Whereas the police have
previously been responsible for stray dogs, this is now the territory of
local authorities.
However dog charities such as the RSPCA are concerned that, out of normal
working hours, those that find strays will not be able to get the local
authority to take them. Also it is important that dog owners are aware
that local authorities have the power to destroy stray dogs after seven days
have elapsed.
APRIL 1ST
2008
COMPANION DOG CLUB MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Lucy the Labrador has
been named as March’s Companion Dog Club Member of the Month by the Kennel
Club, after highlighting how strong the bond between a girl and her dog can
be. Linzi Follett and her dog Lucy beat thousands of other Companion Dog
Club (CDC) members to win this title after being such supportive members of
the Club.
On winning the award
Linzi commented, “Lucy and I both thoroughly enjoy being members as it
enables us to do more activities together. I will continue being a proud
member of the Companion Dog Club, entering more shows and achieving
the best I possibly can, and enjoying the company of the best companion I
could wish for - my Lucy Locket!”
Lucy is also a Pets As
Therapy (PAT) dog having recently become registered as a PAT dog and wears
her yellow ID jacket with pride! As a PAT dog, Lucy spends her time at
Coppermill Care Home in Middlesex, visiting elderly people and giving them
all the love and support she can.
Pets As Therapy is a
national charity that has registered over 20,000 pets since its beginning 25
years ago. The Companion Dog Club realises how much work PAT dogs do for the
community and so offers membership of the CDC to PAT dogs at a reduced price
of £10.
MID MARCH
2008
CRUFTS
DOG SHOW RESULT
David
Munnings and Gunran Misteree win the Large Dog Agility Championships
The
winners of the Medium size were Joanne Tristram and her Staffie Ellie De Lyston
The
winners of the Small Dog Championships were Nicola Garrett and Agility Champion
Obay Truly Driven.
HEELWORK
TO MUSIC WAS WON BY KATH HARDMAN
FEBRUARY
25th 2008
HEELWORK TO MUSIC - CRUFTS
QUALIFIERS
Richard Curtis overcame
all opposition at Coventry in both Heelwork to Music
Crufts qualifying classes
handling two different dogs to two different routines.
In
the Freestyle semi-final his Portuguese Water Dog Rysalka Moon Disco was worked
to "The 'A' Team Theme", scoring 28.37. In the Heelwork to Music
semi-final he worked his Working Sheepdog, Dance Floor Diva to the "Pot Black
Snooker" theme, scoring 27.93. He will be repeating both routines in the
Crufts final.
The other results marked out of thirty were:-
Novice HTM
Jill Davis and
River of Gildersway, WSD, worked to "O Fortuna" by Carl Orff, 19.07
Novice Freestyle
Mary-Ann
nester & Crystalgorse Gari, Min. Poodle, worked to "Kiss" by Prince, 21.37
Intermediate HTM
Susan
Betteridge and Corton Anett, GSD, worked to "Diamonds are a girls best friend",
23.33
Intermediate Freestyle
Kat Nicholas
and Fun and Frolics, WSD, worked to "James Bond Theme", 25.60
Advanced HTM
Kirsty Vaughan
and Wildsea Mountain Pepper, BC, worked to "Pirates of the Caribbean", 23.27
Advanced Freestyle
Linda Topliss
and Dark Warlord, Rottweiler, worked to "Burlington Bertie" 24.70
February 18th 2008
AGILITY CLUB 25th ANNIVERSARY GALA
AWARDS
Peter Lewis
was awarded A Lifetime Contribution to Agility at the above 25th anniversary
celebratory dinner held on February 16th 2008
John
Gilbert also received the same award
Saturday evening, February 16th at Stoneleigh Park,
Warwickshire the Agility Club held a 25th Anniversary celebration
dinner followed by Gala awards. In the style of acting awards there were
various categories awarded in front of over 200 Agility Club members and guests
and the evening culminated in the club’s chairman, Bill Glover, presenting The
Kennel Club Chairman, Ronnie Irving with a cheque for £1000 for the KC
charitable trust.
The ten categories were first nominated by members and then
voted on by them. The lifetime contribution to Agility was decided upon by the
Agility Club committee and the award made by the club’s chairman, Bill Glover
and the chairman of The Kennel Club, Ronnie Irving
The result of the awards was as follows:-
Category
Winner Reason why
Agility
Innovation Martin Pollard
Inventing electronic timing suitable for dogs
Best
Judge Dave
Jolly Voted the country’s best judge
Best
Trainer Kathrin Tasker
Voted as the best agility instructor
Agility
Personality Fizz the Wonder Flea A
Papillon handled by Marion Mcllherene
Contribution to Agility
The Agility Club Awarded for the club’s work within the
sport
Unsung
Hero Jimmy
White Selfless work for the sport beyond duty
All Time
Handler Alan
Bray The country’s best agility handler
Best Ever
Agility Dog Nedlo Magic Midge
Trained and handled by Lesley Olden
The Future
of Agility Anthony Clarke The
young person award
Best
Agility Show Wirral Alsatian
TS The show that received the most telephone votes
Lifetime Contribution To Agility
Peter Lewis & John Gilbert Awarded for the impact they have had on agility
News January 2008
THE
ROTTWEILER ATTACK
The recent
attack by a Rottweiler on a 13 month old child is a terrible occurrence.
