There are Junior Handling competitions ran by two main groups – The Junior Handling Association (JHA) and The Young Kennel Club (YKC). These are ran at Open and Championship shows. Both competitions are based on the same thing – handling your dog.
Junior Handler Of The Year
In the past the Junior Handler Of The Year competition was held at Richmond CH Show with a finalist from each group going through to the finals at Discover Dogs. However as of 2015 the format of the competition has changed and now handlers are able to not only compete in more than one class but the classes are located at :
BRITISH UTILITY BREEDS ASSOCIATION
UNITED KINGDOM TOYDOG SOCIETY
NATIONAL TERRIER CLUB
NATIONAL WORKING & PASTORAL BREEDS SOCIETY
HOUND ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL GUNDOG ASSOCIATION
Qualifying
In order to take part in these semi finals, you need to win a first, second or third at an Open or Championship show that has a JHA qualifying class. As a Club we currently hold these qualifying classes so these are the perfect chance if you would like to qualify and have some fun!
Membership
Once you have qualified you need to be a member of the JHA to go into the finals. Membership is due each year on the 1st January.
This event has been highly successful for Dalmatian Handlers in the past with Justin Graham-Weall and Charlotte Page winning it and Molly Cousins, Abbie Williams and Aarron Williams being finalists at Discover Dogs.
Young Kennel Club Handler Of The Year
There are 3 different age categories for YKC classes which are 6-11 years, 12-16 years & 17-24 years. YKC class qualifiers are held across the country at the majority of General Championship shows and a number of Open shows.
A list of FAQs can be found here http://www.ykc.org.uk/media/7392/2015-young-kennel-club-and-jha-entries-faqs-final.pdf
On winning your class at one of the qualifying shows you are then able to go forward to Crufts for the semi-finals. All rules in relation to this can be found here http://www.ykc.org.uk/media/7013/handling-crufts-regulations-2015.pdf
More information here; Young Kennel Club – Beginners Guide to Handling