Junior Handlers

Winner - Aleisha Hanson from North Canterbury

2nd - Shelley Ball from Te Puke

3rd - Jessika Harrison from South Auckland

The 2004 PROPLAN New Zealand Kennel Club National Dog Show will stage the final of the prestigious NZKC 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.

On behalf of the Junior Members sub committee of the NZKC I wish to sincerely thank all of the clubs who have held heats throughout the year and indeed to all of the supporters of this event.

Beth Warman, August 2004

photo by CORSAIR
Last years winner: Shelly Ball from Te Puke with judges Craig Scott, Jocelyn Croad, Kate Wilson, sponsors representative, and 2002 winner Emma Case.

Introducing the Finalists for 2004

(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 currently completing NCEA level 1, where she hopes her studies will lead her to a career in either veterinary science or to a criminal law degree.

15 year old Aimee is also a keen and successful Hockey player, 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, she also makes time to successfully run her own grooming business.

Aimee would like to wish "good luck" to all competitors in todays final and is sure the winner will represent New Zealand to the best of their ability.

Amy-Lee Trainor from Upper Moutere

Qualified at South Otago KA
Amy-Lee is the first of three of our young ladies who attend Nelson College for Girls, something of a record to have three finalists not only from the same area but attending the same school.

As well showing dogs Amy-Lee enjoys netball, soccer, basketball and touch rugby and is a member of her schools drama club.

Amy-Lee has two dogs of her own a Pekingese and a Pointer who she really enjoys showing.

Aleisha Hanson from North Canterbury

Qualified at Canterbury Junior KA
Aleisha was born and bred into a kennel of Labradors in 1987, and has been involved with them ever since. She first took the reins of a Lab before she could walk and now has a huge interest in dogs and animals in general.

After completing her 7th form year at St Andrews College in Christchurch Aleisha hopes to study animal behaviour and psychology at Canterbury University. Aside from this Aleisha is very much looking forward to owning an American Cocker Spaniel puppy later this year and hopes to continue giving up her social life, shopping and volley ball to tour the show circuit with her Mum Betty and sister Desiree.

Since entering the JDH competition last year she has made many friends and has had great opportunities to handle many other breeds of dogs.

"I would like to thank everybody who has help me get to where I am today by passing on their knowledge and skills, especially Beth & Joanne Warman and Margaret Wilson for all the work put into this event, Paul & Erika Abel-Freeman for the loan of their dogs and a BIG thanks to Mum for entering all the shows possible".

Jessika Harrison from South Auckland

Qualified at Kapi Mana KA
Jessika is a 14 year old year 10 student at Tuakau College, she enjoys summer sports, music, magazines and of course handling dogs, Jessika would like to pursue a career in design – fashion or possibly become a makeup artist. Jessika is a first time finalist in the JDH National Final.

Jessika is sure that dogs and all things dog will be a life long hobby as it’s a family affair and all are keenly involved “this is an awesome experience at my age and I wish all the girls today the best of luck, thanks you to the sponsors and the NZKC for such a marvelous opportunity”.

Corina Walters of Tapawera

Qualified at Gore & Districts KA
Corina is 17 years of age and a 6th former at Tapawera Area School, her hobbies, besides dogs, include netball and volley ball.

During the holidays she has been grooming dogs along with taking a course in Canine studies. Aspiring to become a Police Dog Handler or possibly a Lawyer Corina is currently focusing on passing NCEA level 2. Within the canine fraternity she aspires to becoming a good breeder and take a dog through to its Grand Championship.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped, supported me and allowed me to handle their dogs over the past 4 years, this has meant a lot to me. I would like to especially thank Ann Reading who introduced me to the dog world and has taught me many valuable lessons, also Roz Cooper for her continuing support, I wish my fellow competitors GOOD LUCK".

Paige O’Neill from Napier

Qualified at Wanganui KA
This is Paiges first appearance in a JDH National Final and follows in her sister Jordyns footsteps who was a finalist in 2003. She is 12 years old and is in Form 1 at Taradale IntermediateSchool.

Paige’s main interest is with dogs, and inparticular handling them, her Mum breeds and shows Pointers and German Shepherds and also owns a boarding kennel where Paige spends a good deal of time helping her.

Besides all things "canine" Paige enjoys horse riding, playing netball and soccer and is a keen artist enjoying painting and drawing.

"In the next few years I will be trying to win the Junior Dog Handlers final and later I would like to go to the United States and train as a professional handler. Other than that I would like to become a journalist who would be recognized throughout New Zealand".

Shelley Ball from Te Puke

Qualified at Kumeu KA
Shelley is 17, and is a 6th former at Te Puke High School, and indeed is no stranger to this competition and if her name is familiar to you she won the 2003 final of the National Junior Dog Handlers competition.

Life revolves around school, homework, studies and of course dogs, after that any spare time is spent competing in indoor and outdoor rock climbing competitions.

As with most 6th formers studies start to become more geared towards a chosen career, Shelly hopes to become a photographic journalist and currently spends a great deal of time completing photographic and design projects.

"My dogs are an important part of my life and I am sure will continue to be in the future. I would love to handle or breed my own Grand Champion".

Alice Trevelyan from Upper Moutere

Qualified at Ellesmere A&P Soc
Alice is the second of three of this years qualifiers who attend Nelson College for Girls, she is a 14 year old year 10 student, recently immigrated with her family from the United Kingdom, complete with her canine family. This is her first appearance in the JDH National Final.

Besides her involvement in the dog world she plays piano, cello and sings in two choirs and also enjoys swimming and tennis. Her aspiration is to become a teacher or sports physiotherapist.

Alice sees in her future the hope to judge and coach Junior Dog Handlers with her greatest aim to handle a dog to Best in Show at Crufts or the World Dog Show.

"I would love to win at the National as I believe representing New Zealand at an International Competition would be a great honour".

Hayley Buckley from Nelson

Qualified at Marlborough KA
Our third qualifier who attends Nelson College for Girls is Hayley, who is a 7th former shortly to turn 18.

Hayley has been involved in showing dogs now for 8 years alongside her outside interests of working part time in a local supermarket, playing social netball and hanging out with her friends. Hoping to attend University next year, Hayley aspires to complete a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History and hopes to someday become a primary school teacher.

In the dog world Hayley would like to become a world renowned judge and a top Saint Bernard breeder.

Erika Amoore from Pokeno

Qualified at Hamilton KA
Erika is also a first time qualifier in a JDH National Final. A 14 year old 4th form student who attends Pukekohe High School.

Erika has been showing dogs for as long as she can remember and has travelled all over New Zealand doing so, besides her hobbies of performing, dance, drama and singing she would love the opportunity to continue in this hobby in other parts of the world and own and breed sound, good quality dogs.

Very best wishes to our 10 young ladies, we hope you enjoy your day.