Without knowing all the facts, and in particular the dog's nature, it is
difficult to make judgements about why it happened. However, we must all
remember that our friend the dog does not understand right from wrong and will
act from instinct which will vary from dog to dog irrespective of breed.
There are
various reasons for dogs to be aggressive but the two most common are fear where
the dog's perception is that he is threatened and dominance which is the extreme
end of high rank. Such a dog regularly kept in an enclosure can regard
that area as his territory which may need defending. While some adult humans
that live with the dog may be seen as sufficiently high in rank for the dog not
to risk confronting them over any territorial issues, the younger that human the
lower will be the dog's perception of their rank and therefore an attack becomes
more likely.
These odd
occurrences of children being badly mauled by a dog are rare given the vast
numbers of dogs in this country and, while children are less able to defend
themselves, for babies it is impossibility. It is my view that that it is rank
combined with other circumstances that causes such terrible occurrences.
For those of us
who study dog behaviour it is a difficult enough subject to understand.
99% of dog owners will have no comprehension of a dog's rank and other factors
that can increase danger to a child. We know that you cannot leave a dog
alone with babies at any time and that a child has to be capable of stopping
aggression from a dog should it occur. Inevitably the strength of the dog
and the child must be taken into consideration. Even then it is still too
great a risk so therefore the rule should be neither baby nor child should be
left alone with a dog no matter how gentle and soft the owners may consider
their dog to be.
Dogs are usually
non aggressive, so are humans - Humans usually do not kill those they live with
and dogs are even less likely to do so. Regrettably it remains a
possibility. That is why it is better to be safe than sorry where dog's
are concerned for they are capable of killing just as man is! We live in
an almost perfect world populated by imperfect animals and people.
July 2007
New web based Dog Behaviour
Courses
I am pleased to announce that
my new web based behaviour courses are now ready and available for those who
have a genuine interest in the subject and those already practicing. Detailed
information can be found on the page entitled Dog Behaviour Courses, and
candidates can enrol on line.
There are two courses
available. The first entitled Changing Dog Behaviour is available for those with
an interest and/or wishing to study the subject and is based upon my book How to
Change Dog Behaviour. Basically a candidate will be asked to answer 200
questions about the subject matter of the book. It is split into into
three parts and each part must be passed (80%)before the next set of questions
are made available. It is also compulsory for those who wish to take the second
course. This is for people already practicing as a dog behaviourist.
Again there are three parts to passed in stages. They are: Case studies of
non aggressive problems. Case studies of aggressive problems and
satisfaction reports or testimonies from clients.
Diplomas are available for successful clients at three levels. They are:
Diploma in Changing Dog Behaviour (CDB) –
requires a minimum of 80% in all three tests
Overall grades of pass
Pass 80%, CDB
Excellent pass 85% CDBex
Distinction pass 90% CDBdist
Diploma in Dog Behaviour Practitioner (DBP) –
requires a minimum of 80% in all three papers
Overall grades of pass
Pass 80%, DBP
Excellent pass 85% DBPex
Distinction pass 90% DBPdist
Click on Dog
behaviour course for more information
May 2007
The
First Kennel Club Accreditation Award For ‘Behavioural Training’
From the
newsletter issued by the Kennel Club
The
Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog
Training and Canine Behaviour (KCAI) has accredited 25 of
its members to date, and Peter Lewis has become the first
member to gain Kennel Club Accreditation for ‘Behavioural
Training’.
Behaviour is one area of the
scheme that is being developed with care, and the
majority of scheme members involved with providing
behaviour services will be looking at an assessment for
‘Behavioural Training’, which applies to ‘normal’ canine
behaviour that causes a problem of general dog
management, to the people or the environment. A
‘Clinical Problem’ module will apply to ‘intrinsic’
problems to the dog, which will attract veterinary
professionals and those with well-established working
expertise.
Peter Lewis has been involved with
dogs all his life; he has trained his own dogs and taught
others at the highest level in Agility, Obedience, Good
Citizen Dog Scheme and Working Trials. Peter has also
been involved in the development of Heelwork to Music,
persuading Mary Ray to make her demonstrations a
competition. The accreditation scheme is a points
based modular training and assessment programme for anyone
involved in the teaching and instructing of handlers/owners
of dogs at any level, and as such, Peter rightly deserved
the high scores that reflect his considerable contribution
to the world of dog’s over many years.
