Help improve the Education of Judges

The Kennel Club is looking to the expertise of Breed Clubs to help identify dog/owners who would be interested in helping to improve the education of judges, by having their dog take part in forthcoming filming at the Kennel Club Building at Stoneleigh. The Kennel Club is currently updating its conformation and movement film, which is to be released on to the new online learning platform, the Kennel Club Academy, as part of the judges' education section. These materials aim to ensure that judges have sufficient resources in order to be able to make informed decisions when assessing conformation and movement, covering both virtues and faults.

In order to achieve these objectives and develop quality educational material for its judges, it is crucial that the Kennel Club is able to capture dogs which have had faults identified, and therefore need to source dogs which owners would be prepared to have filmed. A number of exhibits will be required to illustrate a range of faults including, but not limited to:

• Crabbing

• Down on the pasterns

• Knuckling over

• Loose at elbow

• Moving close - behind and/or in front

• Out at elbow

• Out at shoulder

• Overreaching

• Paddling

• Pinning

• Plaiting

• Queen Anne front (Chippendale front)

• Sickle hocks

• Tied at the elbow

• Unbalanced angulation

Exhibits will be presented as if in the breed ring, and must have reasonable temperament. Dog/handler identity will be limited as far as possible. Filming is anticipated to take place at the Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on September 29th and 30th, and we would welcome contact from any potential volunteers. Travel expenses will be reimbursed, on prior agreement with the Kennel Club, and refreshments will be provided on the day. If you would be kind enough to help the Kennel Club achieve its aim of updating and creating quality educational learning materials, why not get in touch by contacting the Education and Training Team and if possible forwarding a short video clip of your dog to the Education and Training Team at cat.education@thekennelclub.org.uk by Friday 9th September.

Secretaries are requested to please forward this email to their members for consideration. Any suggestions would be gratefully received, and we thank you in advance.