Aberystwyth & District Canine Society

Handling Classes – Judge Gentle Lowe

Thank you to everyone for your entries and, of course, to my steward, Gwen.

Overall, most handlers were very well presented and professional, and the standard of competition was high. Some of the younger children were handling more challenging breeds, and they took this in their stride, which was very pleasing to see.

There are a few areas where some handlers could make improvements, particularly with positioning when moving away from the judge. On the return, handlers should aim to position their dog directly in front of the judge rather than allowing the dog to finish sideways or where the judge has to move.

Junior Handling

Class A – 6–10 Years

4 entries – 4 present

1st – Tilly Vaux

This young lady impressed me with her overall handling and presentation. She showed me the dog's bite correctly and handled her dog in a quiet and confident manner. She was very aware of my position and kept the dog in view at all times.

Her lines were straight, and she moved her dog at the correct pace. Well done — lovely handling. I am sure you have a bright future in handling classes.

2nd – George Tulloch

This handler was likely the youngest in the class, and I was very impressed with his skills. He was extremely well presented and did a great job handling his dog.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a step available, which made his job more difficult on the table as his dog was taller. However, he successfully showed me the teeth and answered my questions confidently.

Again, this young handler moved his dog at the correct pace and presented his dog very well. Well done.

3rd – Freya John

4th – Archie John

Class B – 11–16 Years

2 entries – 2 absent

No entries present.

Class C – 17–21 Years

0 entries

No entries.

Class D – 18–30 Years

4 entries – 3 present

1st – Bunny Mathias

A very impressive handler who was calm and confident throughout. This was a young dog who was clearly enjoying his day, but his handler did a great job of getting the best out of him.

Really clean, straight lines, with the dog moved in precise straight lines away from and back towards me. The handler also used the ring to her advantage, working at a pace suitable for her breed.

There was excellent execution of the more advanced geometry figures requested. She was very aware of my position throughout and ensured she adhered to the golden rule. A very polished performance.

2nd – Chloe Jones

Another great handler who got the best out of her dog. Again, the lines were clean and straight, although not quite as precise as those of first place.

The handler presented the mouth calmly and kept her dog well positioned during the table work. A well-presented handler and dog combination who again used the ring effectively and maintained the correct pace.

3rd – Sophie Johnson

Class E – 31–45 Years

2 entries – 2 present

This was a class where the placings were very close, with the difference between the handlers being extremely small.

1st – Gareth Thomas

The handler presented the dog well in the stack and was aware of my positioning at all times. He showed the bite correctly and in a calm, confident manner.

The handler could perhaps brush up on some of the more complex figures, but adhered to the golden rule throughout. A sporting competitor who handled his dog very well.

2nd – Maxine Proudler

The handler presented the bite correctly and was confident with her dog on the table. She produced clean lines and used the ring well.

Just ensure that when moving away from the judge, the judge does not need to move in order to remain in line with the dog. The reverse triangle was executed correctly and smoothly.

Class F – 46–59 Years

5 entries – 2 present

1st – Mr PG Fielder

Handled his dog confidently and was very well presented. The handler showed the correct bite and produced nice, straight lines, moving the dog at the correct pace.

He used the ring effectively and achieved accurate corners. The handler kept his dog in my eye line throughout.

2nd – Melanie Hughes

The handler presented her dog well and showed the bite correctly. She adhered to the golden rule and maintained a nice pace for her dog.

I would just like to see you making more accurate use of your corners to further improve your overall performance.

Class G – 60+ Years

2 entries – 1 present

1st – Janet Rice

A neatly and professionally presented handler who demonstrated skilled handling throughout. Janet presented her dog well on the table and showed the correct bite.

She was polite and courteous throughout the class, executed the reverse triangle correctly and used her corners well. She was fully aware of my position throughout.

The dog was moved at the correct pace, although she was a little sluggish to start with. However, the handler encouraged her and brought the best out of her exhibit.

A very pleasing performance.