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Junior Showmanship: Get Started In The Ultimate Sport For The Young Dog Lover
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 Many people know about the hard work that goes into the tradition of showing a dog. Numerous events are created and targeted towards testing and assessing the dog's potential as a winner, both in physical and functional divisions. Fewer people are aware, however, that classes exist through the AKC (American Kennel Club) specifically to challenge the less talked about participants entering the sport of dog showing. These are the ones that are holding on to the opposite end of the leash - and are just as important - the junior handler. The AKC offers Junior Showmanship classes to young handlers interested in learning more about their dogs and the sport of dog showing. These classes are unique in that they focus on the talent and ability of the handler, not the dog.
Getting Started With Junior Showmanship:Benefits of Junior Showmanship classes:Junior handlers are vital to the sport of dogs, for they will help determine and define the sport's future. It is important for young people with a passion for dogs to become educated about them early on. If a young adult makes the time and commitment to learn as much as they can about their dogs, and have a true eagerness to show them, they in turn earn valuable rewards that stretch far beyond a win. They adopt life-long values and positive behavior that will spill over into everyday life, allowing them to grow and mature into well-rounded adults. Junior Showmanship Participant Criteria:Divisions: two sections, Novice and Open Classes1. Novice: Once entries are closed, the child has not shown 3 place awards in a Novice class at a licensed or member show. These classes give beginning youngsters the opportunity to become more confident and knowledgeable in their abilities in an area separate from the more experience handlers.2. Open: For children with 3 or more first place wins. These classes are for more experienced junior handlers. Those in novice classes can benefit greatly from observing these more experienced handlers in the ring. (More than one child must compete in a class to qualify as a win.) Possible sub-divisions (not always the rule, though):
1. Junior: The child must be least 10 years old and under 14 years old on the show date. The Participating Dog:
The dog must be owned by either the child, a family member, or somebody in the household.
Rules of Judging:Young handlers are judged on their ability to handle (or present) their dogs according to the same guidelines and rules as competition in the breed ring. The quality of the child's presentation, not the dog itself, is measured and evaluated. Of course, the children are encouraged to:- conduct themselves professionally - dress appropriately - keep their dogs well-groomed and in good condition - continually improve their handling skills How To Get Started In Junior Showmanship:Attend Junior Showmanship classes at a dog show. This is one of the best ways to show youngsters how other children are involved in every stage of dog competition. Talk to the participants at these shows and classes - you'll be surprised how eager and excited young handlers are to talk about their dogs. Many local dog clubs offer weekly handling courses. These are a great way to learn the basics in a laid-back setting that is similar to a real show. If you don't know where to begin, see ThePoop.com's calendar of AKC events or contact the AKC for a list of all events, dates, and locations in your area:
American Kennel Club |
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