CRUFTS 2014

Crufts Obedience Championships

Judge - Nigel Slater

Bitch Championship

WINNER

Linda Rutherford with LUPITOONZ LIMELITE

RESERVE

Kathy Russell with OB with WT CH RUSKATH OTHENTIC IMAGE TDEX

3rd - Philomena Barnes with OB CH BHEINN BEWITCHED

4th - Diane Martin with OB CH COLLIEWOOD CANDY GIRL

5th - Dot Watts with OB CH ZYGDANN ROCKIN FRENZI

6th - Kathy Russell with RUSKATH MAKANA IMAGE

In Running Order:

1 Michelle Newman with OB CH MYALL KANYA TRI AGAIN (Std Poodle)

2 Dot Watts with OB CH ZYGDANN ROCKIN FRENZI (WS)

3 Diane Martin with OB CH COLLIEWOOD CANDY GIRL (WS)

4 Mary Ray with OB CH RED HOT FOXY MUSIC (WS)

5 Kathy Russell with OB with WT CH RUSKATH OTHENTIC IMAGE TDEX (WS)

6 Carolyn Heath with OB CH FOREVERMAGIC PHOENIX (WS)

7 Jane Moran with DUSTERS DONE ‘N’ DUSTED (WS)

8 Linda Rutherford with OB CH COLLIEWOOD CONFIDENTIAL (WS)

9 Karen Davies with OB CH STILLMOOR CELTIC BANNER (BC)

10 Lin Tozer with OB CH WHATKNOW POP TONIC (WS)

11 Pat Watson with OB CH FOREVER MAGIC ITS FLICKER (WS)

12 Philomena Barnes with OB CH BHEINN BEWITCHED (WS)

13 Sue Jaggers with RETHYMNI DEMETER (WS)

14 Jenny Gould with OB CH ZAKANJA LITTLE CREATURE (GSD)

15 Jane Bint with JANYJOY JUMPIN JARO (WS)

16 Linda Rutherford with LUPITOONZ LIMELITE (WS)

17 Gemma Easton with OB CH REDISTEDI MISSION PAWZIBLE (BC)

18 Kathy Russell with RUSKATH MAKANA IMAGE (WS)

19 Kathy Russell with OB CH RUSKATH PORTENT IMAGE (WS)

20 Denise Robertson with SINEDES TAYLOR MADE (BC)

21 Marie Cartwright with OB CH DODGIN FIRECRACKER (WS)

22 Lyn Green with OB CH BLUEFIZZ CRY ME A RIVER (XB)

Dog Championship

WINNER

Philomena Barnes with OB CH FOREVER MAGIC IT’S A GIFT

RESERVE

Christine Roberts with OB CH BHEINN ITS CUDDLY HE'S DUDLEY

3rd - Jessica Lewis with OB CH PEPSANNER ATLANTIC

4th - Steve Frazer with OB CH GWYNFAIR CLASSICAL GAS

5th - Janet Matthews with OB CH CROFTMIST RIVER OF KRISMOSS

6th - Dot Watts with ZIGGDAN ZYCO

Running order:

