Junior Dog Handlers

G The junior handlers waste no time trying to secure their spot in the final in heat one! We meet Paige J and her dogs at home on the farm and find out what JDH pro Jacob thinks about his younger sister entering the competition.

G It’s South Island Vs North Island - heat 2 is in Christchurch. We meet some South Island based junior handlers and Kiritea tells us what it’s really like to take a road trip across the country with eight dogs!

G The JDHs continue to battle it out in heat 3 as we learn what the judges are really looking for and how the handlers can score points. First timer Ruby braves the ring and Charly reveals she’s battling a serious allergic reaction to dogs!

G The JDH newbies come out in force for heat 4. From AmStaffs to Afghan hounds, the dogs are out to impress but can the newbies control their nerves and make it through the heat? And will they be able to handle the notorious swap dog round?

G Back in Christchurch it’s a competition double header - two heats in one day. It’s a mix of newbies and experienced players competing for their spot in the final and Kiritea’s on hand to support JDH first timer Anya.

G With only four spots left in the final the pressure’s mounting in Tamaki Makaurau as 7 handlers take to the ring. We get the low down on their get-ups as the handlers explain the glitz and glam of their wardrobe choices and Tamara takes us home to her marae.

G Paige A, Reegan and Tamara are all back hoping to win. Reegan faces his biggest fear when he’s given a small dog as his ‘swap dog’ and we catch up with Paige A at home with her dogs.

G Four of our favourite newbies are hoping today's the day they make the final. We catch up with sisters Victoria and Mackenzie at home with their pet sheep and lorikeet. And from playing rugby to flying gliders we find out what other hobbies keep the JDHs busy.

G It’s the last chance for our handlers as the final heat of the year plays out. Judah tells us more about Crufts and what Aotearoa’s Junior Dog Handler of the year will get to experience in England. And we catch up with Kiritea to find out what she really loves about showing dogs.

G It’s the biggest dog showing event of the year - the National Dog Show is here. Our ten JDH finalists must prove they’ve got what it takes to be crowned Junior Dog Handler of the Year. Who’s going to take out the top spot and represent Aotearoa at Crufts in England?