Date: 21/5/11 |
Thank you to the Dutch Obedience Society for inviting Karen and me back to judge this year. As previously we were made very welcome and enjoyed the occasion. Special thanks must go to my ring stewards Annemarie Ibelings (C) and Dona Vandenheule (B) who made judging much easier by their expertise in guiding the competitors efficiently around the ring and for the scoreboard help from Karin Stegmeijer. Finally a big thank you to Steven Vannieuwenhuyse for his hospitality over the weekend and making our stay so pleasurable.
I thought that the standard had improved since last year. The dogs had lots of motivation as before but were less vocal and smoother in their deportment, which adds to the overall picture. I like stylish dogs, however marks are easily lost where enthusiasm interferes with accuracy of position – all that energy has to go somewhere! I like the handlers’ attitude to the sport too, you all seemed to enjoy yourselves and make it fun for you and the dogs.
I have a lot of respect for the way you all put such time and effort into your hobby, especially those of you who travel to the UK for shows and I wish you every success during the show season.
Di Morgan
Results
Class C – 22 entries, 19 ran
Most exercises were completed well. A few handlers lost marks on the Sendaway by walking off-line into the corner of the ring and as a result taking the wrong course on the last part of the recall. There were 3 scent failures who all picked up the decoy before reaching the correct cloth.
1st Melissa Vercauter with Demma of the Actionfarm (Tervurense Herder)
This was a super round by Melissa and Emma, stylish to watch but deadly accurate. The slow and normal pace heelwork was excellent, with a few marks lost on fast pace which I’m sure you can work on. Handling was smooth and clean on all exercises and I was impressed by the improvement since last year. I think this was your first win in C and I’m sure that more will follow.
2nd Annelies v. d. Velde with Twinkle’s Laddy Boy (Working Sheepdog)
I liked both of Annelies’ dogs but this one was the most successful today. I thought your heelwork was beautiful, smart and smooth handling. Laddy is keen and attentive without losing the accuracy. Unfortunate to miss a position in DC, which I’m convinced he just did not hear.
3rd Mia Bosschaart with Mamamia’s Tyke (Working Sheepdog)
Slight inaccuracies on the heelwork and a missed position on the move took the marks today, however he is a lovely dog who has done you proud over the years. I hope you will continue to enjoy him for many more.
4th Trudy Groenenboom with Colliewood Crazy Legs Guiness (Working Sheepdog)
Guiness lives up to his name, full of power and enthusiasm but a bit untidy with it. I love his attitude and you must be very proud of him and his sons and daughters who are doing so well.
5th Tiny Bouchaut with Twinkle’s Kathmick (Working Sheepdog)
Good sendaway and DC but marks lost for changes in position on heelwork. Also needs a bit of tidying on retrieve and scent where marks were given away which proved expensive.
6th Rick v. Veeren with Sealight Flash of Lightning (Border Collie)
Flash was a bit untidy in all exercises, but nevertheless completed everything and deserved his place in the line-up.
7th Pleun v.d. Ster with Thisisblizz of Albion’s March (Border Collie)
This was a much better round overall than the marks suggest. Unfortunately the handler gave the wrong position during the heelwork and the dog brought in the decoy in scent. Good luck for the future.
Class B – 16 entries – 14 ran
This was a smaller entry and unfortunately there were a few stay failures. Quite a few handlers decided to do training rounds and these appeared to be productive so hopefully will have a positive impact for the future. Overall the standard was good.
1st Cees Groen with Nice of you to come bye Keen Kite (Border Collie)
This gentleman and his dog made a lovely team, they seemed to have an excellent understanding of each other and tackled the round very positively. They worked first and kept a convincing lead all day finishing with a good scent. Congratulations on winning your 3rd B in good style and good luck in C.
2nd Heidi Demon with Bonnieblue Godarcy (Border Collie)
I think Heidi was surprised at Darcy’s performance in his first B. He demonstrated that he knows his work and is ready to compete at this level. He is a strong dog who takes a lot of controlling, and the scent where he lost a few marks was perhaps just one step too far. The other exercises were well performed.
3rd Rose Dewulf with Bekkis Yours Faithfully (Border Collie)
Another dog whose heelwork has improved greatly since last year. She looks much more motivated and confident. I’m sure that you can sort out the problem you are having with presents on retrieve and scent, she is a capable dog, have faith in her.
4th Rick v. Veeren with Sealight It’s a Magic Miracle (Border Collie)
The heelwork was expensive today but she finished with a good scent and I think Rick was pleased with her effort.
5thChristina Decuypere with Jipsinger Kaipo (Australian Shepherd)
This was a good team but unfortunately a break in stays put them further down the line-up.