LEEDS CHAMPIONSHIP DOG SHOW

Judges Critiques

Miss C FREUDENREICH

Judging: Hound Group, Young Kennel Club Handling Classes

I would like to say a massive thank you to Leeds committee for inviting me to judge the YKC handling classes and for being so welcoming. Congratulations on a well-run show! Thank you to my exhibitors for entering under me at my first judging appointment, I was spoilt for choice, the sportsmanship shown throughout my classes was lovely to see. I would say that it would benefit some of the handlers to brush up on a few handling rules and to attend some YKC or JHA training classes. Overall, I was very pleased with my top 5 on all three days.

1st day 6-11

1st- Leightan-Jem Cooper. What a performance! Such a smart handler, who did everything I asked for perfectly- Absolutely flawless. Her lines were so neat, and she was constantly talking to and reassuring her dog. She looked at ease and comfortable all throughout this class- Which was huge! With a constant smile on her face, which was really lovely to see. A well deserving winner and one I will watch out for in the future.

2nd- Eliza Darwesh. She had a very difficult time today with a hard dog. She handled this tricky situation spot on and got the most out of her excited dog, I wouldn’t have done anything different, Eliza was a very sympathetic handler, always being patient with her dog. I loved the bond they had- it was so nice to watch! She couldn’t be denied getting a top spot in this class- Well done.

1st day 12-17

1st- Chloe Cumberland. I loved her handling style- Such a smart handler. She becomes at one with her dog on the move. Today she had an 18-month-old young dog, who really made her work for first place but she pushed on and ultimately won this class as she did everything I was looking for and more. A handler that I would trust handle any of my dogs and one I will be following in the future- Congratulations!

2nd- Maddie Buchwald. Didn’t put a foot wrong today, I would’ve just liked to see a little bit more communication between her and her dog. Amazing straight lines and constantly checking where I was, I could’ve easily given her a higher place on different day. A well deserving second and she should have a very exciting handing career ahead of her- Well done!

1st day 18-24

1st- Luke Sampson. Smartest handler of the day. One which I have watched since I started handling myself and one I will continue to watch in the future. You could tell today that he had a hard dog, who looked a bit nervous, but he continuously spoke to her and reassured her- Which really made them come together to complete flawless pattern work. I really challenged this class but Luke made it look so easy- A perfect performance and one I could not fault.

2nd- Eryn Williams. A very calm handler who knew exactly what she was doing, her dog, which I believe was quite young, was always presented beautifully. Although she had a large dog her corners were tight and lines were really straight. She pushed hard for first today but was unfortunate to be up against 1. Another who I would trust with my dogs any day!

2nd day 6-11

Today both of these handlers broke the “Golden rule”, however apart from this mistake they were both very good but could benefit from taking part in some YKC training days.

1st- Evelyn Hardy. Today handling a German Shepherd who gave her a really hard time in the ring, however I feel like Evelyn tried to take control and continued with the class comfortable, while completing everything I asked for. I think she is a promising handler which would definitely benefit from a smaller dog.

2nd- Henry Leese. A promising handler which I think would benefit from a few handling classes. Today I felt like he wasn’t as involved In the class as 1st was, another I think would benefit from a smaller dog.

2nd day 12-17

1st- Francesca Wilson. She really worked hard in this class and did everything I asked for, a beautiful bond between her and her dog. Francesca always had her dog presented beautifully whenever I was looking, she really pushed hard for the top spot! Everything I asked for was done correctly and she was well deserving of her placing today. The only thing I would say would be to be more at one with the pace of the dog on the move, but that’s me being picky- a very good handler.

2nd- Maddy Buchwald. I felt like she really improved today and gave t her all, I was so close to giving her 1st, however the only thing I felt was separating 1 and 2 was the final presentation at the end of the last pattern work I asked for, nevertheless a beautiful handler who with time will go on to win great things i'm sure.

2nd day 18-24

1st- Lauren Goddard. Wow! I don’t think there is much I can say that’s not been said before. What a stunning handler- one which I have always admired. I absolutely love the bond between her and her dog, it is really beautiful to see and makes them become one, working together at all times. Her lines were so neat with the tightest of corners. Lauren was always watching what I was doing and where my feet were placed. A flawless performance and a really deserving win.

2nd- Chloe McDonald. A really smart handler- whom seemed very comfortable and at ease during this class. She completed everything I asked for with no problem. You could tell she really enjoyed and loved handling, very unfortunate to be up against 1st today.

3rd day 6-11

1st- Alannah Holman- A very promising young handler, really nice straight lines and completed everything I asked for. The bite was shown correctly. Very calm attitude which I loved to see. The only thing I would say would be to remember the “Golden rule” as I can see Alannah going very far in her handling career and I wouldn’t want a silly mistake to stop her!

2nd- Freya Mitchell- Moved at the correct pace for her dog, showed me the bite correctly and told me the dogs correct breed, nice, straight lines. I would also say for Freya to remember the “Golden rule” when handling as I also think she has so much promise. Could've changed places with 1st on a different day.

3rd day 12-17

1st- Edward Eddery. One which I would trust to handle my dogs anyday. I loved his calm handling style. He was always talking to his dog, which is just my favourite thing to see. His pattern work was amazing with straight lines and neat corners, ensuring his dog was always correctly stood. Showed the bite corrcectly- which is really hard for the breed he was handling. A well deserving winner- Congratuations! 

2nd- Daisy Mason. A handler I have watched and been in competition with for a while now. I just love the way she handles. A very sympathetic handler, always looking and reassuring her dog. Very neat and professional handler. Daisy really pushed for the top spot today and on another day i'm sure they could’ve changed places. Nevertheless, a solid performance and a well deserving second.

3rd day 18-24

1st- Elise O’Connor- A really beautiful handler, couldn’t fault her today. I loved the way Elise constantly spoke to her dog and put him at ease. Her pattern work was perfect ensuring she started from my feet and stood her dog three steps away from me after she finished the pattern work. On my final pattern work which I asked the class to do, Elise was the only one to follow where my feet were pointing- which ultimately won her the class.

2nd- Charlotte Westerman. Another beautiful handler, who again did everything I asked for perfectly. Correcting her dog when necessary. A really lovely connection between dog and handler. Charlotte really pushed for 1st today but just lost out from not following my feet on the last pattern work. Otherwise a smart handler, who im sure has a bright future!