Hi, can anyone tell me the best age for a child to start handling, whether it be for showing, obedience or agility? Are there start and finish age limits? All info appreciated please.

Dee

My daughter started junior handling at 6 years old.  By the time she was 10 she was better than me and took over showing in the breed ring too!

start training whenever they are interested :)  for showing the junior handling classes are 6-16 years so thats your junior handling ages :) 

Thankyou, I will look forward to her 6th birthday then lol. My grand-daughter (at 16 months) is already a 'natural' at getting Maddie to 'down' or 'stay' and has the right hand signals to match! So maybe when she's old enough and still shows an interest we can train together ;)

Dee

Missie, if she is really interested then this summer if you go to companion shows ask if they will let her in if you think she's able! :D  I was in my first class at 18 mth with a trained boxer and my Grandad!  Just ask the organisers and the judge :)

erin started stacking my munsters aged 2, then started walking agility courses aged three and competing aged 5.

that early!
As I look after her whilst daughter is at work she will certainly be coming with me to shows, and a nearby village hall often does companion shows. Thanks :)
I would love to tackle the agility courses - with a dog of course :P - but I am definately not fit enough and would probably get left at the first hurdle :D Its nice to hear that children can start early though.
thanks

Dee

One of the trainers at the obediance class I go to has a 4 year old daughter who just loves Kayla.....I already have my eye on her as a future junior handler :D She moves her better than me sometimes! Makes me feel old!