Top Tip #38
Do other activities as well as show training to bond with your dog. Try conditioning exercises or trick training for quick wins.
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Tag: junior handling
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Marketing
Marketing
Definition of marketing; the action or business of promoting and selling products or services
Marketing is a must in any business to sell products and services and to win in their market.
Over the last few years I have noticed the increase in marketing in dogs to “sell” dogs as being the best (Top Dog, Top Sire, Top Kennel etc). Of course this isn’t new. You just need to look back though the dog papers and annuals from the early 1900’s) to see that adverts have been taken out to “sell” the best dogs to viewers around including fellow exhibitors and judges.
But is it going a step to far for what is a hobby? We now see clothing being worn around shows highlighting details a dogs or Junior Handlers wins rather than just the normal identification of kennel names.
Social media plays a big part too, just like for businesses, it’s a great way to target a large audience and you can often find after shows full adverts highlighting a dogs win, rather than just the post and a picture.
But is it correct? Should a hobby be full of adverts which could influence results for future shows? Or is it just a way of sharing and celebrating success with friends all around the world?
Most judges aren’t influenced by adverts so therefore I believe that the marketing of show dogs must be more to share success with friends.
I just hope this doesn’t go any further and once again be only for the rich who can afford to keep up with the latest trends, leaving the rest behind.
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Winning Paws Ringcraft (Stotfold)
Winning Paws Ringcraft (Stotfold)
I’ve just got in from the first Winning Paws Ringcraft, held at the Roecroft Centre in Stotfold, Bedfordshire.
I (Roxanne) and my friend Jane Ashwell-Carter have taken on the slot of Roecroft Ringcraft after it faced closure. Both of us wanted to keep this local, friendly ringcraft going and it has been in my mind for ages to set up a ringcraft class and with Jane this will be a great partnership and with the help of her son Michael.
Our first night I can only claim as a success. We are so pleased with the amount of support that turned up for our first night and hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Although we weren’t expecting the amount that turned up and didn’t plan for it, we think it went well. Don’t think every session will be the same, we will try and do different things each time to get the dogs used to different things.
I just want to share some lovely comments we have received already on our opening night from Facebook;
“Thank you both for a most enjoyable evening, thank Michael for helping look after my dogs and look forward to the next one. Good company, good training and nice cuppa and cake.”
“Viva sleeping soundly after her first session. Many thanks ladies, see you in two weeks.”
“I am looking forward to the next one! Excellent environment for my pup to be in and chatted to some lovely people and not forgetting the first class training too! So pleased with Bo this evening. Thank you.”
Editor note: Due to time commitments of both Roxanne and Jane, the ringcraft in Stotfold has now closed. This was a hard decision, and we both miss the club.
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!
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”.
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.
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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.
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Top Tip #28
Top Tip #28
Remember the show results are not final until the card/rosette is handed to you. Keep showing and presenting your dog to the judge until the card/rosette is in your hand.
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Respect and Manners
Respect & Manners to the judge and other exhibitors
Keep making eye contact with the judge but be careful not to stare them down. Remember you are there to show your dog off to the judge, be polite and always present the dog for the judge to see. For example, stand the dog where the judge wants them stood and get out the way of the judge by stepping aside if needed.
When doing circuits and if you are first in line, ask the handler behind you if they are ready to go and check the other handlers look ready before setting off. Also be courteous to other exhibit by not letting your dog wander towards the centre of the ring and keep your dog calm not jumping around in the line.
Don’t forget to always thank the judge and congratulate the winners of your class.
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.
“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’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.