Tag: JHA

Categories
Show dog training

Looking at your dog when moving – running in a straight line!

When showing your dog in either breed classes and handling, two things you need to do at the same time are run in a straight line and watch the dog!

Some handlers are obsessed with looking at their dog the whole time, that they can’t run in a straight line and sometimes miss the ringtape!

Other handlers only look where they are going and do not check the dog and fail to see if their dog is or isn’t moving correctly.

The balance is to watch where you are running, with just a couple of glances to your dog. Try to keep it at a maximum of three glances per straight line!

Categories
Handling training

Showing Teeth – Video

Showing Teeth – Video

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIMaXzypzME]

Similar blogs
Showing a dogs teeth

 

Categories
Judging

What makes a good judge?

What makes a good judge?
I recently asked on the Winning Paws Facebook page what makes a good judge. After reading some comments about different judges at Crufts (mixture of good and bad), I thought it would make an interesting discussion to see what peoples thoughts are. I also know as an exhibitor myself I will not go under “poor” judges more than once, even if they have done my dogs well.

It seems to  be common that what makes a good judge is one that can (and does) smile in the ring. Something so simple yet noticed by exhibitors. One comment from Elaine Bradley summed it up for me “To have a sense of humour, be pleasant and be able to smile.”

Another is to be kind and gentle and put at ease the dog AND the handler. Especially new or young people in showing like a judge who gives time to explain what they want in a simple way.

I have seen it myself before, judges wander into the ring and think they are the centre of attention. They don’t smile and they think they are above everyone else, even the exhibitors (who without they would have no appointment!)

So to anyone wanting to judge – smile
To anyone who currently judges – smile
And to all those judges who do smile – THANK YOU!

Categories
Handling training

Showing a dogs teeth in handling

Showing a dogs teeth in handling
In handling classes you will be asked to show the judge your dogs teeth.

The judge will access you on how well you show the teeth. To do this, show all three sides of the mouth clearly (two sides and the front). The order is not important (although some judges may think so) but either ‘side, side, front’ or ‘side, front, side’ appear to be the most common. The most important thing is how fluent you show them and how clear they are shown to the judge.

Be careful not to cover the dog’s nose or poke them in the eye with a finger when showing the teeth as this will invariably cause the dog to back away and will look messy.

Also, remember t think about where the judge is, especially how tall they are, and move your dogs head accordingly. It’s important when practicing with your dog to get them used to tilting their head up at different angles and also turning your dogs head with you show the sides.

Also remember that the judge wants to see the dogs teeth, not your head or hair, (a good reason for tying long hair back). If you can see your dogs teeth, the likelihood is, the judge can’t!

If the judge asks for the ‘bite’ this is when they want to just see the front teeth.  If you are ever unsure about what the judge wants then do ask them to clarify it  for you.

One last note; remember, a dog has 42 teeth!

Categories
Handling training Uncategorized

Handling with a cross breed

Handling has always been associated from the start with Pedigree/show dogs. Afterall, the art of handling classes has developed from skills used in the breed classes.

But, like everything, handling has developed in to a hobby and competition in it’s own right. The Adult Handling finals started being a seperate entity to any Kennl Club registered show and the YKC weekends host handling compeititions, along with the handling classes at Companion Dog Shows which sit under the novelty classes which are open to pedigree and cross breeds alike.

Though this we have seen an increase in handlers (junior and adult) competing in handling with cross breeds or non KC registered pedigrees.

The YKC allow handlers to compete with cross breeds at their training/activity weekends and have the chance to qualify for the YKC handling at Crufts.

When handling a cross breed there is no set way like with a pedigree, but most would advise you handle your dog to the breed it most resembles.

The same rules still apply, you want to move your dog at the correct speed and is stood so it’s “four-square”.

Categories
Handling training Judging Uncategorized

Anatomy (points of a dog)

Anatomy (points of a dog)
Every handler (junior or adult) will need to know the anatomy (points of a dog) when exhibiting in handling classes. There are many judges that will ask them! Below are the basic points of a dog which are the most common points (including number of teeth and ribs).

You can also find information on 40 points of the dog from the Kennel Club that are used for the conformation and movement hands on assessment for judges. It also has the front angulation, rear angulation and conventional measurements.

 

Categories
Handling training Judging

Using mats

Using mats
Lots of open shows are still held in sports halls which have slippery surfaces. The society will supply matting to stop dogs slipping, so why do judges want and expect handlers to move their dog off the mat?

