JUNIOR HANDLER STATE FINAL 2021 – David Margan
OUR FUTURE ….
SAMANTHA PAGE AND ELLA CAMPBELL
One of the very special events on our yearly calendar are the State Junior Dog Handler Finals. And so on Sunday a group of family, friends and enthusiastic junior handlers gathered for the contest. Jodie Delacourt who has been a junior handler judge for 22 years said; “We are mentoring the next generation and it is so important for the future growth of our community.” How do you judge ones so young? What was Jodi looking for? “It’s the whole package, teamwork, communication, free and smooth movement and presentation. For me it’s like looking at a work of art, but what’s very important, is that they are enjoying themselves.” The cutest of all no doubt are the ‘Tiny Tots’. The winner there was 4 year old Gracelyn Watt with her long coat Chihuahua, Emily, “it’s really fun to get a ribbon and I like her because she helps me win.” Judge Jodie, who would have won the day’s best dressed award, if there was one, said; “It’s all about getting them started, even without a dog they’re still learning, the motions, the moves and learning how to communicate with the dog and of course, the fun of it all.” One of the stars of the show was 15 year old, Ella Campbell, who was awarded Queensland Junior Handler of the Year. Surrounded by almost three generations of dog breeders and handlers she has been involved since birth; “I’ve always loved it, its such fun, connecting and communicating with different breeds and as for winning the state title, it’s just amazing.”
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DOG WORLD October 2021
Her ambition is to go to the Nationals and compete, why even Crufts! For the older contestants their skills are sorely tested when they have to swap a dog and handle a total stranger in the ring. As Jodie says; “You see their ability to exert control, keeping their cool when things don’t go exactly right and to keep on working with the dog.” There were no boy entrants this year which is not surprising when average male entries in Junior Handler events hover around a low 1%. It’s an issue we need to try and confront as the young are our future and this is an arena of values that transcend gender, Jodie again; “I also keep a watchful I on how the contestants relate to each other. What is also very important is sportsmanship, working together and respecting their fellow contestants” And the winner? Well everyone who participates and has a go, that’s the Dog World. Footnote: One disappointing moment was when a ground announcement encouraging others to come and watch the final was met with but a few. We do need to more supportive of each other, especially when it involves our young stars.