Windsor Dog Show Society

I would first like to express my sincere thanks to the committee for inviting me to judge the JHA classes each day. It was an honor to be a part of such a well-run friendly show. Thank you to all my stewards and every handler who entered under me, I wish you all continued success in the future.   

Day one  

6-11 years (2,2)  

12-17 (4,1) 

1. Lillie Norman-Thorpe- A quiet and unassuming handler who was gentle and patient with a sometimes less than enthusiastic Labrador. Free stood the dog well and attempted to shadow without panicking when the dog tried to move. Straightest lines in the class and listened carefully to all my instructions. Her final present was also the correct distance away, a lovely partnership.  

2. Connie Norman- Thorpe- Another handler who was calm and collected with her dog, she also had a Labrador who was making her work, but she kept her cool with consistent encouragement. Another who listened to all instructions and completed everything as asked, lines were not quite as straight as the winner and she set off at slightly the wrong angle for her up and down but a very lovely performance, nonetheless.  

3. Harriet Duffield- A very smartly turned-out pair who clearly shared a lovely rapport. There were a couple of small mistakes today, but the lines were straight, and the potential here is obvious. I’d love to see them again on a day when everything clicks. 

Day Two  

6-11 (6,5) 

1. Isabella Scullion- A very sweet pairing, Isabella has an obvious rapport with her Whippet. Nice work on the table and showed me the teeth correctly without getting her own head in the way. Lots of encouragement was given when needed, but it was not overdone at all. Nice, neat lead kept hidden in her hand so never distracted from the dog. Just try not to rush when stacking your dog as this will give a more polished performance overall.   

12-17 (4,2)  

1. Soleile Huikeshoven- A very polished picture the moment they entered the ring. She handles with such style and quiet confidence. Very straight lines and neat lead. Showed the full dentition on the table when I asked for the bite, but this can be easily changed. Her final present was well positioned, and she never stopped smiling and interacting with her Petit Griffon Vendéen, it was a lovely confident partnership to watch. 

2. Texas-Lee Dunstone- A very different handling style, but just as much talent on display. She presented the bite correctly on the table and executed lovely straight lines and tight corners. Her final present wasn’t quite square, but working with a free stood Norfolk Terrier makes this more of a challenge to execute. She attempted to shadow and clearly knew what she was supposed to do but got a little flustered when the dog began to follow her. Unfortunately, this unsettled her slightly for the remainder of the class. With growing confidence, she’ll be one to watch I look forward to seeing her progress. 

Day Three 

6-11 (8,1)  

1- Eva Scott- A very capable handler showing a Miniature Schnauzer, she kept her calm form the moment she entered the ring and dealt with the class in a manner above her years, a few times another dog came quite close to hers but she never let it fluster her and kept doing what she was there to. Very tidy straight lines with tight corners and lead nicely tucked away in every maneuver, never dangling and distracting from the dog. Her final present was almost a perfect distance away and a lovely big thank you before rejoining the line which was appreciated.  

2- Jack Davies- Another handler who came in with confidence, handling a Tibetan Terrier he showed the teeth very nicely without obstructing my view in a coated breed this can be very difficult. Lines were not as straight as the winners. The final present was the correct distance away and square, another handler who said thank you before joining the end and never stopped showing his dog or paying attention to what I was doing. 

12-17 (5,1)  

1- Jayden Scott- Similar comments can be made about Jayden as his sister in the previous class. He was also handling a Miniature Schnauzer who was at times distracted and refusing to stand square on. Each time this happened Jayden remained calm and repositioned his dog without letting it become a stressful situation. When showing the teeth he just needs to watch out for the beard getting in the way. This is hard to do but will give an even more polished performance. HIs lines were very straight, and he always kept a close eye on my position. Lovely final present and used the ring space very well.  

2- Leah Chadwick – This handler had such a good report with her Caviler King Charles spaniel, every command the dog was attentive and happy. The tablework was clean and when standing she didn't panic if the dog moved when she tried to shadow. Unfortunately, she set off at the wrong angle on her up and down and the line became slightly wonky. She was another handler who you could tell enjoyed her time in the ring. She gave a great performance overall. 

Day four  

6-11 (9,5)  

1- William Wearden- This handler handled his Border Collie very calmly. He made full use of the ring and moved the dog at the correct pace. Showed the teeth nicely without obstructing my view. His triangle pattern was particularly well executed, with straight lines. The overall picture was very clean and polished for his age. Just focus on trying to tighten up the corners, especially the turn at the end of the up and down.  

2- Bethany Guillod-Rees- Bethany was a very focused handler who worked sympathetically with their Norwegian Buhund. Their pattern work featured clean, straight lines, and it was evident they had a good rapport with their dog. Slightly obstructed my view during the teeth examination. A small adjustment here would really refine their overall presentation. They free stood their dog at the correct distance away for the final presentation and made use of the ring when returning to the line at the end of their individual.  

12-16 (5,1)  

1- Daisy Nicholas – In my notes I wrote “Wow”, Daisy handled a Mastiff today and as someone who used to use giant breeds in handling competitions, I commend her for her ability to make it look effortless. In handling you need to get tight corners and turns to make the overall picture as neat as possible and often with a giant breed you can get told that you are not doing this well enough, but Daisy did it perfectly for the breed she was showing. So sympathetic and confident she is a handler who worked well with her dog, and it was the main focus at all times. She showed the teeth well and kept an eye on my position throughout the class.  

2- Phoebe Johnson- This handler was knowledgeable and had a lovely bond with her Shetland Sheepdog, she had very precise table work. Showed the teeth very cleanly but unfortunately during the pattern work her lead was dangling and became distracting. Just before rejoining the class, she unintentionally obstructed my view of the dog, which also disrupted the presentation.  

Leah Scales