Date: 23/01/10 |
Thanks to the Dutch Obedience Society for inviting me to judge. The hospitality was second to none and I really enjoyed my day’s judging. I was impressed with the way handlers motivated their dogs and set a brisk and positive pace for the heelwork – something that is often lacking in England. There were quite a few training rounds – some because of broken stays – but again these appeared to be constructive. Because of the smaller classes in Holland, young dogs may progress through the classes perhaps before they are really ready to, so a bit of help and encouragement is a good idea.
One thing to watch out for is noise from the dogs, especially during heelwork, and I deducted marks in several cases. Barking and squeaking detracts from the whole picture, and can be difficult to eradicate. There is a fine line between motivating the dog and getting it over-aroused when it becomes difficult for the dog to learn or concentrate.
Thanks also to Steven Vannieuwenhuyse and his parents for their wonderful hospitality and for teaching me some more Dutch, though I’m not sure when I will get to use lievenheersbeestje! Perhaps a name for my next puppy!
Thank you also to my stewards and helpers including the stay team.
Veel succes met jouw honde!
Class C
A good standard with happy and enthusiastic dogs and handlers.
1st Bianca v. d. Post with Generous Genial Ginny, Australian Kelpie, losing 7 ¼
This team produced an impressive round. Faults in heelwork are more obvious with a dog of this type, so it is a tribute to the training that she held such a consistent position. The other work was performed quickly and accurately and I admired the teamwork demonstrated. Bianca’s other dog Wizard also shows a lot of promise. Congratulations.
2nd Gwen Griffioen with Wyndanwood Plymouth Road Runner, Australian Shepherd, losing 8 ½
A very keen dog who found it difficult to keep a straight back during his heelwork. Good Distance Control and sendaway and just ½ for a bark on retrieve put him in a promising position, but unfortunately a messy scent relegated him to second place. He has the potential to improve and do well.
3rd Lenie Kasteleijn with Colliewood Caballe “La Layla”, Working Sheepdog, losing 9
A missed position on the heelwork proved very expensive for this team. The other work was performed with enthusiasm and accuracy and I enjoyed watching it. Good luck for the future.
4th Greet Vink with Kyrill v. Berlaere, Border Collie, losing 10 ¾
Bits and pieces lost on all exercises but I am sure that this experienced handler will soon be able to improve on this placing. A more consistent heelwork position is needed and I think that as he grows in confidence this will come.
5th Brigitte v. Gestel with Twizzle, Border Collie, also losing 10 ¾ but declining to run off
A handsome dog whose work was generally quick and positive. Handler sidestepped and gave an extra command during the heelwork, which obviously lost marks and 3 of the DC positions were slightly slow, so I am guessing that Twizzle is new to C. If so, he should have a very good future.
6th Melissa Vercauter with Demma of the Actionfarm, Tervurense Herder losing 12
A happy and enthusiastic dog who was handled well. Just needs some tidying up all round to move up the placings.
7th Mia Bosschaart with Mamamia’s Tyke, Working Sheepdog, losing 14 ½
Missed the sit position on the heelwork unfortunately and had an extra command on the DC which all added up. An experienced team who present an attractive picture.
Class B
For this class I set my sendaway across the ring instead of up the ring as in C. This was to avoid giving advantage to those dogs who had worked in the morning. The markers were quite clear (red and white plastic and filled with water to give them weight) but unfortunately many dogs found it difficult. Perhaps they have got used to a pattern. Quite a few broke stays too.
1st Sandra Pierson with Akso, Border Collie, losing 9 ½
A steady round from this dog with some marks lost on all exercises. Responded well to an extra command that took him to the back marker and this gave him the edge over the rest. Congratulations.
2nd Mariette v.d. Vos Nice of you to come bye Chizzy Chick, Border Collie, losing10 ½
Heelwork needs tightening up, but it was the retrieve that cost you the class today. I’m sure that you can improve on this.
3rd Rick v. Veeeren Sealight It’s a Magic Miracle, Border Collie, losing 13 ½
Again attention needed to tighten the heelwork up. Handler and dog both have a good attitude and enjoy their obedience.
4th Rineke Smit with Tika Jillaroo Uluru, Australian Kelpie, losing 24 ¾
Another Kelpie in the cards today! Unfortunately a broken stay didn’t help.
5th Martine Verhoeven Fouzywouzy from Imkes Friends, Border Collie, losing 48 ¼
This dog has ability but at present is rather inconsistent. Stays and scent were expensive.
Di Morgan