PRESENTATION

 

WHAT DO I WEAR?

When competing in a Junior Handling class, what you wear could cost you a place in the line - up. Therefore it is essential to dress smart but still feel comfortable (no jeans). For example for girls: a trouser-suit is a good idea with comfortable lace-up shoes (no trainers). For boys, a shirt and tie and smart trousers will look the part. Think about the choice of colour on your clothes compare to the actuall dog you are going to show.

DO I NEED A SPECIAL LEAD FOR MY DOG?

If you are completely new to showing, you will need a suitable ‘show lead’. If your dog is shown with his normal collar and lead on, the dog will think it is going for a walk and behave accordingly! There are many types of show leads: the slip chain with a nylon attachment, the all-in -one nylon lead and the leather leads. Its best to buy your show lead at a dog show as there is loads of choice and then you can see if its suitable for your dog.

SPORTSMANSHIP AND ETIQUETTE

It is expected before you compete seriously, that you are strong and competent enough to keep control of your dog in a safe manner in the ring. For example your dog may be too large and boisterous for you to cope with. If the steward sees that you are not in control of your dog then he may ask you to leave the class. Your dog could put other dogs and their handlers at risk.

 

TECHNICALITIES

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RULE?

When moving your dog for the judge, you should not get between the dog and the judge. Different ‘turns’ are used to ensure you do not break this rule. A good Junior Handling judge should penalise breaking this rule in competition.

WHAT IS MEANT BY “OVER HANDLING”? ? HOW CAN I BECOME “INVISIBLE” TO THE JUDGE?

 Over handling can result by doing a combination of things - for example, shouting commands at your dog is not acceptable. The judge will want to hear your encouragement but not be deafened by it. Do not exaggerate 'YOUR ' movements - the judge doesn't want to be distracted because you are waving your arms in the air or walking like you are on a catwalk. You are meant to merge in the background. I know junior handling is all about the handler but what the judge wants to see is you getting the best out of your dog, whether it be a Champion or the runt of the litter. You can spot a junior 'over handling' also when they are stacking or 'setting up' a dog. Too much fiddling like moving the dogs legs when they are already in the correct position or fluffing of the coat is a no no. And lastly another example of 'over handling' is glancing back to see where the judge is when performing your patterns. There is nothing worse than watching a handler looking over their shoulder every two seconds when doing a triangle. Before the first left turn - just slyly look over your shoulder and at the next one do the same again. 'Eyeballing' in my opinion should be seriously penalisedIn Junior Handling it is the skill of the handler which is being judged, not the dog.

JUDGING

  •       A normal class is judged as follows:

    • The steward calls the class in so handlers enter the ring with their dogs and are given their ring number.
    • Handlers set up their dogs at the side of the ring.
    • The judge will walk down the line to get first impressions.
    • The first handler in the line gets ready on the table or the floor (depending on the size of the breed) to be assessed individually.
    • The judge will ‘go over’ the dog. He/she will usually ask the handler to show the dogs teeth and may ask a question about the dogs basic anatomy or the breed history.
    • The judge will then ask the handler to do a pattern. (May ask for just one or sometimes two put together.) This is where both dog and handler have to move in a shape using all of the ring without breaking the golden rule.
    • The most common patterns are: straight up and down, triangle, circle or round the ring, ‘T’, ‘L’ or the figure of 8.
    • After the pattern is complete, the handler will move to the end of the line and the judge will then move onto the next handler in the line.
    • After all handlers and their dogs have been seen in the class, the judge may walk down the ‘lineup’ once again to make his/her final decision.
    • The judge will then pick out his winner, then second, third and fourth. Handlers who have not got a placement at this point leave the ring. The winners stay lined up in the centre of the ring and receives their prizes.  But this will variate a bit due to rules in the diffenrent countrys.
    • The he judge will also be looking for proficiency in the following areas:

    -Presentation.

  • This is what the handler is wearing, and whether  the dog is clean, brushed and trimmed.

    -Rapport.

  • This is the vibe between the handler and the dog, the dog should listen to the handlers instructions and they must move together in harmony.

    -Technique.

  • When on the move straight lines, tight corners and a suitable pace for your breed are needed here when executing patterns.

    -Balance.

  •  This means that both handler and their dog should be standing evenly and moving straight