Southampton & District Canine Association

Southampton & District Canine Association – 06 April 2026

Handling Classes – Judge: Joanne Grimes-Watson

Many thanks to The Committee for the invitation to judge at this well organised and welcoming show. Thank you to my efficient Steward, Ruth who ensured that the ring ran smoothly. There was strong competition in all the classes and any other day the results could have been reversed. I know that handlers are always striving for perfection in the ring and therefore, I have explained what I liked, as well as what could be improved for their next outings. This is given in the spirit of positive feedback and not criticism.

Junior Handling Association

6-11 Years (8/4)

1. Eva Scott Could not fault her handling at any point. Great shadowing and kept good communication with her dog throughout. Presented a picture of pure harmony.

2. Isabella Scullion Moved her dog at correct pace. Shadowed well. Unfortunately, the final placement after Up and Down was a little close to me.

3. Kaycee-Mae Turton Good pattern work. Not made easy by her dog being unsettled in the ring but I was very impressed with how she kept calm and handled the dog sympathetically.

12-16 Years (3/1)

1. Jayden Scott Presented his dog beautifully, making it easy for a judge to assess its virtues. Checked for judge’s position before making any turns. Showed teeth well. Perfect shadowing. Best Junior Handler.

2. Isabella Carter. Up against very tough competition. The deciding factor was only that her dog was offset from judge’s feet on final placement after Up and Down. Everything else was spot on and placings could easily change on another day.

Adult Handling Association

17-29 Years (5/2)

1. Izzy King Was a mirror image of her dog on the move, matching its striding beautifully. Pattern work had fabulous straight lines. Perfect harmony. Making it all look very smooth and easy.

2. Phoebe Toublic Great communication with her dog. Performed patterns well at correct speed for the dog. Needs to take time to show Bite, as was so quick I almost missed it.

3. Chelsea Bennetts Sympathetic handling. Patterns performed smoothly but unfortunately not in line with judge’s feet. The basics and principles are there, just need to be tidied up a little.

30-59 Years (7/4)

1. Silke McDowell Used the ring well, making the most the space for a quick moving dog. Handling flowed smoothly, making it look easy. Mirror image shadowing with accurate pattern work.

2. Edmund Cole Moved a large dog well round the ring not an easy job when turns need planning well ahead. Unfortunately, only showed Bite when I asked for Teeth. Expensive mistake to make in a class with little separating the placings.

3. Emma Edwards Showed Teeth well. Pattern work was good with straight lines. Shadowing needs more practice. With confidence and a little more practice she’ll move up the placings.

60+ Years (8/2)

1. Marguerite McShane Foot perfect. Picked up that I moved a hind leg and calmly corrected it. Impeccably straight lines in pattern work with correct positioning in relation to judge. Swapped hinds seamlessly whilst performing “T” in Final. Best Adult Handler

2. Trish Hartfield Showed teeth well and corrected that I’d repositioned a leg on go over. Moved harmoniously with dog on straight and turns. Shadowed well.

3. M Shahmatova Impressed on first run round with great communication and a dog who looked happy to please its handler. Patterns were performed well but was just a little offset from judge’s feet on final stand after moving.