Has anyone ever tried it?   There are adult handling competition classes coming up at a couple of open shows I'm going to within the next couple of months.   It's not something I've ever done as I think I'd be a bag of nerves if someone was actually judging my handling skills (which I'm sure leave a lot to be desired).   Some of the junior handlers look really impressive that I don't think I could ever come anywhere near their standard.
Just wondered what sort of thing you are expected to do (still don't think I'd try it though).

sarah

I only ever entered one adult class & was the third person in. the two in front of me hadn't got a clue & after me everyone did the change hands so that the dog is always on the judges side just as I had done(I'm an ex junior handler from many years ago)

The winner was a lab handler who tripped over her dog on the turn & dropped the lead. second was a peke handler whose dog didn't actually walk ! 3rd was another lab whose handler was stuffing food continually into its mouth even when the judge was trying to see the dogs teeth.

The judge as a committee member who was chatting to all the handlers she knew

Never entered another

Oh give it a try.  It's the same as junior handling but competition isn't so high!  Its still mainly a laugh for the Adults but there is "finals" coming in soon so will make it more serious!

Alot of the competitors in adult handling are either 17-20 year olds just out of Junior handling or parents who think they know it but can't, with the exception of a few!  Give it a go, have fun and put it all down to experiance! 

Oh dear, I think I'm a bit past the 17-20 year mark! lol    It definitely would be an experience!

We have Gentlemen and Ladies handling in most of our shows. The Ladies handling can be quite good fun, and a couple of shows ago the judge got everyone to swap dogs and additional supplies of dogs were brought foward from other show exhibitors - it was so fantastic to see people handling so many dogs. Yeh, give it a go.

Now junior handling that is much more serious.

I had to swop my Afghan for a Bedlington Terrier once in Junior handling

Swaping dogs in all handling is highly discouraged!  Although it can prove a handler can handle different breeds not all dogs are good going with other people, if something happends to a dog in others care who's to blame?

It has happend in JH before and not all times this is fun...I would never let anyone handle two of the dogs I show without knowing the dog.  And everyone can forget handling my bitch if I am in the class...she will pull for me!

JH should also be fun, many people forget this.  I go in and enjoy it.  I love handling my dogs and offten will take in friends dogs for a challenge.  mad I know I am,  have handled from laso's to dearhounds and everytime has been fun for me!