Members of Lochaber and District Canine Society (LDCS) and their four-legged companions have been keeping themselves busy in the run up to the world’s greatest dog show.
Instructor and committee member Sarah Holroyd recently achieved accreditation in Companion Dog Training from the Kennel Club (KC).
The KC Accredited Instructors is a UK-wide membership-based scheme for dog training instructors and canine behaviourists.
It offers its members the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised vocational accreditation and is the first and only scheme for dog training instructors and canine behaviourists that has achieved programme accreditation from City and Guilds.
Sarah said: "I’d like to thank the members and committee of the Lochaber and District Canine Society for their support as I worked towards this accreditation.
On January 21, LDCS’s Beyond Bronze class gathered in Ballachulish Village Hall for their KC Good Citizen Silver assessments.
Despite the heavy rain the outdoor road walk and car control were completed along with the indoor exercises such as recall, stay, food manners and come away from distractions.
Handlers were also required to answer questions about care of the dog and responsibilities of dog ownership.
All three Labradors and their handlers passed with flying colours and were awarded their Kennel Club Good Citizen silver certificates and rosettes.
Sara Freudenberg-Hamilton and Molly, Joan Cameron and Chloe and Lorna Ungoed-Thomas and Gwen would like to thank Sarah Holroyd for organising and carrying out the assessments.
Sarah commented: “it was an enjoyable afternoon and it was lovely to work with handlers who had such good relationships with their dogs.”
LDCS committee member and instructor Jackie MacDonald said there will be a strong Lochaber presence at Crufts next month.
A number of local dogs and their owners will be making the long trip south to Birmingham’s NEC to compete against the best.
Jackie said: "I love our time on the green carpet and have been competing every year at Crufts since 2011 where we gained a first place.
"The dogs I am taking this year are Esme - Romiodor Mizz Dynamite and Myley - Locheil Love Heart who have both gained their stud book number which qualifies them for Crufts for life. "
Sarah will also be at the Birmingham event in her capacity of assistant manager on the Scottish Rally Team.
"There are six dogs from across Scotland competing, and a travelling reserve, to compete in the Inter-Regional Rally competition," she told us.
"It’s always an exciting day, and the buzz at Crufts is something all dog lovers should experience if they can."
Lochaber and District Canine Society holds dog training classes in the Nevis Centre on a Tuesday night - puppy foundation, bronze good citizen, beyond bronze and ringcraft - as well as agility, flyball and hoopers outdoors in the summer.
The club also organises regular members events, often a guest speaker or a dog activity throughout the year.
On February 27 the club is organising a fun night to raise money for the Scottish Rally Team travelling to Crufts to take part in the interregional rally obedience competition.
The night is open to members and non members and will be a fun night to try showing and rally obedience. No prior experience necessary. Go along to the Nevis centre and have a go.
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