encourage her dog to move at a good pace. A very nice job.

RYKC 18-24 (3,1)

1st Tamsin Blyton, handling an Australian Shepherd. Tamsin’s handling was neat, polished and complimented her dog well today. She is a sympathetic handler who encouraged her dog throughout the class. Tamsin’s dog was stood advantageously throughout the class and her pattern work was super neat. Tamsin showed her dog’s teeth clearly and she was aware of my movements throughout the class. Couldn’t fault her handling today.

2nd Willow Johnson, handling a Shetland Sheepdog. Willow handled her dog in a very calm and nice manner today. She moved them at the correct pace and had them stood well throughout the class. Willow’s patterns were neat with straight lines and tight corners, she also showed her dog’s teeth clearly. Willow’s handling was very nice, she just lacked the polish of the winners handling on this occasion.

Adult Handling Association 17-30 (5,3)

1st Melissa Graham-Weall, handling a Shetland Sheepdog. Melissa was a very neat, quiet and encouraging handler who worked well with her dog. Melissa’s dog was stood well at all times, she showed their teeth clearly and gently and she was aware or my movements at all times. Melissa’s patterns were neat, with straight lines, she showed her dog on a lovely loose lead and finished it with a great free-stand. Overall a very nice performance.

2nd. Pumpkin Seaborn-Wendland, handling a Border Collie. This partnership worked well together despite her dog being very young and distracted by the smells in the ring, Pumpkin encouraged them well and moved them at a good pace. She had her dog stood very well at all times. Just make sure to show all sides of the mouth if a judge asks for teeth instead of the bite and to start your pattern at the judges feet. Overall a nice job with a distracted youngster.

Adult Handling Association 31-45 (1,1)

Adult Handling Association 46-59 (4,0)

1st Ann-Marie Taylor, handling a Norwegian Buhund. Ann-Marie put on a very neat performance, encouraging her dog who was a little unsettled with loud cheering in the ring next to us. Ann-Marie was the only one in this class to correctly show all sides of the mouth when I asked for the teeth. She used the size of the ring to her advantage on the move, the up and down could have been a little bit straighter but it ended in a lovely free-stand. A great job.

2nd Sarah O’Brien, handling a Bearded Collie. I was told after this class that this was Sarah’s first time in a handling class, I wouldn’t have known if that wasn’t mentioned as she seemed very confident and handled very well. Sarah’s dog was stood well and moved at the correct pace with a lovely loose lead. Sarah must remember to show all three sides of the teeth instead of just the bite but she showed this gently and clearly. Sarah’s lines were straight and overall a very good first attempt at a handling class.

Adult Handling Association 60+ (5,1)

1st Ian Wakeling, handling a Siberian Husky. Ian showed his dog off advantageously throughout the class. Initially his dog was a little uncooperative but he settled them well and got a lovely shape out of them. Ian showed his dog’s teeth the best in this class. His pattern work was neat with straight lines, moving them at the correct pace. A lovely job.

2nd Penny Steele, handling a Bearded Collie. Penny did a lovely job showing off her dog well. Penny had her dog stood beautifully at all times and moved them on a lovely loose lead. Penny’s patterns were good with lovely straight lines and tight corners. Just missed that I had moved her dog’s foot on the stand and showed me the bite instead of the teeth. Overall a very nice job and it was lovely watching the two of you together.

Elise O’Connor (Talistella)