With more than 2,500 home visits
under his belt and referrals from many vets in his area,
Peter is proud to gain this award for the subject that has
fascinated him most. Peter has helped thousands of
people enjoy their dogs and helped make life more rewarding
for the dogs. As a successful author, Peter continues
to write so that others can share and benefit from his
experience.
The public and professionals should
be aware that, under the Accreditation Scheme, fully
Accredited Instructors are entitled to use the initials
KCAI. They have met the exacting criteria set, have
successfully completed an oral and practical assessment,
have at least five years practical instructing experience, a
broad knowledge of dog training skills, activities and
disciplines and a good understanding of dog and human
psychology. They actively promote responsible dog
ownership, and remain subject to continual professional
development and the Kennel Club Code of Practice for
Instructors.
Said Bill Hardaway, Chairman of the
KCAI Accreditation Board, “Peter and I first met about forty
years ago when we were both competing in Working Trials.
During the intervening years it has been my pleasure and
privilege to work with Peter in various capacities at the
Kennel Club. These include the Working Trials Council
which we both had the honour of chairing, the WTOA
Sub-Committee, the Good Citizen
Working Party and the KCAI. Peter’s
ability as a trainer has been proven where it cannot be
challenged; in the field of competition. Beyond that,
he has always impressed by his depth of thought and
willingness to expand accepted boundaries, whatever the
matter under consideration. This attribute, coupled with the
ability to articulate his conclusions, has made him a valued
member of any team. At Crufts, I was delighted to
present Peter with his certificate, the first to be awarded
in this discipline, to mark his Accreditation in Behavioural
Training, a subject to which he has devoted many years of
study.”
Said Peter Lewis, ‘’My involvement
with many competitive disciplines, more or less one after
the other, gave me a constant new hill to
climb. Why? Because, as mountaineers would say, it was
there. I suppose it was also a search for more
knowledge. However it is nothing compared with the
last 20 years of my life where I have been privileged to
have the vet’s confidence to be able to solve the problems
their clients have had with their dogs. Rosettes, prize
cards, trophies and being the judge at a big final fall into
insignificance when compared with the smile on the face of
the pet dog owner when you can show them the way out of the
problem. This scheme has long been needed and I
commend it to all dog-training teachers, so that soon the
public will know if we have or have not achieved our kite
mark! Remember we never stop learning!’’
For more information on the scheme
please contact Sue Evans. Tel: 020 7518 1039
February 2007
ACCREDITATION FOR DOG
TRAINING INSTRUCTORS AND BEHAVIOURISTS
Peter Lewis is accredited in
Dog behaviour
The Kennel Club have have spent
several years setting up an accreditation scheme for dog trainers and
behaviourists. Those accredited after rigorous theoretical work and proven
practical handling and organisational skills are granted the title of KCAI
(Kennel Club Accredited Instructor) after their name. After these initials comes
the type of training they have been accredited in as an instructor.
At present the public have no idea
about the quality of the dog trainers and behaviourists that are practicing.
So apart from insisting that those accredited are fully capable to undertake
teaching dog owners in the type of training for which they have been accredited
all that receive this Kennel Club recognition must follow a strict code of
practise.
This scheme sets out to address this
problem in a similar way to gas fitters being accredited with the Corgi badge.
However this course is arguably more rigorous than anything similar that is
available to accredit individuals with skills they have acquired.
Peter Lewis was one of the first
behaviourists and instructors to support this scheme doing so several years ago.
After writing 10 theoretical modules, 10 practical modules and 8 about his
achievements in various dog activities he has recently been assessed and granted
KCAI by the schemes board. In fact he is the first to be accredited on the
subject of dog behaviour and has been awarded the additional advanced level
which is the highest attainable. He is therefore entitled to use the following
as his title:
Peter
Lewis KCAI (BehA)
CRUFTS
DOG SHOW
Crufts Dog
Show will take place at the NEC Birmingham from the 8th to the 11th of March
2007. This will be the biggest Crufts so far and in addition to finding
the the best looking dogs there will be many dog training events and displays.
There will be Obedience, Agility, Field Trials and Heelwork to Music
competitions on all four days and much more can be found out about these
competitions at the Dog Days Out Stand.
In
addition there are dedicated rings for The Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme
and also for the Young Kennel Club and all the activities they are involved
with. If that is not enough every breed recognised by the Kennel Club will
be judged for beauty culminating with best in Show on the final evening of the
show.
If you are
looking to purchase something related to dogs then be sure you will find what
you are looking for at one of the myriad of trade stands that make up the show.
