The Canadian Kennel Club Presents-Enter the Ring: Junior Handling 101

Complete Guide to Junior Handling for CKC Members

Junior Handling 101

CKC is pleased to present, "Enter the Ring: Junior Handling 101" - a complete online video tutorial series just for kids!

Juniors will learn from expert professional handler and former Junior, Allison Foley! Allison has all the tips and tricks you need to bring your best to the ring. Learn why anatomy is important, how to present your dog for his/her special qualities and how to move confidently around the ring!

Everything you need to know about Junior Handling is broken down into brief, easy-to-watch segments that parents and Juniors can watch together. You're free to learn at your own pace using this carefully crated course and with unlimited, 24/7 access you can check them again and again as you practice your new dog handling skills!

Enter the Ring includes:


Your Instructor


Allison Alexander
Allison Alexander

I showed my first dog in Junior Handling when I was 7 years old, I went 5th out of 5 in a junior handling class, I cried, but despite that humble beginning I was instantly hooked!

Believing that you should always do what you love, I became a professional handler in 1987 and I have been presenting Canada's (and the world’s) top dogs ever since. With more than 550 All-Breed Best in Shows, I am proud to have been highly awarded at such prestigious shows as Crufts, the World Dog Show, Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Invitational. As well I have had Top Dog All breeds in Canada 3 separate times, all three dogs are still record holder’s in their own right.

In addition to my wins as an all-breed handler, I have spent more than 30 years perfecting the art of presenting one of the dog world's most difficult breeds to master: The Poodle. Today, I am internationally recognized as one of the world's most talented and experienced Poodle handlers. I have presented seminars on grooming Poodles all over this planet. . I am also the Creative Educational Advisor and Specialist for Chris Christensen Systems.

I have proven that hard work, dedication and passion can take you absolutely everywhere in this wonderful sport, which is why I am committed to supporting, promoting and giving back to the dog community. Currently, I am President of the Canadian Professional Dog Handlers Association, Vice-President of the Canadian Kennel Club Foundation, I have been CKC Junior Handling representative for both Nova Scotia and South Western Ontario. I am a regular contributor to dog magazines in several countries. I have mentored several of the Top Professional Handlers in the USA and Canada as well as coached 3 Juniors to win the Canadian National one of whom went on to win Crufts World Junior Handling Competition.

In 2017, I launched Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, the world's first on-line dog show training school. My mission is to help mentor a new generation of dog show enthusiasts through innovative video-based grooming and handling lessons. LEDSA has won the award for Best On-line Education each year since it’s inception. I look forward to working with enthusiastic students as they perfect their skills on the way to the winner's circle.

Sit back, as I bring a lifetime of grooming and handling lessons to video, here at Leadingedge Dog Show Academy.


Course Curriculum


  A Sample of Junior Handling and the "Golden Rule"
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  Other Things of Interest to Junior Handlers
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
How do I access my certificate?
When you complete all of the lectures in this course, you will automatically receive a certificate of completion on the final page of the course! Email us if you have any trouble accessing ([email protected]).

Thank you for enrolling in our course. We welcome feedback on our Leadingedge Dog Show Academy Facebook Page.

Get started now!