1 Alison Gresty with OB CH DOUBLE JEOPARDY (WS)

2 Jackie Duck with OB CH TYEFOLD XANDER (WS)

3 Kathy Russell with RUSKATH MAGICAL IMAGE (WS)

4 Suzy Tooley with OB CH WOUGHSTOCK WYNSOME HARTZE (WS)

5 Steve Frazer with OB CH GWYNFAIR CLASSICAL GAS (WS)

6 Jessica Lewis with COLLIEWOOD CASANOVA (WS)

7 Janet Bates with OB CH BLUEFIZZ TAIKA CHANCE ON ME (XB)

8 Lorna Hilton with JUPAVIA MAGIC DREAMS (BC)

9 Mark Herrits with DODGIN MASTER MARKAT (WS)

10 Michelle Dunscombe with FOREVER MAGIC X RATED (WS)

11 Pandy Hannay with OB CH DODGIN’ MISTER MOON (WS)

12 Dot Watts with ZIGGDAN ZYCO (WS)

13 Janet Matthews with OB CH CROFTMIST RIVER OF KRISMOSS (WS)

14 Christine Roberts with OB CH BHEINN ITS CUDDLY HE'S DUDLEY (WS)

15 Lynn Hillary with HIGHYEWS MOI PIKTA KYON (BC)

16 Philomena Barnes with OB CH FOREVER MAGIC IT’S A GIFT (WS)

17 Linda Rutherford with SIXELA RUMR HAS IT (BC)

18 Bev Hughes with OB CH GWYNFAIR BEAR NECESSITIES (WS)

19 Geraldine Steadman with OB CH NOBITE DEFENCE OF THE REALM (BC)

20 Jessica Lewis with OB CH PEPSANNER ATLANTIC (Golden Ret)

21 Mary Ray with OB CH COLLIEWOOD BLUE JEANS (WS)

22 Julie Rowlands with OB CH BLUE EYE BOY OF DAISLEN (WS)

23 Jenny Gould with OB CH ZAKANJA BITTER 'N' TWISTED (GSD)

Lifetime Achievement Award

to

Dennis Ashley

Presented by Lyn Tozer

DTW Top Dog Competition

DOG

Mary Ray with OB CH COLLIEWOOD BLUE JEANS (WS)

&

BITCH

Mary Ray with OB CH RED HOT FOXY MUSIC

Presented by Sandy Wadhams

World Cup

  Judge - Stella Henstridge

Winners - Wales

Reserve - England

3rd - Holland

4th - Germany

Wales

Team Manager - Jen Jessop

1 Helen Connolly with GORGEOUS GEORGIA (Georgia) GSD

2 Michelle Dunscombe with FOREVER MAGIC XRATED O.W.(Maverick) WS

3 Jane Walker with DARIAN LADY PIRATE AT DAVMIC AW Border Collie

Reserve: Linda Howells with MY SENIOR MOMENT O.W.(Flexi) WS

Northern Ireland

Team Manager - Michael McCartney

1 Alison Pell with Goldmali Cherish (Zara) Malinois

2 Kate McCartney with Murella's Truly Scrumptious (Truly) BC

3 Tracy McKinlay with Belverdale My Charrey Storm (Storm) BC

Reserve: Sam McCracken with FortVictory Princess Zara (Zara) BC

Holland

Team Manager - Peter van de Velde

1 Bernou ter Voorde with Namaste Hope (Lizzy) BC

2 Guus Scholten with Danesway Duet (Gucci) WS

3 Karin Stegmeijer  with Absolutely Fabulous McCay (McCay) WS

Reserve: Annemarie Ibelings with Absolutely Fabulous Phoebe (Phoebe) WS

Germany

Team Manager - Susi Huber

1. Christine Pestka with Argo (Border Collie)

2. Anna Herzog with "Lia" Dumf and Galwy Halli Galli (Border Collie)

3. Dominique Ficek with "Spice" de risan Extra Hot (Border Collie)

Reserve: Miriam Hahne with "Lacey" Las Ketchup Lacey von der Old'n Aue (Bearded Collie)

England

Team Manager - Herbie Watson

1 Philomena Barnes with Ob Ch Bheinn Bewitched (Jezzi) W/S

2 Pat Watson with Ob Ch Forever Magic It's Flicker     (Flick) W/S

3 Mary Ray with Ob Ch Colliewood Blue Jeans (Levi) W/S

Reserve: Marie Cartwright with Ob Ch Dodgin Firecracker (Dazzle) W/S

Scotland

Team Manager - Carole Patrick

1 Helen Murray and Sixela Uno’s Diva (DIVA)

2 Jan Jordan and Sixela Euro Jogos (MESSI)

3 Ellen Herries and Jewhisps Jewel (GABI)

Reserve: Aileen Moffat and Sixela Second Time Around (REBUS)

Belgium

Team Manager - Lucie Van de Casteele – Claeys

1 Krist Crommen with Jazz It UP van Benvenida’s Joy  ( Dixie ) BC

2 Steven Vannieuwenhuyze with Bytchek Esquire (Bugsy) BC

3 Melissa Vercauter with Demma Of The Action Farm  ( Emma ) Belgian sheperd dog

Reserve: Heidi Demon with Bonnieblue Godarcy ( Darcy ) BC

Eire

Neil Lowndes with Nanas Billy Boy (Billy)