If it is dog training or dog behaviour that interests you then visit Mary Ray's
stand in in Hall 1. It is stand number 179. Of course if you are lucky you may
be able to catch Mary's Crufts 2007 Heelwork to Music routine in the main ring
just before best in show is judged. Always a stunning curtain raiser for
the show's finale it is never to be missed!
OLYMPIA AGILITY HEADLINES -
DECEMBER 2006
Toni Dawkins handling her Border
Collie Spellcast Made in Heaven wins The Kennel Club Agility Stakes again at
Olympia December 2006.
The Kennel Club Midi Agility Stakes final – Thursday 14th
1st AG CH Hooligan Nell – WSD - handled by Fiona
Vaughan - clear in 33.03 seconds
The Kennel Club
Mini Agility Stakes Final – Friday 15th
1st
AG CH Piquant Painted Sunshine – Min Poodle - handled by Dawn Weaver – clear in
32.99 seconds
Now available see - Dog
behaviour books page - 20
February 2006
How to... Change Dog
Behaviour by Peter Lewis-
A comprehensive guide to solving
dog behavioural problems in three parts
Part
1. Essential theoretical knowledge
Part 2. Solving non aggressive
problems
Part 3. Solving aggressive problems
BIG WIN FOR TONI
- December 17th 2005
At the end of December the London
Olympia Horse show was again held. this features the renowned dog agility
stakes that have previously been sponsored by pedigree but this year for the
first time The Kennel Club took them over. pedigree still support this
long standing venture so it seems that its future is secure.
This year the big winner of the The
Kennel Club Agility stakes was the Border Collie Spellcast Made in Heaven.
This dog owned and handled by Toni Dawkins put in the almost perfect round to
win the coveted award. Toni has been at the top of the sport for a few
years now and has represented the British team at the world Championships for
two or three years. This win under the glaring lights of Olympia's Grand
hall and the pressure generated by the watching and roaring thousands should
stand them both in good stead for major events in the future. For me I
believe Toni and Spellcast Made in Heaven to be the best partnership of dog and
handler in harmony that the sport of agility has ever seen.
WORLD AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS - October 2005
The FCI are reported to have changed
their minds about non-signatory countries competing in their World Championship
events. It appears that they must have realised that shooting themselves
in the foot would lead to a disability! This was to be from 2007 onwards
but to their credit the Agility commission of the FCI seemed to be quite
appalled that a decision like this had been taken without consulting them.
The British agility team again
competed at the world championships in Spain they decided to
travel partly by coach and plane because of problems with the number of dogs
that airlines have facilities for on their aeroplanes. That meant a flight to
Porto in Portugal and a coach trip from there to Valladolid in Spain. Even
then they had to go on two flights on two different days. Quite a
complication! However, next year I would expect them to go by coach all
the way to Switzerland where the event will be held.
They did quite well at this
prestigious event and pulled off a third place in the large dog category where
over 100 dogs competed when David Munnings, handling
his Border Collie Billy, put in two clear rounds which, for a first time
appearance in the pressure cooker of the arena, showed a fine handler
temperament. Therefore for the third year running we were on the podium.
Standards continue to rise at this annual event and the
fortunes of the countries fluctuate. The USA are going through a poor
patch and France, that did so well for several years, are struggling to reach
the podium
We were unlucky in the large dog team event for our dogs were
among the fastest, but five faults over six rounds can be enough to move your
country well down the result list. These championships are all about
consistency of performance and handler temperament rather than the demeanour of
the dog. Our dogs do not feel pressure other than any that might
originate from their handler. To them it is just another agility round.
For the handler the experience can be daunting.
THE FCI SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT -
June 2005
The FCI (The body
governing international competition between national kennels clubs that belong
to it) have decided that those country's that are not members may not compete in
any of their World Championships. This becomes effective in either 2006 or
2007 and also covers the international dog sport of agility that was invented in
England in 1978. This effectively means that The British the Americans and
the Canadians will not be taking part in the future. Two of these three
country's have the largest Kennel Club's in the world and all three are very
strong agility competitors.
I cannot believe
that he FCI have thought this through properly. It would seem that they
have opened mouth without engaging brain! The history of dog agility which
follows explains how I felt the FCI could hold the sport together. Now they tear
it apart.
Great
Britain Dog Agility team win at the FCI World Agility Championships 2003 held in
France
NEW PUBLICATION
- June 2005
I am pleased to
advise that my latest manual in the How To series was published during early
January 2005. Its title is descriptive being:-
How to Have a Problem Free Puppy
- It
details all the mistakes that can be made and gives much positive advice for a
peaceful life with a young dog.- Full details can be found on the product pages
of this web site.
