Junior Handlers

Junior Handler competitions are a wonderful opportunity for young members of DOGS NSW to exhibit their purebred dogs in the show ring. The competitions are a lot of fun and a rewarding challenge.

You’ll make new friends, learn all about dogs, and develop confidence and good sportsmanship alongside other up and coming handlers at competitions and weekly activities.

How do I become a Junior Handler?

If you are between 12 and 18 years of age, you can have your own DOGS NSW junior membership. If you are between seven and 11 years old, your parent or guardian must be a DOGS NSW member for you to participate.

When are competitions held?

Heats are held on weekends throughout the whole year. Once each year, Junior Handlers compete in State Finals, and the best in each state then go to the National Finals.

A trip to England to compete in the World Challenge is on offer for the best Junior Handler at the National Finals.

Click here to download the Junior Handler competition manual.

2023 DOGS NSW Junior Handler State Final

• 7 to under 10 years
• 10 to under 13 years
• 13 to under 19 years
• Final

Mystery Judge to be advised on the day.

Entry: Open to any NSW resident Junior Handler who has won a Junior Handler heat between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023.

Applications Close: 8 July 2023.

Enquiries to: junior handler@dogsnsw.org.au

APPLICATION FORMS

• Please click here to download the 'DOGS NSW Junior Handler State Final 2023 Handler Application 
  
  
• Please click here to download the 'DOGS NSW 2023 Junior Handler State Final Dog Owners' Declaration
  
  

SWAP DOGS ARE ALSO REQUIRED

If you have a suitable dog that you are willing to loan to the juniors for the Finals as a swap dog please complete the following form:

• Please click here to download the 'DOGS NSW Junior Handler State Final 2023 Swap Dog Owners' Declaration

 

Training

When: 7.00-8.30pm – 3rd Monday of every month (excluding December)
Where: The Bill Spilstead Complex for Canine Affairs, 44 Luddenham Road, Orchard Hills
How much: Training nights are $2 for junior members of DOGS NSW
Cancellation: Any cancellations will be advised on Social Media i.e. wet weather, etc

Rewards at the end of each training session keep it fun for your dog – they’ll love training even more when they know it’s followed by play time!

'Sportsmanship Code of Conduct' for all Junior Handler Events

ANKC Ltd Regulations Part 15: Junior Handler Competition & Junior Handler Manual

• Follow the rules and regulations of the ANKC and their State Controlling body.

• Show respect to fellow competitors, their parents, judges and club officials by accepting constructive criticism and the judge’s official decision as final, and by congratulating handlers who place above them.

• Never question the impartiality of any Junior Showmanship judge, nor contact judges prior or after JH events in a way that can be seen to be negative.

• Refrain from making negative comments on social media about any other handlers, their parents or a Junior Handler event.

• Welcome and encourage new handlers into junior showmanship.

• Judges must judge the handlers on their ability displayed on the day of competition and should not let anything else influence their decisions.

Get involved!

For more information about Junior Handlers or to get involved, email junior.handler@dogsnsw.org.au or call (02) 9834 3022.

Manual

Junior Handler Manual

Application Form / Exam

The Junior Handler Judges Examination will now be completed through an online program.  Once DOGS NSW receives your application and payment an email containing the instructions, website and log in details and will be provided to you.

Junior Handler Judges Application Form
Junior Handler Voluntary Declaration Form

More information

Junior Handler results
Junior Handler Working Party
ANKC Junior Handler Judges List - Updated 16 Nov 2020
DOGS NSW Regulations - Part 2 Show - Section 6.8