Dian Collie & Crystal

Canada

David Holzman & Ali

Inter Regional

 
Judge - John Verrill

RESULTS

Winning Team: South East & East Anglia

Reserve Team: Wales

3 - Scotland
4 - Midlands
5 - Northern
6 - South & South West
7 - Northern Ireland

South East & East Anglia

(Southern)

Team Manager - Jenny Lunn

Beginner
Alice Cornish with The Ginger Fox (Molly) XB

Novice
Teresa Mills with Josalyn Hortencia (Connie) Spanish Water Dog



Sharan Wicks with Lupitoonz Shady Hades (Shady) WS

Class A
Donna Bastin with Kethinna Combine Harvester (Wurzel) WS

Lorraine Gardner with Last Chance Loopy Lu (Luthi) XB

Class B
Sally Davis with Jemas Sound Of Music (Music) XB

Class C
Teresa Davies with Samphrey Star Performer (Lu) Sheltie

Reserve Tobie James with Bosckoph Dynamic (Fred) Boxer

South & South West

(Western)

Team Manager - Stephanie Woollam

Beginner
Heather Lockyer with BARBERS BOY Crossbreed

Novice
Susie Thomson with JOEVANESS WYCH SUMMER TIME GSD

Carrol Walker with JETRIL ROULETTE GSD

Class A
Pearl Bray with CARISHILL APOLLO Golden Retriever

Gwen Johnson with CORIES BLACK TOAST BC

Class B
Heather Gardner with LITTLETHORN FALCON TO SKYEDOWN BC

Class C - Marney Wells with DAZMARNIC FIREFLY AT COPYHOLD OW Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Reserve - Suzy Turnbull with GAMEWAY INDELIBLE Border Terrier

Midlands

Team Manager - Lou Jackson

Beginner
Jacqui Beale Hilsea with Hilsea Hector Choxxstart (Hector) Bearded Collie

Novice
Lynn Griffin with Vaneldurks Angus (Ace) GSD

Susie Duke with Sympathy In Shocking Pink (Pink) WSD

Class A
Sally Collins with Steeplehouse Gift Of Thyme (Linnhe) FCR

Tony Morris with Kintonkaiz Blue Zonic (Blue) GSD

Class B
Carol Clack with Briabar Golden Dream (Barni) GR

Class C
Tracy Ansell with Ch.Chalkwell Comic Relief. OW. (Vegas) Std Poodle

Reserve (Beginner)
Simon Harding with Verdendo Yule Be Lucky JW. Pbeg.Ex (Taz) Boxer

Northern

Team Manager - Pat Wilson

Beginners

Lynne Lawrence and BEE BEE POPPY JACK (Poppy) Terrier Cross

Novice

Paul Tennant and BRAYSUZ GENNA (Abi) GSD

Marj Isaac and GENEX BLUE EYE TYNKA (Tynka) B.C.

Class A

June Young and JARYSMYSTIC GOLDEN GARDEN (Eden) Golden Retriever

Stewart Kimblin and SCHAISLA MIDNIGHT STORM (Storm) GSD

Class B

Maureen Conlin and SWIFT AND FUN (Shep) Wk.Sh.

Class C

Jeny Miller and FOXFOLD UNEXPECTED EDITION O.W. CD.Ex. UD.Ex. WD.Ex. TD.Ex. (Chello) GSD x B.C