Go to top of page
CRUFTS
DOG SHOW 2007
Crufts Dog
Show will take place at the NEC Birmingham from the 8th to the 11th of March
2007. This will be the biggest Crufts so far and in addition to finding
the the best looking dogs there will be many dog training events and displays.
There will be Obedience, Agility, Field Trials and Heelwork to Music
competitions on all four days and much more can be found out about these
competitions at the Dog Days Out Stand.
In
addition there are dedicated rings for The Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme
and also for the Young Kennel Club and all the activities they are involved
with. If that is not enough every breed recognised by the Kennel Club will
be judged for beauty culminating with best in Show on the final evening of the
show.
If you are
looking to purchase something related to dogs then be sure you will find what
you are looking for at one of the myriad of trade stands that make up the show.
If it is dog training or dog behaviour that interests you then visit Mary Ray's
stand in in Hall 1. It is stand number 179. Of course if you are lucky you may
be able to catch Mary's Crufts 2007 Heelwork to Music routine in the main ring
just before best in show is judged. Always a stunning curtain raiser for
the show's finale it is never to be missed!
OLYMPIA AGILITY HEADLINES -
DECEMBER 2006
Toni Dawkins handling her Border
Collie Spellcast Made in Heaven wins The Kennel Club Agility Stakes for large
dogs again at Olympia December 2006.
The Kennel Club
Midi Agility Stakes final – Thursday 14th
1st AG
CH Hooligan Nell – WSD - handled by Fiona Vaughan - clear in 33.03 seconds
The Kennel Club
Mini Agility Stakes Final – Friday 15th
1st
AG CH Piquant Painted Sunshine – Min Poodle - handled by Dawn Weaver – clear in
32.99 seconds
RESCUED
Two friends who took pity on three
starving stray dogs they saw during a holiday in Malta have brought them back to
the UK to give them a better life.
CRUFTS DOG SHOW 2006
Crufts Dog Show was held by the Kennel
Club from 9th until the 12th of March 2006 at the NEC Birmingham.
Australian Shepherd, AM CH Caitland
Isle Take a Chance, pet name 'Chance' wins Best in Show at Crufts 2006. 'Chance'
is owned by Ms Nancy Resetar from Royal Oaks, California, USA and was handled by
Mr Larry Fenner
Crufts Agility 2006
INTERNATIONAL
AGILITY
1st Toni Dawkins
EUKANUBA MINI CHALLENGE
1st Angela Sallis
Oliver the Dark One
ABC AGILITY (EXCLUDES COLLIES)
1st Brian Thorpe - Ben Golden
Boy
2nd Julie Saunders - Minka
Island Storm
3rd Deane Clark - Cwn Maes Gwyn
Heelwork to Music 2006
The original and 11th Heelwork to
Music competition was held at Connextions, Leamington Road, Ryton-on Dunsmore,
Coventry, on Saturday 18th February 2006.
For those wondering what this is
all about it is the event where handlers teach their dog a routine to perform to
music of around 4 minutes duration. they are marked by a panel of judges
for the content of their programme. the accuracy and execution of that
programme and their interpretation of the music. It is very spectacular as
witnessed when Mary Ray brings the house down when she gives a demonstration
just before Crufts Dog Show Best in Show event on the last night. If you
love watching dogs enjoy themselves be there!!
Now available see - Dog
behaviour books page - 20
February 2006
How to... Change Dog
Behaviour by Peter Lewis-
A comprehensive guide to solving
dog behavioural problems in three parts
Part 1. Essential theoretical
knowledge
Part 2. Solving non aggressive
problems
Part 3. Solving aggressive problems
BIG WIN FOR TONI
- December 17th 2005
At the end of December the London
Olympia Horse show was again held. this features the renowned dog agility
stakes that have previously been sponsored by pedigree but this year for the
first time The Kennel Club took them over. pedigree still support this
long standing venture so it seems that its future is secure.
This year the big winner of the The
Kennel Club Agility stakes was the Border Collie Spellcast Made in Heaven.
This dog owned and handled by Toni Dawkins put in the almost perfect round to
win the coveted award. Toni has been at the top of the sport for a few
years now and has represented the British team at the world Championships for
two or three years. This win under the glaring lights of Olympia's Grand
hall and the pressure generated by the watching and roaring thousands should
stand them both in good stead for major events in the future. For me I
believe Toni and Spellcast Made in Heaven to be the best partnership of dog and
handler in harmony that the sport of agility has ever seen.
WORLD AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS - October 2005
The FCI are reported to have changed
their minds about non-signatory countries competing in their World Championship
events. It appears that they must have realised that shooting themselves
in the foot would lead to a disability! This was to be from 2007 onwards
but to their credit the Agility commission of the FCI seemed to be quite
appalled that a decision like this had been taken without consulting them.
