National Junior Dog Handler The winner - Shelley Ball, is standing with the Pointer, 2nd Tamzin Pitt and 3rd Michelle Harris are seated, the judges are Kate Wilson, Craig Scott and Joeclyn Croad

Once again the PEDIGREE National Dog Show will stage the final of the prestigious PEDIGREE Junior Dog Handlers competition which will see the winner receive the largest prize package currently offered in New Zealand canine events – a trip for the winner and one chaperone to the world famous CRUFTS Dog Show, where the winner will compete for the coveted title of International Junior Dog Handler.

The competition is open to Junior Handlers aged 12 and under 18 years who have competed throughout the preceding 12 months in 10 regional heats. The competition attests the handlers’ competence in handling 2 Breeds as if in the conformation ring. The judges will asses:- the handlers rapport with the dogs, effective use of ring space, sympathetic handling of the dog during the judges inspection, the ability to demonstrate to the judge all that would be required for the dog to be assessed fully in breed competition, courtesy and sportsmanship shown to other handlers. Prior to the ring exercises the handlers will attend an interview with the judging panel.
New Zealand can boast some top Junior Dog Handlers who have gone onto become our top handlers; we will see another emerge this week.

2003 sees another all “young lady” line up, and will be judged by a panel of 3 judges with International experience, we wish them well.

Last years placings: Centre is the winner Emma Case from Christchurch. Left is Tamzin Pitt and right is Sarah Asher, second and third places respectively.

Introducing the Finalists for 2003
(The finalists are introduced in the order of the qualifying heats)

Aimee Upson from Palmerston North
Qualified at New Plymouth KA
Aimee attends Palmerston North Girls High School and will be 14 years old at the Final. Her involvement in handling dogs began at 5 attending mostly German Shepherd Specialist Shows and has since become active in handling in the allbreeds rings plus agility, obedience and working trials. Aimee recently gained the championship title for her top dog CH Hanshi Halleys Comet and has recently started campaigning her daughter Hanshi Xinara. Aimee intends to study Veterinary science and homeopathic medicines at Massey University plus travel someday to Germany to extend her knowledge of the German Shepherd. Aimee would like to say a big "thank you" to all those wonderful people out there who have supported her and let her show their amazing dogs, it has been a great experience and has taught her a lot about other breeds. Aimee hopes that the eventual winner does their very best representing New Zealand.

Corina Walters from Tapawera
Qualified Canterbury Junior Kennel Society
Corina is 16 and is a 5th former at Tapawera Area School. Outside of dog showing her hobbies include netball, she enjoys most sports, loves to shop, have fun and enjoy life. On the subject of hobbies and having fun she hopes to shortly take up cowboy action shooting. Corina hopes that she will become a good dog handler and fulfill her goal of handling a dog through to Grand Championship status. Although concentrating on level 1 of NCEA at present, long term she aspires to become a lawyer or a veterinarian.

Michelle Harris of Taupo
Qualified Kapi-Mana Kennel Association
Michelle hails from Taupo where she is a 6th former studying for NCEA level 2 at Tauhara College. Besides dogs and canine activities her passions are dance and drama. Michelle shares her canine enthusiasm, and owning Siberian Huskies, with her family. She has been exhibiting now for 5 years, and someday would like to own and exhibit Newfoundlands. After completing the 7th form Michelle's ambition is to attend the New Zealand School of Dance and Drama and study performing arts.

Aleisha Hanson from Kaiapoi
Qualified at Gore & Districts Kennel Association
Aleisha is a year 11 student at St Andrews College in the heart of Christchurch; Labradors have surrounded her since she was born and although having handled since she was very young has recently taken over all handling duties due to her Mum sustaining an injury. Not only does Aleisha take part in handling she enjoys looking after and working with dogs and has recently taken on a part time job in a local Boarding Kennel. A keen sportswoman Aleisha represents her St Andrews in their top Volley Ball team. Aleisha hopes to pursue a career in tourism, initially, and hopes to attend the School of Travel and Tourism leading onto become an Air Hostess and hopefully someday a Pilot, however she will never leave the dog world and will continue showing the Labs and her Golden Retriever (once she convinces her Mum)

Amy-Lee Trainor from Nelson
Qualified at Oamaru Kennel Association
Amy-lee is 12 years old and attends Nelson College for Girls Preparatory School. Her involvement in dogs follows a long family history, her first dog was a Pekingese who she handled not only to her championship title but also to an Allbreeds Best in Show, Dizzy, the Peke, is now retired and Amy-Lee is concentrating on her new Pointer puppy. A keen guitar player Amy-Lee is also keenly involved in sport and plays netball, basketball and soccer, a keen competitor in her sports, she sets herself high standards both sporting and academically. Amy-Lee would like to thank everyone who has supported her in exhibiting dogs and looks forward to the future.

Tamzin Pitt from Auckland
Qualified at Wanganui Kennel Association
This is Tamzin's fourth year competing in the final of the Pedigree Junior Dog Handlers final; in 2002 she was the Runner Up. Tamzin is a 7th former at Elim Christian College, her involvement in our sport has now spanned 13 years and she has been handling dogs for 10 years. Tamzin's involvement in dogs is a family concern as the Pitt's breed, show and sled race Siberian Huskies where Tamzin herself has competed successfully throughout New Zealand and overseas. On the career front Tamzin aspires to attend Auckland University next year and study medicine. She wishes also to travel and attend a few of the phenomenal dog shows held overseas. Tamzin intends to compete competitively in dog shows, become a successful breeder and ultimately a renowned judge.

Shelley Ball from Te Puke
Qualified at Cambridge Kennel Association
Shelley is a 16 year old 5th form student attending Te Puke High School. Instead of partying at the weekends she either works at the local supermarket or travels the North Island dog show circuit. Her priorities at the moment are her dogs and passing her rapidly looming end of year school exams. In any spare time Shelley enjoys rock climbing and cross country running. Shelly's focus is to become a photographic journalist, she feels she will always be involved in the dog world and aspires to own or breed a Grand Champion Best in Show winner.

Hayley Buckley from Nelson
Qualified at Nelson Ladies Kennel Association
Hayley attends Nelson College for Girls and is in her 6th form year. Shortly to celebrate her 17th birthday she has been involved in showing dogs for the past 7 years. Outside school Hayley’s interests include going to the movies, reading, listening to music and shopping but most of all collecting Saint Bernard statues, a Breed very dear to her heart. Hayley is torn between becoming a Nurse or a Secondary School Teacher whilst her interest in the dog world is channeled towards becoming an international allbreeds judge and breeding quality Saint Bernards.

Amy Harrington from Gore
Qualified at Ellesmere A&P Society
Amy is a 7th form student at Southland's Gore High School and is studying calculus, english, accounting, chemistry and economics for bursary entrance. In her spare time Amy enjoys to play the guitar, piano, bass and sing in a band. Amy has successfully handled Hungarian Vizslas and Boxers and wishes to eventually start successfully breeding dogs.

Jordyn O'Neill from Napier
Qualified at Hauraki Kennel Association
Jordyn is 13 years old and attends Taradale High School, in her 3rd form year. Amongst her hobbies are netball, reading, swimming and showing dogs. Jordyn’s involvement is the dog world is a family affair, she started showing her family's Pointers and now has her own English Springer Spaniel who she handled to her championship title and recently bred her first litter from under her "Springnspan" prefix. In the future Jordyn would like to be able to represent New Zealand at Crufts, continue to breed English Springers and pursue a career working with animals.