Reserve: Tracey Wilson and PRINCESS FIDGET OF HULME (Fidget) GSD Cross

Wales

Team Manager - Jen Jessop

Beginner

Anna Pleban with MOON WALKER (Tahu) Rhodesian Ridgeback

Novice

Gill Walker with CORBRAE FOXY RED (Brae) Labrador

Susan Stalinski with MYSKIES BRIGHT STAR (Phoebe) GSD

Class A

Nikki Walker with FLYMARSTON MAGGIE (Maggie) Labrador

Katy Girdler with GWYNION SINEAD AT PASHAMATTS (Tyler) Border Collie

Class B

Yvonne Davies with BONVIVANT VIVACE (Brye) BSD

Class C

Anne Coates with CHISBROOK BUNDLE (Charlie) Golden Retriever

Reserve: Bethan George with BETH'S RUBY TUESDAY (RUBY) X Breed

Northern Ireland

Team Manager - Michael McCartney

Beginners

Katherine McAllister with Erikachen Deaglan (Rufus) NSDTR

Novice

Louise Jackson with Topeka Ocaso Rojo (Razzle) ASD

Bobby Austin with Colroy Carbon Copy (Jack) SSD

Class A

Gwyneth Bell with Dolwyddelan Dash (Archie) Cross

Michael McCartney with Grenaby Seven's Best (Bestie) BC

Class B

Vicky Dixon with Rustix Ali (Ali) Malinois

Class C

Tracy McKinlay with Belverdale My Charrey Storm (Storm) BC

Reserve: Alex Ellis with Sable Storm of Zyver (Chip) GSD

Scotland

Team Manager - Carole Patrick

Beginner

Ruth Cowell and Tynebears Paloma Faith (Nora) Newfoundland

Novice

Gayle Evans and Jarysmystic Golden Isle (Jura) Golden Retriever

Penny Crowe and Ruby Lady of St Leonards (Ruby) Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Class A

Lynne Brown and Terzina Two's Company (Bruar) Bearded Collie

Doreen Bidgood and Alikir Friday's Child (Freijya) GSD

Class B

Anne Shearer and Sarkam Truly Trendy (Trinny) Border Collie

Class C

Annie Robertson and Sixela Hightec at Terannos (Tec) Border Collie

Reserve: Andy Crowe and Arthur of Douglas (Artie) Staffordshire Bull Terrier

'OBREEDIENCE'

Judge - Neville Uden

1 Rottweiler

Team Leader: Nikki Linbourne

Nichola Linbourne with Cornerpix Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Xena)

Julie Johnson with Parvenu Kitty Kuschelbar at Cornerpix (Kitty)

John Johnson with Cornerpix Dixieland Rock (Dixie)

Darren Ansell with Cornerpix My Boy (Bo)

Reserve: Vanessa Harrison with Cornerpix Viva Las Vegas (Dinky)

2 Spanish Water Dog

Team Leader: Adrian Dornford-Smith

Adrian Dornford-Smith with Lita

Rachel Cooper with Cha Cha

Jenny Mclaren with Lexi

Jenny Johnson with Trella

Reserve:  TBC

3 Afghan Hound

Team Leader: Krysia Wilenczyc

Krysia  Wilenczyc with Jimellree First Knight at Kashiba (Wladek)

Ann Thompson with Warrenoak It Wasn’t Me (Amber)

Bill Boydell with Warrenoak Dixie on my Mind (Dixie)

Muriel Boydell with Nightwind, the Beat Goes On at Warrenoak (Kasey)

Reserve: TBC

4 Corgi (Pembroke)

Team Leader: Maria Carter

Maria Carter with Nobutmanor Maria de Cesare (Carina)

Sally Corbett with Kulla Black Ringlet (Charlie)

Jan West with Trutam Starlight (Rhoda)

Emese Kovacs with Bertley Blackbird (Badger)

Reserve: Anne Petitpierre with Kulla Kanwar (Rob Roy)

5 Hovawart

Team Leader: Maggie Spencer

Maggie Spencer with Hightimbers Dollar (Dollar)

Paula Foakes with Pines Jonathan Creek (Merlot)

Elaine Betts with Pines Acorn (Acorn)

Janet Pearce with Pines Anubis (Obi)

Reserve: Georgie Wilkins with Pines Enigma Variations at Hightimbers (Gracie)

6 Boxer

Team Leader: Dawn Barry

Dawn Barry with Lorrosa Chunky Juke Box ShCM (Zac)

Simon Harding with Verdendo Yule be Lucky (Taz) Pre Beg Ex, JW

Caroline Gebbie with Daveanette SpookyNight (Spooky) Beg Ex, Rlia Ex

Tobie James with Bosckoph Dynamic (Fred) Pre Beg Ex, CDX,UDX,WD

Reserve: Janet Longley with Attomic Rising Star (Rose)

7 Tibetan Terrier

Team Leader: Claire Stuchbury

Jan Witham & Geordie  (Dobriah Folksinger)

Trish  Morris & Harry ( Baliazaha Hot Hagrid)

