I came into JH and YKC handling late in life at the age of 14 nearly 15 and have done exceptionally well at it.
Win or lose I have to add here. I have never ever stormed out of a ring. Never bad mouthed another exhibitor, I have congratulated a few too which takes a lot for me only because of of my disabilities
I show my dog of choice on the day with pride and asks about them to if I my not sure on them myself
I.e. what where they used for in the past so I has a general idea about them.
I am always suited and booted for the shows too regardless if its an open or champ show. (Some adults need to take heed to this as well I think personally hint hint) I feel I have to be in my suit on the day to show I actually care about the breed and the showing.
My wee motto is
. Clean suit
. Dog groomed
. leads
. All set.
I am at obedience and ringcraft every week and love it as I have a teacher that actually does listen to me and is really firm with me as in no nonsense at all.
I do have a few issues as in
ADHD
OCD
TOURETTES
AUTISM
I am a challenge but the dog show world help me enormously and brought me out of my shell and my parents of course because if they didn't push I wouldn't have done any of it.
Junior Handling:
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You will find Junior Handling classes scheduled at most dog shows in the UK, (Parents are a great help here if they already show their dogs), from the small Companion/Open Show to the biggest Championship Show.
You can compete in Junior Handling classes from the age of 6. However, you can actually start practising before this age, with or without a dog. The family dog may not always be the best dog to start with. A young handler needs a dog that is calm and obedient to work with. It can be a lot of fun training a dog regardless of the age of the dog as long as you have said calm, obedient and under control.
It is advisable to join both Junior organisations; The Young Kennel Club (YKC) which has over 2,000 members (which includes entry to all disciplines like agility, handling, obedience, flyball so forth) and the Junior Handling Association (JHA) which has about 1,000 members. It costs around £15 a year to be a member of the YKC, for that, you receive a quarterly newsletter, badge and the chance to collect special awards.
It’s almost customary to be a JHA member (cost around £4 annually), if you’re not you won’t be able to compete in the JHA semi-finals which are held each year in September. More information about the JHA can be obtained from
Mrs Liz Cartledge,
Ryslip Kennels,
Church Lane, Binfield,
Nr. Bracknell,
RG42 5NL.
Telephone: 01344 424144.
Firstly, encourage the handling enthusiast to join the YKC as a member. See above. You don’t have to own a dog to join up and become a Junior Handler, you may handle any dog provided it is fully registered on the Kennel Club Breed Register and eligible to compete at Kennel Club Licensed events but to enter YKC Stakes classes at all types of show, your dog must be registered either: Solely or jointly in the YKC membership member of the family at the same address as yourself the member.
Secondly, attend a ringcraft class (they are training classes for people who show dogs.) Go to your local class and have a chat with the people who run the club and some of the owners. They will know which dogs at the club are mature enough and sufficiently trained for you to use, in order to start learning the basics.
Thirdly to help them learn the basics of dog handling, buy a book on Junior Handling which will teach them what to do in the show ring and how to compete, etc. Junior Handling The White Way is a book most Junior Handlers use and is said to be the most current and up-to-date handling book available. There is also a video out for this from Dog world full of information.
You do not always have to use the same dog in a Junior Handling Class as long as the dog you choose to handle is entered in another class at the same show. Do remember that for stake class you have to own the dog or your family does.
Any breed of dog can be used for Junior Handling but some are more versatile and suitable than others. Whatever breed you choose, it must match your size, temperament, and experience. A very bad example is a 6-year-old inexperienced handler who uses the family dog, an Irish Wolfhound to show in the ring. It is not a good idea to use a puppy if you are just starting out in Junior Handling. But once handling in juniors you can show a pup as long as you have put in the training with the said pup.
The judge should not be judging the dog in handling competitions, no matter what they have been telling you. Whether you are handling a puppy, a champion or a veteran, the judge should be judging whether or not you are showing the dog off to its best potential whilst minimizing any faults it may have. As such it shouldn’t matter if your dog is out of the coat, as long as the dog is KC registered and has been entered in another class at the show. This makes the dog eligible for use in the handling class. The judge should be judging the handling and not the dogs breed credentials.
