09/09/2024
Judges report from the 2 lower classes in UK obedience.
Worcester Intro and Pre Beginner Judges report
Thank you so much to Louise Williams for inviting me to judge at their Championship show weekend. This show always runs like a well oiled machine with a super atmosphere. Fabulous catering with a wonderful vegetarian table thanks to Sheila Huntley and the Pet Needs voucher was very much appreciated.
Massive thanks to Cath Moore for stewarding for me. It was a bit of a baptism of fire for both of us with the new rules and never having judged/stewarded an Intro class at all.
These lower classes are often considered difficult to judge and I know the recent rule change to permitting rewards in the ring between exercises has caused lots of judges to panic. Personally I absolutely loved it!
What better way to encourage newcomers and their inexperienced dogs into our sport than allowing reinforcements at various points? The allocation of points towards 'engagement' in Intro is a priceless decision. For some handlers there was a distinct difference in the efforts they put into keeping their dogs engaged when they knew it would affect their placings. Let's face it if your dog does not want to look at you in the first place then you are going to have a tough time getting them to work with you!
The rewards area I allocated was basically one half of the ring. I ensured that I had spare pocket sized pots for the handlers should they need them and planned my round so that all exercises finished in the rewards half of the ring. Did we have any dogs struggle to concentrate with food being used? Absolutely not!
Many breeds do not thrive on repetition and motivating them to want to join us in our sport is not always easy. These lower classes are jam packed full of family pets, not purpose bred obedience dogs. Most people's pets have been trained primarily with food and do not necessarily value tugging on a lead or a toy in the same way as our experienced dogs. As such this step towards allowing reinforcement including food in the ring is a masterstroke in helping bridge the gap between pet classes and our wonderful sport.
May it bring us more fabulous other breeds who love our sport and progress up through the classes in future.
Onto the results...
Introductory
1st GOT THE PANDA POP Crossbreed with Mark Gowler. This was the only handler in the class whom remained engaged with their dog throughout. Even when listening to the steward he ensured his tiny little dog was focussed on him and vice versa. Absolutely spot on handling Mark!!! Little Panda strutted her way around the ring and even falling down some large cracks did not deter her from putting on the most fabulous show! Thoroughly deserved win and looking forward to watching your progress in future. We need more giant men with tiny dogs in our sport!!
2nd BAMABEL FREYA Rottie with Ann Nash. I understand this was Ann's first foray into obedience having come over from the dark side of Rally. Well Ann all I can say is that you should dip your toes a little more often! This beautiful rottie is just 18 months old and has a super attitude to training. I'd love to see her progress up through the classes and certainly, with Ann's training and experience, it is most definitely possible.
3rd HAMBLEROSE ASTRAL DREAM Shetland Sheedog with Simon Bussey. Oh I loved this little girl! She was full of sass and beautifully handled by Simon. Another lucky small dog who was well reinforced between exercises and rewarded her owner with some really lovely work.
4th MERPOP APPOLLO Lurcher with Heather Hanson. Beautifully marked merle lurcher nicely handled by Edd. You two have the most wonderful relationship which shone through during your round. Loved watching your use of reinforcements. Very well deserved place.
5th RUBBLE ON THE DOUBLE Jack russell/Pug with Kerry Barnes. What a fabulous little dog! He was going great guns with his jaunty little trot until the s*xy Panda trotted by and then the love struck teenager couldn't think about anything else! Really nicely motivated and handled by Kerry and another young dog with heaps of potential.
6th CORLEYHILL SHERRY TOT Labrador with Jo Joyce. Loved this partnership. Jo's quiet and sympathetic handling really brought out the best in her beautiful girl. Good use of food reinforcement (obviously being a labrador) and I was so pleased to see you in the lineup
Pre Beginners
1st BAMABEL FREYA Rottie with Ann Nash. Not the bridesmaid this time! A really lovely round and a very well deserved win! The turns were brilliantly executed demonstrating just how well you have trained her heelwork position. Step out with her Ann and show her off because she totally deserves it! Congratulations on winning your first Pre Beginner class!
2nd HAMBLEROSE ASTRAL DREAM with Simon Bussey. This little girl was unlucky to meet the above today. A super round and no doubt will win her Pre Beginners in future.
3rd MERPOP APPOLLO Lurcher with Heather Hanson. Another lovely round Edd and well deserving of winning the run off
4th AMBERSLADE VULCAN'S FIRE Australian Shepherd Dog with Daniel Woodcock. A heavily coated dog who worked well with Daniel to gain this place.
5th MAXIMUS CAPERE PILA Border Collie. A lovely lad producing a nice round. Well done on gaining this place
6th SERENCI BLACK HERON Min poodle. A cheeky little chap who enjoyed his time in the ring with his Mum