Abi Stuchbury & Pippin ( Lasang Rusky Dusky)

Claire Stuchbury & Liza ( Nefertari Devil Wears Prada)

Julia Tuck & Logan (Khados Luvmedo Moonlight) (Reserve Dog) 

8 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Team Leader: Marney Wells

Marney Wells with Dazmarnic Firefly at Copyhold (Garbo) OW

Sarah Dugdale with Grenadier Mason (Mason)

Sara Cross with Nakoda Keaome (Keano)

Tracy Sheel with Little Brown lass (Lola)

Reserve: Roz Dawson with Wight Magic Mayhem (Magic)

9 Papillion

Team Leader: Pauline Coughlan

Carolyn Lloyd with Murvagh Finn McCool (Solly)

Anne Griffiths with Manawyddan Monet (Oscar)

Caragh McGrath with Lynbank Smartie Jones (Sam)

Helen Taylor with Bankshill Lord of the Rings (Frodo)

Reserve: Keavey McGrath with Tinklebury the Fusileer (Mikey)

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme

Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Final

Judge - Sandy Wadhams

1st - Kym Pearson with Bewitched over Pendle (WS)

2nd - Mandy Baker with Tazaeos Keaki  (BC)

3rd - Lynda Lewis with Born to be Wild of Valgrays (WS)

4th - Kimberley Hampsheir with Ding a Ling (Beagle)

5th Jacquie Sliwinski with Zouki Do Where Are You (Crossbreed)

 
In Running Order:

YKC

Starters

Winner - Shannon Wright with BORDALICIOUS PINK LACE (Working Sheepdog)

 In running order:

1 Joanna Hudd with ACE KING OF JOS HILL (Crossbreed)

2 Catherine Mason with STRICKLAND BENNY BE GOOD (Border Collie)

3 Emily Spence with RUFUS (Crossbreed)

4 Abbie Reynolds-Dobson with MARLEY MARVEL (Crossbreed)

5 Charlotte Carlisle-Martin with WHISHANNE ISLE - (Cocker Spaniel)

6 Emily Pearson with KISMET LORD OF MISRULE WITH YSLANNG (German Spitz - Klein)

7 Lisa Griffiths with TILEMASH DIAMOND GIRL (Working Sheepdog)

8 Georgia Brown with BEAUFIELD ERRIGAL AT AXELHURN (IMP USA) (Irish Water Spaniel)

9 Shannon Wright with BORDALICIOUS PINK LACE (Working Sheepdog)

10 Hannah Searby with TINY RASCAL (Crossbreed)

11 Katie Gill with SUNSHINE ON LEITH LAD (Labrador)

Elementary

Winner - Harry Walker with RILEY OF ROBIN LANE (Crossbreed)

In running order:

1 Samantha Towe with FOXSTONE'S PENELOPE PITSTOP (Shetland Sheepdog)

2 Emma Tripp with TRI MAGIC MIDNIGHT STAR (Working Sheepdog)

3 Harry Walker with RILEY OF ROBIN LANE (Crossbreed)

4 Shannon Wright with BORDALICIOUS PINK LACE (Working Sheepdog)

5 Rosie Paine with STRICTLY COME SAM (Crossbreed)

6 Petra Back with RICHIAN DEAL OR NO DEAL (Cocker Spaniel)

7 Louise Leverton with STILLMOOR DANCING ROSEY (Border Collie)

8 Ellie Rivington with RUBY CLASSIE LASS (Yorkshire Terrier)

9 Clare Dempsey with MISCHIEF TAZ (Toy Poodle)

Graduate

Winner - April Bush with KEZZY MIDNIGHT SPARK

In running order:

1 Emma Coyle with ROSMARINUS TEASLE (Border Collie)

2 Amy Jackson with IN A MINUTE JESS (Crossbreed)

3 Ellie Hannay with DODGIN DOUBLE BUBBLE (Working Sheepdog)

4 Katie Wyatt with HOLLYSEA AT CRICKHOLLOW (Border Collie)

5 Georgina Daly with APPLE BLOSSOM MISS (Cocker Spaniel)

6 Shannon Wright with BORDALICIOUS PINK LACE (Working Sheepdog)

7 Emily High with HERUMEN MOUNTAIN IMP (Papillon)

8 ophie Alder with ASHLINDT JAYCEE (Border Collie)