The British agility team again
competed at the world championships in Spain they decided to
travel partly by coach and plane because of problems with the number of dogs
that airlines have facilities for on their aeroplanes. That meant a flight to
Porto in Portugal and a coach trip from there to Valladolid in Spain. Even
then they had to go on two flights on two different days. Quite a
complication! However, next year I would expect them to go by coach all
the way to Switzerland where the event will be held.
They did quite well at this
prestigious event and pulled off a third place in the large dog category where
over 100 dogs competed when David Munnings, handling
his Border Collie Billy, put in two clear rounds which, for a first time
appearance in the pressure cooker of the arena, showed a fine handler
temperament. Therefore for the third year running we were on the podium.
Standards continue to rise at this annual event and the
fortunes of the countries fluctuate. The USA are going through a poor
patch and France, that did so well for several years, are struggling to reach
the podium
We were unlucky in the large dog team event for our dogs were
among the fastest, but five faults over six rounds can be enough to move your
country well down the result list. These championships are all about
consistency of performance and handler temperament rather than the demeanour of
the dog. Our dogs do not feel pressure other than any that might
originate from their handler. To them it is just another agility round.
For the handler the experience can be daunting.
THE FCI SHOOT THEMSELVES IN THE FOOT -
June 2005
The FCI (The body
governing international competition between national kennels clubs that belong
to it) have decided that those country's that are not members may not compete in
any of their World Championships. This becomes effective in either 2006 or
2007 and also covers the international dog sport of agility that was invented in
England in 1978. This effectively means that The British the Americans and
the Canadians will not be taking part in the future. Two of these three
country's have the largest Kennel Club's in the world and all three are very
strong agility competitors.
I cannot believe
that he FCI have thought this through properly. It would seem that they
have opened mouth without engaging brain! The history of dog agility which
follows explains how I felt the FCI could hold the sport together. Now they tear
it apart.
Great
Britain Dog Agility team win
at the
FCI World Agility Championships 2003 held in France
News dated
12-03-02
JUDGES REPORT ON
THE CRUFTS 2002 AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS
BY PETER LEWIS
I was pleased and honoured to be
selected as the judge of the first agility championships particularly as the
winners were going to receive the Peter Meanwell Trophy and Peter founded our
sport.
I knew that at this early stage of
the event there would only be a few competitors and that it would be easy to
finish up with no dogs within qualifying marks so that the Mini and Standard dog
certificate could not be awarded. Added to this was the carpet factor for, over
the years, I have seen many dogs slip and slide on Crufts carpeting. These
factors tend to direct judges at this event to try and use sweeping turns rather
than turn-backs. However I felt it that I should ensure that the dogs and
handlers were adequately tested for ability and control. Therefore without sharp
turns it would be difficult to provide sufficient degree of difficulty without
resorting to blatant traps. For me using traps is not a sophisticated method of
agility judging.
As my courses came together I
decided on a logical progression of starting with Jumping as the toughest
course. Thereafter the courses were designed to have a progressively lesser
degree of difficulty yet still require control and speed.
The following is what occurred:
Qualifying Jumping round - Special
Events ring
MINI JUMPING - Qualifying round -
Course time 60 seconds
1st Louise Saunders &
Torriglen Taking Steps, Sheltie clear in 46.03
A steady round, controlled yet had
a wide sweep into the weaves. Her sheltie had good tight turns around hurdles 15
and 18. A good start for Louise.
2nd. Carol Hughes & Valgray’s Mini
Mouse, X - Clear round in 48.48
This dog slipped a little on the
turn from hurdle 2 to 3. Made a nice entry into the weaves shortly followed by a
tight turn into the first tunnel. Almost a disaster after hurdle 15 as the dog
approached the long jump at an angle but just made the correct path. Living
dangerously continued as the dog swept wide between hurdles 17 & 18 and then
finished well.
3rd Wilma Watson & Bam
Bam, Patterdale Terrier. Clear round in 53.00
Made a good tight turn from hurdle
3 to4. The turn from hurdle 8 into the collapsible tunnel was well worked. Also
turned well after hurdle 15 for the long jump approach. Had to contend with what
sounded like gunfire but the dog was not phased. It was a good round for both
handler and judge.
Chris Smith & Teasel Aslacton,
Border Terrier.
Eliminated at hurdle 5 with control
problems
Jayne Bray & Harvest Geld for
Aprika, Min Poodle.
Eliminated when her body language
told the dog to enter the wrong end of the flexible tunnel.
STANDARD DOG JUMPING - Qualifying
round - Course time 55 seconds
1st.
Stuart Carter & Kapia Konquest, BC -
Clear in 45.48
Showed good control at the start by
recalling over the first two hurdles. Went quickly up to the point where he felt
the need to line the dog up for the long jump. Dog and handler showed much class
that boded well for the final.
