Cheltenham & District Canine Society

364. Adult Handling 17-35 years (13,4)

This was a very well-filled class of all abilities of handling, with some very close calls for the top positions. As we were pushed for space in the ring, I asked all the handlers to complete an up and down followed by joining onto the end of the line, without stopping. This did prove a reasonable challenge to some handlers, remember that the full up and down should be completed in the left hand, then swap hands before joining on the end of the line. A reminder for some handlers that when asked to show the bite, I would only like to see the front teeth, not all three sides.

1st Phoebe Toublic handling an English Springer Spaniel. Phoebe is the definition of a sympathetic handler. She handled her dog with such care and gentleness throughout the class and had her dog presented to perfection whenever I was looking. She clearly showed me the bite and correctly identified the croup. Her up and down was the straightest today, followed by a very smooth hand change to join on the end of the line, always remembering to encourage her dog. She made full use of the ring, moving her dog at the correct pace. She shadowed perfectly, allowing me full view of the dog at all times, but never made her movements too obvious. Flawless performance, very well done.

2nd Megan Slack handling a Portuguese Water Dog. I really commend Megan as her dog wasn’t easy to handle as she requires some extra encouragement, but she really did get the very best out of her today. Megan is another handler who handles so effortlessly and seamlessly blends into the background, giving her dog the full stage. Her dog was always stood four square, she showed me the bite clearly and confidently and she correctly identified the croup. She used the full ring to showcase her dog and smoothly swapped hands before joining on the end after her up and down. Another handler demonstrating exemplary shadowing, so that I hardly knew she was moving, yet my view of the dog was never obstructed. A very very close call between 1 and 2, but 1st’s line was just that fraction straighter today. Well done.

3rd – Sraeyaa Jayakumar handling a Doberman

365. Adult Handling 36 years and over (19,6)

Another abundantly full class, who I asked to complete just a triangle. Generally, this as was very well performed, but nearly all the handlers presented too close or off centre – remember the dog should be three paces from the judge on the final present and right in the middle of the judge’s feet. All the handlers in this class were able to show the teeth clearly, but for neatness, I would prefer you make a distinction in showing each side, instead of lifting all the gums and rotating the dogs head around quickly.

1st Shiobhan Lea handling a Border Collie. This handler demonstrated a good understanding of breed specific handling, giving her dog ample room to use her full gait and always moving her at the correct pace. She had her dog correctly free stood for assessment, she showed me the teeth clearly and gently replaced her dog’s leg when I moved it. Her triangle was executed neatly and she presented in the centre of my feet. She shadowed very well throughout the class. Top class performance, well done.

2nd Janet Rice handling a Tibetan Spaniel. Another stand out handler in this class who handled her dog to a very high standard. She showed me all three sides of the teeth clearly and sympathetically. Her pattern work and shadowing were exemplary, 1st just had the upper edge on the final present today. She used the ring to full advantage, showcasing her dog at all times. Very well done.

3rd – Andrea Keepence-Keyte handling a Tibetan Spaniel

Emily Moores (Chibaya)