9 Lydia Urquhart Smith with BEAT BAXA LADYLIKEE (Border Collie)

10 Katie Heath with AKAMAI INDULGENCE (Border Collie)

11 Emma Willis with FORTVICTORY LUCKY BEAR (Border Collie)

12 April Bush with KEZZY MIDNIGHT SPARK Crossbreed)

Intermediate

Winner - Emma Willis with FORTVICTORY LUCKY BEAR

In running order:

1 Emily Wyatt with HOLLYSEA LADY OF ROHAN (Border Collie)

2 Stephanie Daly with ROSMARINUS THE SPICE TRADER (Border Collie)

3 Emma Willis with FORTVICTORY LUCKY BEAR (Border Collie)

4 Katie Heath with AKAMAI INDULGENCE (Border Collie)

5 Katie Bloor with REMUDA TOP'R JUSTO PUNTO (Australian Shepherd)

Advanced

Winner - Sinead Mowatt with ITSJAROS D'VOTED DANCER

In running order:

1 Kate Nicholas with BEVERTON ICE (Border Collie)

2 Alexandra Duesbury with DODGIN AMBER GAMBLER (Working Sheepdog)

3 Crawford McCartney with CHARMED 'N' DANGEROUS (Border Collie)

4 Anthony Snook with LITTLE MICA (Crossbreed)

5 Jamie Hewitson with ROCKIN TOTAL KAOS (Border Collie)

6 Sinead Mowatt with ITSJAROS D'VOTED DANCER (Working Sheepdog)

REBECCA POINTER

Winner - Kate Nicholas

(presented to her sister Laura May)

JUDGES AT CRUFTS 2014

World Cup

Judge: Stella Henstridge

 

 

I was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire and now live in Andover, Hampshire with my husband John and our current four dogs Jody, Leo, Joss and Jorja.  We have two daughters, Kimberley and Kirstie and three grandsons Alexander, Curtis and Sam.

When our first daughter, Kimberley was very young we had a golden Labrador, Honey. She was brilliant with the children, although her one vice was that she destroyed every teddy bear they had.  She was very patient and allowed them to play with her and her basket became a favourite place for them and their friends to play in, it was often filled with Lego and such like.  She very often became a stool for Kirstie to sit on while she played.

After losing Honey we had a German Shepherd, Zak. When he was about 10 months old we took him along to Andover Dog Training Club where we discovered Obedience.  John took him training and I went along to watch and became very interested. John started to compete with him and this led to me getting involved, firstly by being a caller steward and then getting my first dog Dodwell Jamie. I started competing with him in 1985.  My next dog was Dodwell Callum and in 1992 we won our first CC and competed at Crufts for the first time in 1993.  Callum was leading the dog Championships on this occasion but unfortunately failed scent, however he went on to win the dog Obedience Championships in 1994. Callum competed at Crufts on 8 consecutive occasions.  Following Callum I had Mounthill Masterpiece, Corin, who qualified to work Championship ‘C’, he was placed in the class but never won the elusive ticket.  He was followed by, Dumavala Zhivargo.  Zhivi won a CC and competed at Crufts in 2004.

My next dog was Bisquet Jordan, Jody; he qualified to work Championship C but was retired on vet’s advice at 7 years as he is epileptic. He now lives a life of luxury and enjoys every minute of it, as I always say about Jody he enjoys getting up in the morning and his day always improves.  He was followed by Colimanor Joss and then by my current young dog Cories Classic Touch, ‘Jorja’ who started competing last year, 2013.

My judging career started in 1988 and I awarded my first Challenge Certificate in 1999. I have also enjoyed judging in the Channel Islands, Holland, Belgium and Ireland.

Having been the England World Cup team manager for the last 6 years, this will give me a new perspective on the competition.

I am really looking forward to the day and feel very honoured to be invited to judge this event.  I have a great team to assist me and we all hope everyone enjoys the day.

Inter Regional

Judge: John Verrill

'Obreedience'

Judge: Neville Uden

 

 

I have been involved with dogs for over forty years, training, competing and judging obedience and agility but in recent times have become interested in breed showing through our Australian Shepherd Dogs, Allmark Muffin Man and Allmark Tina Turner JW.