2nd Lesley Olden &
Ag.Ch. Waggerland Whoosh of Nedlo, WS - Clear in 46.16
Dog went wide around jumps 3 and
5then a nice turn around 15. Stopped the dog before 17 and slowed the dog before
18. Dog was well handled but Lesley was clearly worried about her dogs grip on
the carpet. Qualified for final.
3rd Pat Brown & Ladbrook
Izit Dodgy, WS - Clear in 46.21
Pat’s usual quite handling but
effected by the carpet with slips which probably caused the panic before hurdle
18. Nevertheless well handled while qualifying under trying circumstances.
4th Philip Patterson & Stonegrove
Jumping Jack, BC - Clear in 47.01
Jack was wide around 2 and 3 with
grip not helping. Slipped into weaves but kept going. Subsequently a qualifying
steady round.
5th Greg Derrett &
Jaycee Sproglett, BC -Clear in 58.14 but 3.14 time faults
Greg played cagey and went for
safety to be sure of a place in the final, hence the time faults.
6th Stewart Mitchell & Barney
Rebel, WS - 20 faults in 55.78 plus .78 time faults
Had much grip problem on the carpet
and this caused most of the dog’s mistakes, Yet they achieved qualification for
the final.
7th Ian Mallabar & Izzy
Good or Izzy Faulty, WS - Eliminated at hurdle 3
Jumping from wrong side was the
fault.
Qualifying Agility round - Special
Events ring
MINI AGILITY - Qualifying round -
Course time 65 seconds
1st Chris Smith & Teasel
Aslacton, Border Terrier - Clear in 50.61
Good contacts and tight turns made
this dog the winner. Handler was more relaxed after the Jumping elimination.
2nd Jayne Bray & Harvest Geld for
Aprika, Min Poodle - Clear in 52.33
Went well with good contacts but
dog slipped into the weaves. Nevertheless a clear round.
3rd Carol Hughes &
Valgray’s Mini Mouse, X - Clear in 53.48
Showed good control throughout with
a quick down at the table. Qualified for the final.
4th Louise Saunders &
Torriglen Taking Steps, Sheltie - Clear in 55.25
This was a good round but a little
too steady to be placed higher, but qualified for the final.
Wilma Watson & Bam Bam, Patterdale
Terrier - Eliminated
Dog was phased at the wall and had
three refusals to jump it.
STANDARD AGILITY - Qualifying round
- Course time 60 seconds
1st Stewart Mitchell &
Barney Rebel, WS - Clear in 54.86
Had a good draw running 6th.
Dog almost ran past the ‘A’ ramp but got on from the side just in time. This
partnership executed the difficult turn onto hurdle 14 in a very professional
manner. This round was well handled and proved to be a worthy qualifying winner.
2nd Lesley Olden &
Ag.Ch. Waggerland Whoosh of Nedlo, WS - 5 faults in 52.24
Looby made a wide sweep around
hurdle 8 and Lesley was clearly having trouble controlling her dog on the
carpet. This caused a panic with the turn onto hurdle 18 but she managed it.
Usual excellent contacts but had a brick out of the wall. Qualified for final.
3rd
Pat Brown & Ladbrook Izit Dodgy, WS -
5 faults in 52.49
Nicely handled by Pat in her usual
smooth style but her dog left the table before "Go" and I penalised them 5
faults. However, they lived to take part in the final.
4th Philip Patterson &
Stonegrove Jumping Jack, BC - 10 faults in - 47.01
Mostly nice tight turns but a bit
wide around hurdle 8 to approach the long jump. Surprisingly missed entry to
weave but this was caused by handler’s approaching position. Wide sweep at
hurdle 18 and the pole down of the last hurdle.
5th Ian Mallabar & Izzy
Good or Izzy Faulty, WS - 10.55 faults in 60.55
Faulty I am afraid. For a run past
at the barrel jump meant 5 against them, then a knock down at 14 made up 10 of
the faults, the other .55 were caused putting right the first problem.
Unfortunately their Jumping elimination meant no further progress in this
competition.
6th
Stuart Carter & Kapia Konquest, BC -
16.63 time faults
Took advantage of rules to slow and
at times stop the dog to ensure progress to the final.
7th Greg Derrett &
Jaycee Sproglett, BC - 5 course faults plus 14.76 time faults.
Somewhat messy round as Greg used
the same tactics as Stuart
FINAL AGILITY ROUND
MINIS - Course time 65 seconds
1st Carol Hughes &
Valgray’s Mini Mouse, X - Clear in 59.15
Carol handled this round well.
There was a little carpet slipping and a wide turn at 15, otherwise it was
smooth. I congratulate her on making her dog up to become the first Mini Agility
Champion. Throughout the three rounds Carol’s handling and control displayed the
qualities an Agility Champion should have. Well done both of you!
