Out of curiosity what are people's opinion of judges who comment on the handling of the dog that is being judged? Is it just a filler as they can't think of things to say about the dog?

I'm new to showing dogs and the majority of my dogs critiques normally mention how he was handled. Do you think this could be because I'm fairly young in terms of dog exhibitors?

They may be trying to give you pointers, if your dog is a good one but perhaps not being shown to his best advantage by a novice handler. My first ever dog was my best one so far, and quite a few of his early critiques said that his handler would benefit from more ringcraft lessons! Alternatively if they are complimentary about your handling, they are noticing that you are relatively young for an exhibitor and praising and encouraging your good work!

Although you are not judging the handling you are aware when the handling is making a difference to the performance of the dog be that for the good or otherwise. And therefore when you are writing the critique you may mention the the movement was hampered by the handling or if the assessing of a dog was without problem how well it was handled - it is in some way a clue to why and how you placed because sometimes a handler can really spoil a dogs chances because it is impossible to assess the dog properly sometimes it is easier to judge a wayward dog that is being left to do as it wishes than one that is being pulled about or placed in unnatural positions.

I think sometimes if the judge in question is well known for being a very good handler its a compliment, my only experiance of a judge comenting on how well the dog was handled was from a goup judge and a breed specialist and both time the comments were made about my daughter as she is the only one who atually shows the dogs and both times it was actually quiet nice to be told that she did a good job with the dogs as sometimes we have heard of judges placing dogs lower because they had a junior showing the dog. I think having comments like this is a bit of boost for the handler in question especially if they are very young.

For the most part I've found these comments come from judges who observed one of two extremes in the ring: either a dog that was exceptionally well-handled in comparison to most dogs in that breed, or a dog that was so poorly handled that it made it difficult for the judge to assess the dog and determine where the dog should be placed. Have also gotten the comment of an obviously difficult dog being "sympathetically handled" meaning that the judge noticed what a pain the backside the dog was being and appreciated how the handler dealt with the situation. I have yet to observe judges putting this in the critique for lack of things to say though.

Complimenting good handling can really have two benefits. It can be a confidence boost for a handler, but it can also draw attention to a dog that's being handled really well as an example to other exhibitors in the breed. The better handled the dog is, the easier the dog is for the judge to assess so it is in judges' favour to mention exceptional handling in the hope that other exhibitors in the breed will take note.

I was watching GR's being showed yesterday and a handler was allowing her retriever to crouch low on the hind quarters much like a German Shepherd might be shown, rather then standing upright demonstrating a good straight topline. The retriever was placed about third I think in a large class, so must have been a good example of the breed, but I noticed the judge have a word with the handler about how the dog was being shown and how she must get the dog to stand without the crouch. I don't show, but know enough to realise that the dog was being presented incorrectly, so I thought the judge was right to comment on this.

I'll take the last few critiques as compliments then, rather than an insult because they think I'm young (26, but look younger)!

I'll take the last few critiques as compliments then, rather than an insult because they think I'm young (26, but look younger)!

I don't think your age would have anything at all to do with it, unless you only look about 12! :) So many good youngsters handling these days, you can have top winners aged 15. (Look at this year's utility group at Crufts.) My 13 year old son gets comments on his handling, he's just learning and he's almost always the youngest exhibitor and judges will notice he's still learning and comment on the fact he's very kind to the dogs -even when they weigh as much as he does he just uses treats and praise. (He handles both my breeds.) It's been very good for him to be encouraged. I'd definitely take any comment about good handling as a compliment. :)

I definitely don't look 12, but did get ID'd for a bottle of wine off the raffle of one of our club shows ;)

I think you need to get out of your head that 26 is young in dog handling, its not, lol.

I'd take it for what it is, Well Handled is just that. You've handled your dog to advantagious position. Don't look for something that its not and just see it as a compliment!!!