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Junior Handlers

From the Other Side of the Ring

 

Playing With the Big Kids

 Juniors Who Show in Conformation

by Miss Brigette Lefever
 

             This month, I’ve decided to discuss the merits and disadvantages of juniors who compete in both Junior Showmanship and the conformation rings. Though this seems like a topic that isn’t much of an issue, it is surprisingly quite a cause for discussion amongst competitive circles of juniors.

             There are a good number of juniors who start out doing just that, Junior Showmanship. Similar to a 4-H program, or any other extracurricular school sport or activity, it gives them something to do, and for most, gives their parents peace of mind that they are busy doing a hobby instead of getting themselves in trouble elsewhere. For them it’s something fun to do that passes the time and let’s them build a relationship with their dog.

             Then there are the juniors that do it all. Perhaps they grew up in the “dog show atmosphere”, showing many of the class dogs of their family’s chosen breed, and sometimes even the occasional special. Perhaps they got their family into dogs and now have dogs to show in breed as well as Junior Showmanship. Or perhaps they are working with a breeder or handler who gives them the opportunity to have dogs to show, though the kids don’t actually own those dogs. Regardless, these kids can be found busily roaming the grounds throughout the entire day at a show, taking dogs back and forth to rings and setups, grooming, and even handling.

             So, what are the advantages? What are the disadvantages? Is one better than the other? I will do my best to shed some light on these scenarios.

Obviously, there are a great many advantages to being able to have a dog, or dogs, which can be shown in the conformation rings. Not only is that more actual competition and ring time to be spending with your canine friend(s), but it allows for more ring practice. In addition, juniors who show in the conformation rings have more exposure to grooming techniques, and get to know breed judges and handling styles better, generally allowing them to become better handlers due to the additional exposure. 

            With all of these advantages, what could possibly be negative? Juniors who show their dog both in breed and juniors sometimes find themselves with timing conflicts which will not allow them to do both. Making a decision on whether you and the dog you are handling get to compete in the juniors ring or the conformation ring can be a tough call.

             Often they don’t have a conflict, and sometimes it’s because the judge that they had for the breed ring is the same judge that is judging Junior Showmanship. This can go many directions. Sometimes a judge that will put up a junior in the breed ring won’t place them as highly in juniors because they already “got their win” that day, and sometimes they will “throw them a bone” in the juniors ring if they maybe placed them very low in the breed classes. Sometimes they are so impressed with a junior that is showing in breed that they are more inclined to give them higher placements in juniors based on that fact alone, and sometimes they will place that junior dead last in the breed classes and in juniors.

 

            Young juniors who show in the breed classes also have more pressure on them to do well. Not only do they wish to do well for their own recognition and glory in the junior’s ring, but they sometimes have pressure from outside sources to get wins for a dog. A losing streak can cut twice as deep to the ego when you are losing in the juniors ring and the breed ring.

             With all of this being said, are juniors who do not show in the breed rings at a disadvantage to those who do?

             Though the general answer is yes, this doesn’t have to be the case. Obviously, in anything in life, those with greater experience and knowledge will rise to the top. However, with enough will and drive, nearly anything is possible. Juniors who truly love this sport and really want to do it will find a way.

             If you really want to show dogs and become very good at it, the best way I recommend is to get yourself a dog to show in the conformation rings. That atmosphere is often so different from the junior rings that they need to be experienced. Even better is to become acquainted with someone you admire as a groomer and handler, and someone who has good rapport with the dogs in their care, as well as other people to work with and to apprentice under. Learn the tricks from the masters.

             I understand that sometimes these things aren’t possible for everyone. Other alternatives also exist. I had a friend who wasn’t able to have dogs of her own for the breed rings. But she became close with breeders who did, and therefore still got the experience and the exposure, and became very good as a result. And for many who didn’t have handlers to work for, they intently watched the group rings, observing everything, and taking from it what they wished. Even simply going up to a handler who’s grooming style you admire and asking them to tutor you will often produce results. I’ve done it myself, and those experiences were invaluable.

               In conclusion, it really doesn’t matter if you participate in the breed rings, or if you just like competing in juniors, but if you aspire to be a handler someday, breed competition is a very good idea. Obviously, if wins don’t matter to you, then you shouldn’t care about the outcome, though recognition is always nice.

             In the end, it is all about having fun and enjoying the company of your companion(s), and being proud of the bond you have between you and your canine friend. There is no right or wrong way to go about enjoying dog shows and so long as you and your dog are having fun, that’s all that matters at the end of the day.

                              - Brigette

 

 

Questions and comments for Brigette should be forwarded via musher1984@gmail.com. Enter BCKC in the subject line.


Archives of Brigett's columns

Introducing Miss Brigette LeFever - Sept 09

Judgement Day: Sins of the Fathers - Oct 09

Judgement Day: A Reading From the Holy Book - Nov 09

Sheep Among Wolves-Competitors Don’t Have to be Enemies - Dec 09

It’s All Fun and Games - Feb 10

To Do or Not To Do - Mar 10

 

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