JOHN THOMAS
I first got involved with German Shepherds about 30 years ago as I lived just down the road from Mrs Barbara Rees (LynwuIf). I spent every weekend and all my school holidays helping with the dogs. Later on I also worked for May Tidbold (Eveley's) where I got more involved with showing dogs. The handling side of dogs came much later after attending training classes and finding someone brave enough to let me handle their dog. The first CC I ever won was probably with CH Longvale Legacy, a Longvale San Diego son.
My favourite dog to handle was Caresa Classic Crusader (now living in Australia) by Schandor van Noort. My favourite bitch to handle would have to be between Nyeton Keely, a Novem Adagio of Silkenwood daughter, and our own bitch, Vikkas Narcissus an Aro vom Wiesenborn daughter. They were both brilliantly trained.
The favourite animal I've never handled would be Ch Bedwins Siegaro, a Jeck vom Noricum son.
My favourite male from abroad would have to be Mark vom Haus Beck when he was Res Youth Sieger. The best female abroad is Palie von Trienzbachtal.
The most difficult dog I've ever handled was Longvale San Dioki (litter brother to San Diego) because he could not stand still for longer than 2 seconds and his steering was a bit wonky as well.
Advice on handling? Never give up until the class is over.
John Thomas