2nd Louise Saunders &
Torriglen Taking Steps, Sheltie - 10 faults in 58.54
Two clear rounds to get to the
final and then 10 faults. If it had been the other way round the result would
have been different. Down side dog walk contact was missed and a refusal at the
tunnel were the problems.
STANDARD DOG FINAL - Course time 60
seconds
1st Stuart Carter
& Kapia Konquest, BC -
Clear in 47.09
Stuart saved this excellent round
for the time it really mattered. A little wide into the weaves, otherwise fast
and well handled. The control elements were taken smoothly. This quality
justified the title of Agility Champion which can be placed in front of the
dog’s name with pride. Congratulations.
Finally thanks to Tony Griffin, Kay
Faiers and Bev Dale for the practise afternoon when we tested the courses.
Go to top of page
News dated
27-01-02
GOOD
CITIZEN DOG SCHEME
Every year the Kennel
Club holds an annual awards presentation for the clubs putting most into the
scheme during the previous year. In the breed club category the
Staffordshire Bull terrier Club were awarded first prize. This is
particularly noteworthy as breeds such as this are often incorrectly spoken
about as aggressive.
The Good Citizen Dog
Scheme is all about responsible dog ownership and in view of the breed specific
legislation recently undertaken by the German Kennel Club it has to be
congratulations to the club members who, with this award have for a change, been
able to blow the trumpet for the non aggressive nature of their breed.
News
dated December 01
AGILITY
HEADLINES
IT'S
LESLEY AGAIN!
Lesley Olden does
it again by winning the Pedigree Agility Stakes with her Working Sheepdog
Waggerland Whoosh of Nedlo just prior to Christmas at the Olympia Horse Show.
This is Lesley's fourth win at this famous and prestigious final and the second
for her bitch she calls Loobie. I am very proud of Lesley's achievements
over he years and particularly the last 12 months for during that time her
results prove that she is the currently the best Agility handler in the U.K.
News dated 01-09-01
THE
FIRST AGILITY CHAMPION
by Peter Lewis
The British have their first
Agility Champion. On August bank holiday Monday, at the Wilton agility event in
the north of England, Lesley Olden from the Romsey area in the south won her
third Agility certificate with Waggerland Whoosh of Nedlo under the judging eye
of John Tallentire. Answering to the name of Loobie, this excellent Working
sheepdog showed her class by beating a strong field as she has done on two
previous occasions this year. The other two Agility certificates were won at the
Agility Club event in June under Gerry Eckersley, and Rugby DTC under Steve
Croxford. Lesley had already had a good weekend when she won one of the semi
finals to send Loobie to the Olympia Chum finals in December. Together they won
that event in 1999 which was Lesley’s third Olympia win. I salute this latest
achievement and I am proud to have been able to help her.
I have always said that an over
simplification of how to succeed in a dog training discipline at the top level
only requires three factors. They are the right handler with the right
information with the right dog. Lesley certainly was the right handler and I
believe she has that natural gift to train dogs which could lead her to succeed
at any dog training discipline she sets her mind to. Therefore as the right
handler perhaps I gave Lesley the right information when she started for it was
not long before she was able to work things out for herself. Certainly she had
the right dog for the pedigree is that of winning dogs. However is it just
coincidence that so many of Lesley’s dogs seem to be the right one?
Although Britain started the
sport this is the first year it has been possible to have an Agility Champion
and such dogs need to be eligible for the Advanced class.
We have six official classes,
with Advanced being the top class. A dog must win its way through classes, and
to reach the Advanced class they must have won four times in total with two of
these wins being from the level below Advanced. This allows them to enter the
Advanced class at a Championship Agility event. Under FCI rules Advanced would
be the equivalent of Agility 4 but the FCI only have three official classes.
A Championship Advanced Agility
class then consists of one Jumping and one Agility round with points awarded in
each part on the basis of one point for first two for second etc. The twenty
dogs with the lowest accumulated total are then eligible to compete in a final
Agility round. If the winner has a clear round in this final they are awarded
one Agility certificate. Three agility certificates won at three different
events under three different judges make the dog an Agility Champion.
A Working Sheepdog is a Border
Collie where perhaps one piece of paper is missing yet most have full pedigrees
going back may generations. WSDs are not recognised as a pedigree breed in the
UK so therefore they are not eligible for the FCI World Agility Championships.
Therefore along with others of high quality Loobie could not be considered for
the British team in Portugal this year. What a shame for they have to be one of
the best combinations in the sport and Lesley has proved she can handle
pressure.
Lesley is also active
administratively as she is one of the two representatives from the Agility
Council to the Working Trials Obedience and Agility sub committee of the Kennel
Club.