I have been a member of the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme Working Party for eleven years and have enjoyed working with the Clubs and Societies who train and test the Scheme and over the years I have been involved in training and bringing GCDS display teams to Crufts. I have worked with the YKC and have been on their summer camps as a trainer of obedience and agility and had the pleasure of judging the YKC Obedience Finals at Crufts 2008. The same year with my dog Woughstock Wynsome Just Rob I was reserve for the Channel Islands Team in the World Obedience Competition. I have also been Chief Steward for the GCDS Obedience Finals each year since the competition began.

I was delighted to accept this judging appointment for the first Obreedience Competition to be held at Crufts 2014 and I look forward to meeting the competitors and their dogs. I hope as many people as possible will come and support this event and see how other breeds, not usually seen in the obedience ring, can work. I hope this demonstration competition gets enough support to make this an annual event at Crufts.

Good luck to all those taking part, enjoy your day!

Neville Uden

YKC

Judge: Kamal Fernandez

 

 

Wow, well this is somewhat of a surreal experience! Being asked to judge the YKC event at Crufts was a totally unexpected invitation but one that I am totally grateful for and I wish to extend my thanks to the Kennel Club, in particular Heidi Lawrence and the staff in the YKC office who have been exemplary in their assistance.

I started this journey in dog training like so many others…. as a result of chasing a delinquent dog from one end of the local park to the other! (Well i say like other, reading my fellow judges I think being a victim of crime seems to be a reoccurring theme). It wears thin at the tender age of 9yrs old I can assure you!

Having watched the KCJO (as it was formally named) agility competition at Crufts and being inspired to take my unruly little mongrel Scrunch to these dizzy heights I set about my epic plan! However there was a slight glitch in that little scrunch wasn't actually the conforming type..... In those days you had to attend obedience classes as a pre curser to doing agility.... Houston we may have a problem!

So pre-internet, yellow pages, local newspaper searches lead me to the door of Newham Dog club… well the first night wasn’t actually the door of the club… it was the door of the secretary's house! I made my father sit for the whole 3hrs, assuring him that this was the address for the club and that any minute they would turn up and we could start training!!! You think the twitching of curtains and stalker like tactics would put any child off, but not me! I was determined to start training dogs! I have been blessed to cross paths with some special people who have allowed my interest to be nurtured and grow. Eileen Farn, of Newham DTC took me under her wing and opened the door to competitive Obedience for which I shall forever me grateful. Our many journeys in her campervan far and wide, sowed a seed for the sport that still continues to grow till this day. It was attending shows and clubs, and watching the various dogs being trained that inspired me to want to achieve this almost telepathic communication and bond with my own dog. Scrunch wasn't into the whole 'telepathic' communication thing, her network was always out of signal range!

My next stroke of good fortune, was i was able to attend a course on dog training given by the great Sylvia Bishop, if my initial love for Obedience had been sparked by what I had seen so far… Sylvia set it alight!

I can recall every moment of that course, who was there what they wore, the dogs, breeds, what their problems were and how Sylvia dealt with them as vividly as if I had seen them yesterday. At the end of the course, Sylvia allowed me to work one of her dogs Ob Ch Forever Magic Sunday, her magic wand was waved. I instantly felt a connection with this amazing lady that remains to this day.

Fast realising that although 'scrunch' had come a long way, from breaking out the front door and not returning for hours on end... I felt her potential in Obedience was some what limited when she did the obligatory zoomies through all the rings at her first show as soon as i dared to take the lead off her for a recall! Nothing like making a statement on your first foray into Competition!

Subsequent badgering, threats to leave home, dramatic displays of emotions eventually saw my parents succumb to a second dog... What a fatal move that was LOL!! I can sense their fear even now whenever i mention litters of puppies!!

Enter 'Tai', a 'Ob ch Magic Sunday' grandson with much of his brain and brilliance. It wasn't a hope that i would get 'Tai', it was an obsession! That little dog was trained religiously whether he wanted to or not, and twice on christmas day!! Dogs are so forgiving of our whimsical ways, enduring the demands of a teenage with high expectations! He did reach the dizzy heights of Crufts and earned his title, but more then that he made all my dreams come true. I miss him dearly and choke up just thinking about him.

