Top Junior Handler: Junior Showmanship 2006
Kerri McWilliams


(photo courtesy of Sara Nugent)


It took a lot of hard work and determination to finish as Top Junior Handler of 2006. I loved every step of the way. On every Wednesday I go to dog school with my dogs. I train them at a local conformation class. I also train in my backyard when the weather allows me to do so.

My mom had a very big part in my success. She drove me to every dog show that she could and found me rides to the dog shows that she could not go to. She also paid for everything I wanted or needed. I have been showing since the age of eight with my mom’s assistance. It did not change much when I was trying to make it to the Invitationals.

I went to many dog shows in 2006. I went with my mom, other family members, and friends. It took a lot of grooming, studying, and practice to go and win at the dog shows that I was competing at. Every dog show counted because I could not go to as many as some of the other kids I was competing against to win points. I was so happy when I got my letter in the mail saying I was invited to show at the Invitationals! I really kicked my practice into high gear.

I went up to Kalamazoo, MI. and showed against all the other kids in the senior age group on Thursday. I was so surprised when the judge called my armband number. I was one person called out of the five. Then the next day I had to show against nine other kids for Top Ten juniors. I was not nervous because I knew I was going to get a placement. When the judge started calling placements I thought that she must have forgotten about me. She was down to the last three placements. She called the third placement and I thought I was next. Then she called my friend, Maria that was right in front of me. I about fell over. I did not believe it at all. It to this day still does not seem real.

To be successful at showing dogs you need to study. A big part of being a great handler is knowing as much knowledge about the breed of dog you are showing. Studying is just as important as practicing the different patterns. Handling becomes a lot easier if you have a happy, stable dog that you can depend on in the ring. So study, practice, and have fun!


Top Junior Handler: Weight Pull 2006
Top Junior Handler: Agility 2006
Top Junior Handler: Obedience 2006