IMHO – Advice for Juniors

BY ELAINE LESSIG

We asked akc junior showmanship judges the following questions: What is the one piece of advice you have for every junior? And when you judge, what is the most important consideration in your decision on placements?

Here is the inside scoop from three Junior Showmanship judges who also successfully competed as juniors. Now we find them in the ring as respected professional handlers. Their wisdom is priceless. As a multiple group judge, I offer the following three words to consider: Present, Listen, and Demonstrate. Present your dog according to the breed standard and in top condition. Listen to the instructions from the judge and follow them exactly. Demonstrate your rapport with your dog. Remember you are a team.
– Elaine J. Lessig

Amy Booth
Professional Handler & JS Judge

Q: What is the one piece of advice you have for every junior?
Relax, have fun and enjoy your time with your dog. Take every time in the ring as a learning experience. Never take winning or losing too seriously, but always show up prepared. My favorite quote is, “Luck favors those who are prepared.” I def- initely think the odds are in your favor if you’ve done your homework. I also believe in the “Look good, feel good” mentality. If you like your clothes, they will make you feel good wearing them and that will shine in your presentation. If you have your dogs groomed up well, you will have a feeling of pride to showcase it. Build a partnership with your dog because that relation- ship will draw a judge’s attention. It will also help you to relax, have fun and enjoy your time with your dog.

Q: When you judge, what is the most important consideration in your decision on placements?
The most important con- sideration for me in placing a class of Juniors is who can truly handle a dog in every situation and as that breed should be shown. I ask myself, who would I want to hire to show my dog? Who is presenting a professional image but highlights the dogs and not him/herself. I’m not a fan of the robotic, rehearsed Junior. I want to see flexibility and talent. I almost want to see a dog that isn’t behaving perfectly with a junior that can “handle” it.

Click the link below to continue reading what David Stout and Stacy Threlfall had to say…

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=146989

Posted by Alex on Jul 12 2018. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.