24 year-old Charlotte-Louise Page from Ely, Cambridge is set to launch her new book ‘Handling Success: A Guide to YKC Handling’, at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts in Birmingham next weekend.
Charlotte-Louise, who has been a Young Kennel Club (YKC) member for 14 years, won the YKC Young Person of the Year award at Crufts 2016 and has been successfully involved in dog showing since winning her first show in Blackpool in 2004. Two years after receiving the YKC Young Person of the Year award, Charlotte-Louise decided to write a book to help other YKC members, parents, societies and trainers who take part in dog showing, to understand the rules, benefits and opportunities available to them.
Charlotte-Louise said: ‘’Being involved in the YKC started later on in life for me compared to others who I have competed alongside. My parents didn’t come from a dog show background so everything I needed to learn was from going out and finding the information for myself.
“Over the years I have gained invaluable knowledge from watching and competing in these classes. After winning the YKC Young Person of the Year award in 2016, YKC Stakes Overall prize in 2016 and 2017 and the Junior Handling Association title in 2010, I felt like I was in a position to put together a book which covered all of the benefits and processes to compete in the YKC competitions. The book isn’t just for competitors of these classes, but for those who judge, train and organise YKC competitions. Everything included within the book covers all you need to know about the YKC from a dog showing point of view.
“I am grateful to the Kennel Club and the Young Kennel Club who have supported this idea and have helped make this vision possible. I owe my biggest thanks to my parents who have supported me throughout and provided me with all the dogs I use to compete in these competitions with. I am not sure I would have been in a position to write such a book without these people who have played vital roles in making this possible.’’
Vanessa McAlpine, Events and Education Executive at the Kennel Club said: “We are delighted with the book that Charlotte-Louise has written and think it will be of great benefit to any young person new to the world of dogs or any existing Young Kennel Club members who want to brush up on their skills.”
The book which is a limited run, goes on sale at Crufts 2018 for £10. Those wishing to purchase a copy can do so by visiting the YKC stand in hall 3.