SITE LAST UPDATED 23 Dec 2011
ABOUT THE DOGS
My dogs have been pets foremost but they have also been shown in breed, obedience, agility and latterly Heelwork to Music (HTM). I bred and exhibited two of the earliest Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) champions in the country. Currently I have two dogs that I compete with in HTM, a young Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren) - Tara, and a Working Sheep Dog - Ceri. Ceri also does a bit of fun agility but Tara is on course for serious agility I think. I also have a cross breed - Deva - who came to me from Belgian Shepherd Rescue and YoYo (another Tervueren) who I used to work in HTM but he is now over 12 and retired.
ABOUT MY TRAINING
All my training meets the code of practice of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) of which I am a member (No. 00543). This includes the use of only gentle, motivational methods and adherence to a strict no-choke chain policy.
Team Wales
Our sponsored walk up Snowdon to raise funds for our entry to the Inter Regionals
Margaret and Ceri stepping out in heelwork
ABOUT ME
I have been involved with dogs for over 30 years and for a large part of that time I have trained my own dogs and acted as a club instructor. This had to remain just a hobby while I worked as a Nurse Education Manager and Lecturer. However I drastically reduced my work commitments in 1999 and determined to do more serious training. I acquired a new puppy, YoYo, and discovered that, not only had training methods changed a lot in the intervening years but, I couldn't find anywhere in Nantwich that provided the sort of training I knew existed and now wanted. The obvious solution was to set up my own classes, which I did. These progressed very well but were hampered by the lack of suitable venues. Moving to Anglesey in December 2002 gave me the opportunity to have my own training premises.
NEWS ITEMS
I was the Team Manager for the Welsh Team at the first Inter Regional Heelwork to Music Competition organised by the Paws n Music Association at Stoneleigh in August 2011.
I started to compete in the new sport of UK Rally Obedience in 2010 and had my first judging appointment in November 2011.
Although I'm qualified to assess the KC Good Citizen Scheme on the basis of my BIPDT qualification, I undertook and passed the KC official Bronze and Silver assessor's training on 4th September 2011.
Tara went to Crufts in March 2011 and was placed Reserve in both Yearling Bitch and the Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bitch Class. She also passed her KCGCDS Gold Award in March 2011.
Ceri qualified to work Advanced HTM in November 2011 and will be competing in her first show at that level in January 2012.
