Cherokee Rose Cluster: Celebrating the Future

Expectation, Inspiration and Motivation. All these goals were met at the AKC /RHP (Registered Handlers Program) Junior Showmanship Handling Clinic hosted by the Cherokee Rose Cluster. Cluster Clubs (Lawrenceville Kennel Club, Sawnee Mountain Kennel Club of Georgia, Conyers Kennel Club of Georgia) welcomed fifty Juniors and their dogs to their Summer 2005 show on August 27, 2005.

Peter Gaeta, Director of Judging Operations, Tom Glassford, AKC Registered Professional Handlers Program/Field Coordinator and Mary Dukes, AKC Executive Field Representative provided an invaluable handling demonstration for the Juniors. Juniors were taught the fundamentals of competently stacking their dog. They also worked on the challenge of gaiting in a straight line, arm position and presentation. Juniors that compete in Open Junior, Open Intermediate and Open Senior were on hand as “Junior Buddies” to lend a note of assurance to the beginners. Often seen amidst the concentration was a Junior smile and laugh for their special Junior Showmanship dog.

A parent’s information packet was provided with materials suggested by Mari-Beth O’Neill, Assistant VP of Special Services. Included was an AKC Guide to Junior Showmanship Regulations, Guidelines for Judging and beginner’s guides to dog shows, obedience, rally, and agility. The AKC, cluster clubs and Purina donated a Junior Showmanship goodie bag complete with AKC and Purina items, club pens, dog toy and their club information.

The support of Cluster Clubs and Show Chairs Don Watson (Conyers Kennel Club of Georgia), Kay Allred (Sawnee Mountain Kennel Club of Georgia) and Mem Houston (Lawrenceville Kennel Club) for the clinic carries over to the Cluster shows. The clubs promote Junior Showmanship with wonderful prizes, trophies and free Junior Showmanship entry fee. Junior Showmanship Coordinator, Maria Caudill, was encouraged by the enthusiastic attendance and plans are in the works for a follow-up clinic next year.