For the safety of your dog, please, always use the mats available where possible and if, for any reason, you don’t use the mats, please be careful with your dog that they don’t slip.

To judges: Please consider handlers and their dogs when judging and consider the mats your have in your ring. Do not expect handlers to put their dogs at risk and although smallr dogs may be ok, a fast moving dog may not be.

Categories
Interviews

Junior Handlers at Richmond – Jessica Horler

Junior Handlers at Richmond – Jessica Horler
Jessica Horler is 13 years old and owns and shows Gordon Setters. At Richmond 2012, due to the Junior Handling Gundog 12-16 class clashing with the breed judging, Jessica handled a Pointer called Face (Sh Ch Afterglow Bare Face Lie at Kanix) owned by David Alcorn.

Jessica and Bentley

“I didn’t get anywhere in there but I had a great time”.

Jessica started handling about five years ago and really enjoyed her first class. She started junior handling because her mum was in dog showing and from then on as they say it was history.

“My favourite thing about handling is meeting new friends and doing different things with your dogs as well as enjoying it. I love Richmond because the atmosphere is great and shopping, but I mostly enjoy because of the fantastic showground and the JHA semi-finals competition.”

Jess wasn’t able to show her Gordon in the breed as she was in the JHA semis but her mum showed him and didn’t let her down! Bently was second in Yearling. Jess did take him in the Yearling Stakes and they made the first cut.

She also handled a Flat Coated Retriever and came was 5th in Junior Bitch.

Jessica and Brooke

Jessica’s thank you’s:
“I would like to thank David Alcorn for letting me borrow Face and taking him in JHA, he was a super star. Also, I would like to thank my trainers Jenny and James Thornton for all the help and advice they have given me. To Chris Louks for letting me show Brooke and all my friends I have made in handling and Gordon Setters. My biggest thank you is for my Mum for getting me started in showing and paying for all my handling classes and breed classes!”

Well done Jessica for your fantastic attitude around dog shows and I wish you all the best in the future.

Categories
Interviews

Junior Handlers at Richmond – Jess Andrews

Junior Handlers at Richmond – Jess Andrews
Jess Andrews is 15 years old and has two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers called Toffee (Fallowfen Foxy Vixen) and Mollie (Fallowfen Faithful Yoko).

At Richmond 2012 Jess handled Toffee and was shortlisted in the JHA 12-16 Gundog which was judges by Jenifer Fairhall. Toffee was unfortunately withdrawn from the breed classes this year after going lame after the handling but it was Mollie’s first show. Mollie was 3rd in the Toller Junior Bitch and 1st AV Rare Breed Puppy Bitch and Best AV Rare Breed Puppy.

Jessica started handling only four years ago with Toffee after attending a local companion show and finding out about Ringcraft classes.

What Jess loves about handling is working with her dogs to show them off to their full potential, and to have fun whilst doing so.

Jess trains at Stevenage Ringcraft and attended the Winning Paws training day. She says “I would like to thank Ray, Debbie and Roxanne McDonald for all their support and guidance over the years”.

A huge well done to Jess for the handling and for qualifying her Toller puppy for Crufts 2013 at her first show. I know that is what you wanted. Good luck for Crufts with Mollie and in the handling.

Categories
Interviews

Junior Handlers at Richmond 2012 – Nathan Hartfield

Junior Handlers at Richmond – Nathan Hartfield
Nathan Hartfield is 11 years old and at Richmond 2012 handled his Border Collie Moshanta Moonlight Fantasy JW ShCM (Tallis) to second in JHA 6-11 Pastoral. This was judged by Jo Gordon. Nathan and Tallis also competed in Border collie Veteran Bitch and came 4th. A huge well done to them both.

Nathan started Junior Handling three years ago when his mum asked if he would like to do some shows. He said yes and started training with his Mum and his older sister (Danielle).

Nathan Hartfield and Tallis

Nathan is lucky to have an older sister who has already been though the Junior handling ropes with much success herself including runner up handler of the year and he would like to thank her and his mum for training him, as well as the judges who have liked his handling.

When asked what his favourite thing about junior handling is, Nathan replied “spending time with my dogs and friends”.

When asked if he would like to mention anything else, his reply was “to a good site of Winning Paws”.

Thanks Nathan, it’s handlers like you that this site and blog were set up for, I hope you enjoy it and best of luck in your handling for the future and your next big show, Crufts!