I would like to thank the committee for asking me to judge the Junior handling at their open show, and the juniors for the sporting way they accepted my decisions.
I was pleased to see that all competitors free stood their dogs rather than propping them up which seems to be the norm these days.
1) Lilly Thomas – this young lady stood alone in her class. She had very good rapport with her dog and kept his attention both on the move and whilst standing. Lilly spoke to her dog all the time, giving encouragement and praising him. She did all I asked of her, her patterns were straight and true. I found out afterwards that Lilly did not own the dog but had borrowed him for the class. This made the rapport she had with him even more impressive. Best Junior Handler.
1) Jessica Taylor – a very well presented young lady who was aware of what her dog was doing at all times. She positioned her well on the table and ensured that she was standing four square at all times. She moved the dog well completing the patterns as requested. She lost out to Lilly for best Junior handler because she did not talk to her dog.
2) Hebe Davies – Not as confident as Jessica, but showed promise. Her dog was quite fidgety on the table and Hebe was not quite as aware as Jessica of how her dog was standing. Having said that I do think that with more guidance and practice Hebe will develop into a proficient handler
3) Katie
