Championship C Dog Report
24th March 2008
Judge: Kathy Ingham
Ring Steward: Alan Hagger
Scribe: Andrea Little
Scoreboard: Donald Wright
Scent Decoys: Barrie & Jan
Many thanks to Sheilagh and the committee for allowing me the honour to judge at their first championship show. This as usual, was a very well organised show and it was evident that a lot of effort went in to make it a success. An excellent venue with a massive ring and very nice working surface and the weather, although very cold, it remained dry all day. A very special thanks to my ring party, Alan, Andrea and Donald for all their efforts which made my job so much easier and to Barrie and Jan for being decoy stewards. The stay team, headed by Sheila Farris were delighted, I'm sure, that we were the last stays of the day. Well done to you and your helpers for contributing towards the show's success.
The first exercise - Sendaway (three black pots) and required the dogs to run through the front markers. It was a long 'run through' so I could test that they would keep running to the back marker. The majority coped really well and produced some excellent sendaways. Six dogs dropped at the front markers and eight were marked for slowing before they reached the back marker, mainly because they lacked commitment. Retrieve was next - this did not create many problems apart from four dogs who excessively mouthed the hard plastic articles. Four and a half minutes of heelwork followed and I'm delighted to say there were some lovely dogs with lots of attitude who despite their keenness maintained a constant heelwork position. The Dist Control did not create many problems as this was the last exercise. It did though for some handlers, who couldn't get their breath back after the heelwork!!
1st and KC Obedience Certificate. Janet Bates and her 2 year old cross Bluefizz Taika Chance On Me (Dallas). 290Pts. Drawn 6th and led the class all day. An outstanding display of teamwork which produced one of the best heelwork rounds of the day complimented by excellent set exercises. This young dog was calmly handled by Janet allowing him to show his potential. He has attitude and style in abundance for such a young dog and a real pleasure to judge. Their first ticket win for handler and dog but I'm sure it will be the first of many. I wish you all the best for the future and will watch his progress with interest. Congratulations.
2nd and KC reserve certificate. Jenny Lunn and her 9 year old WSD Ob Ch Longhalves on a High (Millie). 288 Pts. Fresh from his reserve place at Crufts and unfortunately, bridesmaid again but always a force to be reckoned with. This team flowed briskly around the ring with effortless heelwork and the set exercises were crisp and cleanly executed. Slight untidiness in his ASSD and pickups that I'm sure will be easily corrected. On today's performance it won't be too long until he obtains his passport to Crufts. Well done.
3rd Mary Ray and her 8 year old WSD Woodsorrel Red Devil. (Lost 12.25). Excellent work from this partnership. Mary has lovely upright handling and Taz worked in a controlled stylish manner holding a consistent heelwork position. This is the best I have seen him work. Anticipation in Distance Control was very costly and also the pick up on retrieve. Nevertheless, I know you were delighted with this place. No doubt he will be your next Ob Ch. Congratulations on your place.
4th Ian Watts and his 9 year old WSD Ob Ch Iatka Zyg Dann. (Lost 14.25). I do like Frayma's attitude to his work but he was just a little too pushy today. The sendaway, being the first exercise allowed him to build up his speed in preparation for heelwork and he was unable to maintain his concentration and coupled with the early draw didn't help either. The quality of this partnership shone through, as despite this, being the great champion that he is, still managed to be placed. He is such a genuine and honest dog and tries very hard to please. Well done Ian.
Won the run off with the following dog.
5th Sarah Delaney and her 7 year old Groenendael Ob Ch Vanistica French Eclipse. (Lost 14.25). Very clean and upright handling. ASSD positions untidy and retrieve very costly. Nice to see that he made the distance on the sendaway as I know, as he proved in the run off, that he can be naughty! A lovely dog who tries hard to please and obviously you enjoy. An achievement in itself to have a Groenendael champion! Congratulations.
6th A Scholten and his 5 year old WSD Colliewood Velazquez. (Lost 14.5). First time in ticket for this pair and Guus has done exceptionally well to qualify Gio considering he lives in Holland. I just love this dog's attitude and the handler has a no nonsense handling approach getting the best from him. Just bits and pieces on heelwork and some attention needed to the ASSD. I admire your dedication and it proves that it is paying off - long may it continue and I wish you all the best for the future.
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