There are certain patterns in junior handling you will be asked to do which you wont usually see used in the breed classes. They use them as a training tool and to see how well you can do them. The most common ones used are the T, Triangle, Circle, Up and down, , L and the figure of 8. The key to get these patterns perfect is to have a point that you are running to and watch that point till you have to turn. Every one these patterns (accept the figure of 8 which you will curve) has straight lines. You will need to get your Dalmatian used to you moving behind him while running with some these patterns it can take long time but with a lot of practice these patterns can become faultless. Some judges will also ask for the reverse of all of these. This may all sound really confusing but it's really easy once you know what your doing. Here is an explanation on what you do for each pattern if you still cant understand it or cant get it right then feel free to ask me (charlotte page) at a show and id be happy to show you.

T
This pattern is exactly how you write it. You will run straight up as if you are doing an up and down. Then turn left and then as you get to the end turn and run to your right and then turn and go back down the line and to where you started( if the judge has moved you still go back to the start then you go to where to judge is positioned). If you where asked for a reverse triangle then you just do the same only at the top turn right then turn left. Also make sure that the top of your t is equal! Counting your steps can help?

Triangle
This pattern is the most common pattern used in junior handling (along with the breed). You start by running to the right, this will make the corner of your triangle. You will then turn left and rung before turning again to return to your position( if judge has moved the return to the start then go back to them). Some juniors tend to use the starting point and the corners of the ring to make there triangle. The only problem to this is sometimes rings aren't even or the judge isn't standing equally in the middle. So pay attention to where the judge is and how to start of. For the reverse triangle you will turn left before turning right and returning.

Circle
Now most people will think this pattern is simple. Well actually it can get very hard espically with a Dalmatian that's bigger than you. The normal circle is very easy and you just run round the ring in a circle. But when the judge has moved to the side of the ring you are going to have to change hands. You will be showing your dog with your left hand so what you do is move your left hand over to the right side moving the dog with it while you move behind your dog and swiping the lead into the right hand. You will then have the dog on the correct side without breaking the golden rule. As you get past the judge you will then move in front of your dog and swap back into the left hand. The key is to not stop and do this but to carry on running and to make it as smooth as you can. Remember you are there to be 'invisible'.

Up & Down
This pattern can get difficult when the judge moves. If the judge remains in the starting point you will then just run up to the top the ring with the lee in your left hand and do a loop at the top before returning to the starting position. With Reverse you will just swap the lead into your right hand. However if the judge is to move you are to swap hands at the top of the line and make sure the dog is on the same side as the judge. You then return to starting point( or if the judge has moved back to starting point and the return to them).

L

This pattern is exactly as it sounds. You run straight up as if you where doing an up and down only you will turn right and then follow this back to where you started. If the judge has moved you still go back to your starting point then go to them. If you where asked for a reverse triangle you will just turn left at the top.

Figure of 8
Last of the patterns is the figure of 8. This pattern isn't used that much but some judges will ask it. Again its exactly how it looks. This pattern again is harder with a big dog and can take a lot work to get right. You start of at the judges feet where you will then do a curve from the left to the right about half way you will swap hands and do another curve from the right to the left where again you will swap hands and move right to the beginning. As I have said this pattern can get very confusing so a lot practice will be needed. Also remember that an 8 has not straight lines! So it has to be curved all the way through.