Subsequent dogs followed, and life's many ups and downs were thrown at me as part of this great journey we are all on.

I have been blessed with many fantastic experiences, and amazing dogs, some who were unable to meet their potential due to fates cruel blows, others are yet to do so... Come what may, every one has taught me a lesson... You don't get what you want you get what you need! My dogs have made me who I am, i cannot imagine my life without them in it. My greatest pleasure is the time i spend playing and walking them, it takes me back to that child who yearned for a dog and begged, pleaded and waited to get one! Now i have 7!!!!! Lol. Every single one has been a blessing, even if I couldn't see it at the time as their unique individual problems, issues and challenges have been my greatest teachers of all.

Although now I run my own business, East London Dog training (www.eastlondondogtraining.co.uk) offering pet and competition training across the world...my journey has taken me to Asia, Australia, Europe, America and all over the UK. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to follow my passion and live my 'dream'.

My former vocation as a Police officer, saw me work with working with Youths in a slightly different capacity from my forthcoming invitation in March 2014...... I hope that when the doors open at Crufts, I wont need my handcuffs, baton nor bullet proof vest!! Well not at least till I have finished judging!!

I believe that the future of our sport lies in ensuring the next generation develop the joy and passion I have, and that there is a sport for them to enjoy.
This passion has taken me on the most amazing journey and giving me my most treasured moments and fondest memories. I hope that I can contribute to this, and by making the the YKC Obedience Competition at Crufts 2014 as enjoyable as possible.

The exciting new innovative approaches to the sport that are upon our horizon, may be a step towards ensuring that Obedience is still alive and kicking in many years to come.
I understand peoples apprehension about anything 'different' or indeed change itself... But for me, seeing this great sport I love, grow and flourish is worthy of the challenge. Nothing in live, worth having comes easy. Give these things a chance... In years past, what was considered the norm was once viewed as radical or extreme. Sometimes change mights just work....

I would like to draw things to a close by saying thanks to those whom I hold nearest and dearest, past and present. I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends, and family both four legged and two, who offer me support, shoulders to cry on, slaps if i need them, pish talk when i want to, the odd dose of reality, home truths, advise and everything else in between. There is no need to mention who you are as you already know ;) to those that are looking down from above, i miss you dearly and hope you are smiling. Love and thanks to each of you.

Finally, I shall end by wishing all competitors Good luck and best wishes at Crufts 2014. Myself my team will do our utmost to make the day memorable for all the right reasons!

Kamal Fernandez

The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme

Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Final

Judge: Sandy Wadhams

My thanks to the Kennel Club for inviting me to Judge the final of this competition. I was delighted to be asked as I consider this competition is more important than any other class in obedience. I can well remember the first competition I took part in was in a club match as part of the team for Cheltenham DTC. That was when I caught the obedience bug!

Now 42 years later my dogs and I have been on the most fantastic journey and you know what I still have that bug!!
Since those first steps I have made up three Obedience Champions. Established my own Competitive Obedience training school.  Along this journey I have set up and run KC dog training clubs, helped run shows, as well as being a KC Field officer, Judged to all levels, including the Crufts Obedience Championships in 2003. Written a monthly regular column for Obedience Competitor, and was the BBC Crufts Obedience consultant and presenter for 15 years.

I have my own breeding Affix ‘Heelaway’ my breed being border collies. This affix was transferred to me by the master of Obedience Charlie Wyant, which brings me to my idea of dog training. Charlie use to say ‘If your dog won’t play it won’t Work’ This inspired me to develop a method of play training along with ‘lead aids’ to motivate a dog into playing as he is being taught the heelwork and exercises. It is paramount that my dogs ENJOY working and in the early days of teaching my dog this is more important than accuracy. That comes later when my dog loves working and through the play is CONFIDENT. The final aim is for STYLE with PRECISION

I am delighted therefore to have this opportunity to Judge you and your dog as you start your competitive career.

Remember; above all else, ENJOY your dog, ENJOY this special day.
Good luck, have a great time.

‘Shoot for the moon, even if you miss it, you will land amongst the stars’

Sandy Wadhams.