JUNIOR RALLY A GSD Junior Rally Day has been held for the last three years in the Midlands. The day is aimed at encouraging youngsters between 6 and 24 years of age to participate in a wide variety of activities with GSDs – it may be their own dog, their family dog or a “borrowed” dog. The activities offered in the Midlands have been show handling, obedience, agility, judging, tracking and even a photographic session which was very popular! There has also been introductory sessions for under 6’s to introduce them to the needs of the GSD and how to stay                                                                                                                                   safe around dogs in general   In 2010, the GSD League of Great Britain hosted the Midlands GSD Junior Rally Day and we are keen to encourage others to hold an event in their area. Shirley Hutchinson has organised the Midlands events and she is more than happy to help out anyone who would like to do something similar in their area with further information, suggested paperwork and advice. The GSD League is also willing to offer its support and welcomes specific requests from clubs or individuals. A website has been set up for the GSD Junior Rally Days and any event can be promoted on that website. www.gsdjuniorrallys.co.uk – Take a look at the website to see what happened at previous events. The young people who attended the Midlands GSD Junior Rallies have all enjoyed themselves immensely – the day is focused on learning and fun with a bit of competition added in but no pressure! Many of the Breed Council’s Top Junior Handlers of the Year have attended at least one of the rally days – if not every one! It is so important that we encourage young people to keep the breed alive and to appreciate the wide variety of activities which they can enjoy with their dogs. It has seen a huge camaraderie build up amongst the Juniors which is also satisfying to see and help some of the more shy youngsters grow in confidence. It is also fair to say that the adults who help out at the Rally Days also get a huge amount of satisfaction from interacting with the youngsters and “giving something back”. Anyone interested in running a Rally Day can contact Nikki Farley 01675 443133 nikki@nikonisgsd.co.uk or Shirley Hutchinson 07803 175333 mascani@btinternet.com for help in getting going. JUNIOR HANDLER AWARDS      In conjunction with the Junior Rally - Gsd League of Great Britain Will run the Junior handler awards from Crufts 2011 to Crufts 2012 on an annual basis. To assist Junior handlers keep track of their points The GSDL will issue HANDLERS POINTS RECORDS so that they may have their book signed every time they take part in a Junior handling class. Also points can be awarded for handling in any class of the show and points can be awarded for both taking part and for any places gained. These books must be filled in by the Junior handler and signed by the Judge or steward of the show. Points will be graded for the type of show with the greatest number of points to be awarded at the British Sieger. For further information please contact either Nikki Farley - ( nikki.farley@btinternet.com ) or Shirley Hutchinson - ( mascani@btinternet.com )          RECORD BOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GSDL STAND AT CRUFTS