Dog handlers win top agility competition
DOG trainers from Hinckley have scooped gold in a national agility competition.
Val Hobart and Nicola Bradshaw, who are members of the Fox Agility Club, put their pooches through the paces at Discover Dogs to win the small/mixi pairs final.
The dogs weaved, jumped and ran through a number of obstacles to demonstrate their overall agility skills.
Barbie, a three-year-old Border Terrier girl, and JT, a three-year-old Staffy Cross boy, won the event after completing the course in the fastest time.
Val said: “I am stunned, thrilled and totally ecstatic with the win and it proves the importance of training, compatibility and teamwork.”
Nicola added: “I am absolutely made up – both dogs were amazing and ran their hearts out.”
Nicola’s dog JT was rescued by the RSPCA in Leicester and started training with the Fox Agility Club from the age of one. She is now an impressive grade seven - the highest possible rank.
Val’s dog Barbie started training a year ago and is currently a grade five.
Discover Dogs is the largest dog show in London and is a major event in the Kennel Club calender.
The small/mixi pairs category is open to one small dog and a larger dog, with the overall winner being judged on clear rounds and course speed.
The handlers take it in turns to complete two rounds of the course with their dogs.
This is the first year Val and Nicola had teamed up.