Hi, Robin,
Although my kids no longer show in the juniors, they did at one time.
I'm not the most knowledgeable person on this list as I know that there
are some folks who have kids who have excelled in juniors. However,
I'll try to give you a few thoughts about what I've observed.
First off, if Frankie can't take "regular" handling classes, perhaps he
can take a few private lessons. You might ask at the facility where you
train. I was able to get a handling instructor to give my children
fifteen minute privates and I think it helped them a lot. Our handling
instructor "specializes" in kids (maybe that's why *I* like her..<G>) so
my kids were allowed in the regular classes as well, but the special
attention of a fifteen minute private helped a lot.
As I find it is hard for adults (nevermind kids) to remember many
things when doing something relatively new, you might concentrate on
just a few things. Things like showing on a loose lead, keeping the dog
on his left (most of the time, but for now that should be all he needs),
not to get between the dog and the judge so that the judge can see the
dog at all times. Your biggest concern might be in his lifting the dog
onto the table; small children have trouble getting them UP there. (I'm
sure some may remember our Alex lifting his dog Griffey onto the table,
carefully and painfulllllllllllly slowly; it was a bit of a crowd
pleaser at the time. <G>)
Mostly, tell Frankie to have fun! Tell him that the judge is there to
teach him as well as reward him and good JR. handling judges often help
the kids learn something new. Also, you can tell him that doubtless he
will look as good as many of us! <G>
Good luck to all!
Suze
Robin McLeod wrote:
>
> Finally, I was able to make arrangements to go to the
> Atlanta nationals. My youngest son, Frankie, age 6
> ("6 and 1/2," he says indignantly!) decided to come
> with me and Teddy instead of going to his
> end-of-the-year Cub Scout awards picnic that same
> weekend ("as long as Dad will pick up my badge for
> me," he says.) So, Frankie, Teddy (blenheim puppy who
> has a mind of his own) and I will be there. This will
> be our first show as participants, not just observers!
>
> Frankie volunteered to show Teddy, so I entered
> him in Children's Handling on Sunday. I've been
> "coaching" Frankie in gaiting Teddy, holding the lead,
> etc. We've set aside time this weekend to practice in
> the space where I take Teddy for handling classes.
> Around here, kids must be 10-years old (sometimes
> 8-yrs old) to take an official handling class, so he
> hasn't been to a handling class. And, if any of your
> kids are at all like Frankie, taking "coaching" from
> Mom stinks!
>
> So, my question is this: Do any of you who have
> helped your kids learn about handling have any tips
> for me as his "coach"? How about tips for Frankie?
> (I told him I'm writing about him here, and he wants
> to read what you have to say!)
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Robin McLeod (& Frankie! & Teddy)
> Minnesota
>
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