Marina Scott - Interview

Our junior reporter has conducted an interview with former Junior Handler of the Year and author of "Handling the White Way", Marina Scott.

So going back to when you were a junior, what breeds did you used to handle?
I mainly handled my families Beagles (Belsmard) but on occasions I showed breeds including the Shetland Sheepdog, Great Dane, Afghan Hound, Welsh Springer Spaniel and Bearded Collie. I also always tried to have a go with many different breeds at my ringcraft class so I could gain experience at handling different dogs, shapes and sizes.

 

There must have been some quite memorable occasions?
Oh yes, there certainly were! Obviously winning UK Handler of the year and Scottish Junior Handler of the year in 1998 were absolutely mindblowing! But think the best moment was winning the World junior handling title at the World Dog Show in Finland that year. My Dad came with me and I handled a Finnish Champion Afghan Hound and it was just spectacular - I will never forget the moment, the announcer called my name - it was unbelievable and such a proud moment.

 

Having judged the juniors many of times this year and previously, do you think handling has changed or is it the same?
I have been judging junior handling classes since I was 15 and have judged over 700 handlers at open and championship shows. In my opinion, the one thing that has changed dramatically is the ever decreasing numbers of entries. When I was showing in handling, a junior handling class could attract more than 30 entries per class whether it was an open or championship show. Now you would be lucky if you had 10. I think handling judges have become better judges as they now understand that they are judging the handler notthe dog and in my day, some judges rewarded the youngest and smallest handler who showed the biggest dog!

 

 

So when you are judging what are the key things you look for in a handler?
I look for a good rapport between handler and their dog. They must look like they are enjoying it (both dog and handler). Also, I want to see the dog made to look like a champion, even if it is not show quality, I expect the handler to attempt to disguise it's less good points and accentuate its best points. I want to see that the handler has made an effort to groom the dog, clip its nail and is clean and tidy, and that the handler should be well presented and that their hair is tied back. I don't want anything to distract me from watching their dog, so untidy leads, flapping ties, or loose clothing - is a big no no. They must have good lead control and move the dog at the correct pace for its breed. They must listen to my instructions, not be cocky but polite and confident and ensure their pattern work is accurate (i.e straight lines and neat corners) and a good straight final present.

 

Is there any advice or helpful tips you could give to juniors who currently show or about to begin showing a Dalmatian?
Well, if you can, start by using a well-schooled older dog that already knows what its doing in the ring. I started handling when I was six and handled our veteran Beagle - she was calm enough not to pull me over but she was sparky enough for me to look good and learn quickly with. There's no use trying to start learning with a puppy as you will both be learning the moves and it will take you twice as long to get there, plus it would be very frustrating for you, so you might give up! Another tip if you are just starting out is to go and watch the Dalmatian judging at a show and watch how other junior and adult handlers show their dogs. Also, do not be afraid to go and ask them questions - just make sure you don't ask them while they are about to go in the ring!

 

Now your book 'Junior handling the white way' is possibly to a junior the bible. I know i carry mine in the pedigree bag to every show! What made you start writing the book and how can juniors buy it?
I am incredibly proud of my book, which was published in 2002 and still to this day, sells around the world. I decided to write it in my gap year - around the year 2000, when I became too old in the handling classes. I felt like I wanted to write down everything I had learnt and give back the experience to the next generation. I still beam with pride when I see people using it or coming up to me and asking me to sign it - it just seemed such a great idea at the time and thanks to my mum and dad for the financial support - I would have never been able to afford to publish it! I still remember now that I received the first copy in the post when I had recently moved down to Bournemouth with my fiancee, Kriss, and I had just started my degree at University. I remember my fellow journalists on my course wrote an article in the university newspaper and the headline was a bit crude! But it was funny all the same.
You can buy the book (£9.99) via my website

 

Your new junior handling DVD called 'Marina Scott's Complete Guide to Junior Handling' was released at Richmond. What made you come up with such a great idea and how will juniors be able to buy it?
Well, I've always wanted to do a DVD version of the book and have never got round to it but when I joined DOG WORLD they were really keen on helping me to produce it. We thought it would be a good idea to launch it at the biggest junior event of the year - the Richmond semi-finals and we sold loads and I am thrilled. If you haven't got a copy, you can visit www.dogworldshop.com or by clicking here

 

Lastly tell us about your training days and how juniors can get involved and find out when they are scheduled?
Helena Hutchings and I were rivals in the late nineties but we were always friends but we met again years later following our handling days and became really good friends and decided to launch the training days together. We have done more than 12 all over the UK and although each day is really hard work, we love seeing the juniors improve and enjoy themselves. All our latest available training days can be found on the website

Many thanks to Marina for taking the time out of her day, as Assitant Editor of Dogworld, to answer these questions.