Xolo Handling 101

The Xoloitzcuintli Club of America and Oregon Dog Judges have joined forces to present a unique learning experience for Xolo breeders, judges, and exhibitors. This program is designed to prepare Xolo exhibitors for the formality of the AKC show ring. It will also familiarize them with multiple presentation options and handling strategies for specific situations.

The handling clinic will be held Friday September 26 starting at 9: 00 AM in conjunction with the XCA National Specialty at the Yamhill Fairgrounds, McMinnville, OR.

This is a two part program beginning with an intensive handling clinic.

Participants will rotate through three training rings where they will receive intensive handling instruction from three different trainers. Coaching will be individualized to each student's level of skill and the instructor's area of expertise. Participants will be taught several different techniques to table stack, free bait, hold a lead, gait a dog, perform ring patterns and how to evaluate their dogs’ strengths and weaknesses.

Presenters for our handling clinic include:

JR" Stoltenberg – a breeder/owner/handler of Yorkshire who also teaches handling classes.

Chuck Murray - an AKC Herding and Junior Showmanship judge, member of Oregon Dog Judges, Inc, who also teaches handlers classes.

Angela Pellerin - an exhibitor of Sporting breeds who also teaches training classes for both AKC and 4-H groups.

The handling clinic will be followed by two simultaneous round robin practice matches. This will permit every student to immediately put their skills into practice in two different judging situations.

A mentor will also be available outside the ring to critique the handlers inside. This part of the presentation will enable handlers to tailor their presentation particular judging situation and recognize what judges look for when evaluating dogs in the ring.

Practice matches will be judged by:

Kristi Smith, a breeder/owner/handler of Samoyeds, AKC Working Group and Junior Showmanship judge, and current president of the Oregon Dog Judges, Inc.
Noreen Cartwright, an AKC Sporting, Non Sporting and Junior Showmanship judge and past president of the Oregon Dog Judges, Inc.

Participants may bring up to three dogs for a flat rate entry fee of $30. Advance reservations are required and must be received no later than Friday, September 5. Checks should be made payable to the XCA and sent to Kay Lawson, 7175 Jenkins Ave. Hesperia, CA 92345. (760) 220-7708 or azuwyn@yahoo.com

Judges and prospective judges are welcome at no charge. Ringside mentoring will be available both Friday and Saturday. The XCA is the ONLY AKC recognized parent club for the Xoloitzcuintli and the XCA breed standard is the ONLY version that has been approved by AKC. Don’t miss this opportunity to study this unique breed before it enters the AKC Miscellaneous Class January 1, 2009.