Working
For a while now I have been disappointed with the standard of freestyle that I see in the UK. I have mentioned this many times to others who seem to agree that the routines from ten years ago could easily win outright in the advanced classes now.
HAVING known since 2009 that I was being given the honour of judging the agility at Crufts ’13 it was a very long wait for it to actually happen!
Although the decision was not made until the very last minute, the ASPADS Oxford Championship TD trial did go ahead on what was almost bare ground.
By the time this column goes to print many of us will be travelling to the NEC for the worlds greatest dog show – Crufts.
One of the main reasons for moving house was for the accompanying land that came with the property. The reason the land was critical was for the sheep that I wanted to keep so that I could concentrate more on the dogs’ herding work.
Despite waterlogged ground and threats of snow, the Welsh Kennel Club championship TD trial judged by John Wykes went ahead at the beginning of February after all previous 2013 championship trials had been cancelled.
There comes a time to look back and, for me and my involvement with agility, that time has come. It was 1978 when I watched the first agility demonstration from the balcony overlooking Olympia’s Grand Hall. The occasion was a half hour filler spot...
This column is called Tracking Lines and, as well as covering all aspects of working trials and following the trials as they happen, I do sometimes try to give a little more insight into tracking, which is arguably the most fascinating aspect of...
This time last year Shelagh Page organised a judging forum which I then described as an ‘old fashioned’ forum, unlike the seminars which are held today.
Over the last few weeks it has been nice to have a little more of a relaxed time. Life can sometimes be so hectic with workshops, training, etc, so I always enjoy the time over Christmas and New Year as things are a bit quieter.
Another championship trial has fallen victim to the extreme weather and Midland Border Collie Championship TD trial has had to be cancelled. This time it is not the snow, but the waterlogged ground caused by the thaw that is the problem.
When I first started talking to Jean-Paul Petitdidier about an agility world championship under the auspices of the FCI, I gave little thought to the possibilities of such an event leaving the comfort of Europe.