Practice Makes Perfect
You can practice with or without your dog at home in your garden, at the park, and at your local ringcraft class – the more effort you put in the more you will get out of your dog in the Show Ring...........
Rules:
In Junior Handling it is the skill of the handler that is being judged, not the dog. Children aged between 6 and 16 present their dogs to the judge, to the best of their ability. The judge will decide after assessing each and every handler what the placing’s, in their opinion, should be.
Normally the classes are split in two: 6 - 11 years and 12 - 16 years.
Judging:
A normal handling 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. They will usually ask the handler to show
the dogs teeth and may ask a question about the dogs basic anatomy or the breed history (not usual in the younger age group but may happen so be prepared).
If you have a quality and experienced line-up of Junior Handlers in the older class and are finding it hard to split them, this is a good way of finding out the great handlers from the good. What’s the harm for youngsters to know the basic anatomy of their dog and their breed history?
Be warned You’ll be more likely to be asked these questions at a Championship Show or if you’re lucky enough to get there, at the Richmond semi-finals – you’d be surprised how many Adult Handlers don’t know how many teeth a dog should have................
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 the whole of the ring, without breaking their stride
‘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.
• 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.
Some shows give prizes for fifth or V.H.C (very highly commended). • Handlers who have not won a prize at this point leave the ring. The
winners stay lined up in the centre of the ring and receives their prizes. The 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. 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. Make sure your hair is tidy and don’t forget to smile and look at the judge when they’re talking to you. If you look good, you’ll feel more confident and this should transfer down the lead to your 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 where there is a wide choice and you can see if it’s suitable for your dog.
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. Be careful not to over handle your dog. Over handling can result by doing a combination of things - for example, shouting a command 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 is 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 (eyeballing the judge). 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.
Balance- This means that both handler and their dog should be standing evenly and moving straight.
Sportsmanship and Etiquette- It is acceptable to ask the judge why you didn’t win after your handling class has finished. Be polite and accept their answers. Ask what you can do to improve your game. Take on board what they say. Smile and thank them when they do say something positive to you as well. Just sometimes one fault will pip you at the post. Whatever you do - do not argue, not only is this bad sportsmanship but the judge can not change their decision.
Best Junior Handler
At some dog shows the winners of each class compete against each other and the judge will pick an overall winner. This youngster would normally be called the Best Junior Handler.
The rules have now changed for Championship shows as in that JH classes won't qualify you for Crufts but only YKC ones will now.
Final Points:
These are the most important things to remember when competing in Junior Handling:
• Always handle your dog in a calm and gently manner.
• Enjoy showing and handling the dog
remember to smile and stand tall, it should be fun.
“Win with pride but lose with dignity.”
We should all remember this one; people have a tendency to remember a bad loser over a winner!
Also, this is you that does the grooming
It's you that does the training not your parent.
Learn all the techniques for your dog and she will love you all the more for it as you have put in the effort with her.
By the way, an adult dog has 42 teeth.
The only other breed to have 44 is the Chow.
Puppies start to lose their baby teeth at 4 months and the adult molars come in at 7 months.
To compete for Junior Handler of the Year Scotland
This event is held at a venue in Scotland every year and is coveted by many
is hard to achieve even harder
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to qualify than Crufts.
but just qualifying is an achievement in its self.
Bon Accord Kennel Association
Open
Inverurie
Thainstone Exchange
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Caledonian Canine Society
Open
Ingliston
Edinburgh
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Ross & Cromarty Canine Society
Open
Ross-shire
Black Isle Showground
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Selkirk & District Canine Society
Open
Selkirk
Victoria Hall
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Dundee Canine Club
Open
Dundee
Camperdown showground
This is an outdoor show
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Greenock & District Kennel Association
Annandale Canine Society
Open
This is an outdoor show
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Perthshire Canine Club
Open
This is an outdoor show
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Land O'Burns Canine Club
Open
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Livingston Canine Club
Open
3 of the shows are outdoors so wearing wellies as a just in case.
At open shows, your dog must be entered for a breed class also.
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