Local dogs and handlers at Crufts

Mark and Mulligan

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After months and years of dedicated training a number of  handlers and dogs, members of On Track Dog Training School, have gained a place at Crufts where they will perform in front of thousands of spectators.

Mark Bradley and Mulligan (Weimeraner) will be competing in the ABC Agility after a very successful year in agility competitions and winning a place for Crufts in the autumn.

Christine Heald and Simba (German Shepherd) is one of the country’s highest qualified Rally O dogs and was therefore picked for the demonstration team in the main arena for rally obedience.

Lucy Newsome and Ruby (Border Collie) selected for the Bronze Good Citizen display team after being picked at one of the selection rounds.

Shelley Sandiford and Sam (Labrador), Wendy Johnson and Gracie Mae (Italian Spinone), Maria Ferguson and Cassie (Golden Retriever) all won the selection rounds for a place on the silver Good Citizen display team.

Emily Arch and Jasper (Border Collie) won a place at open shows to compete in the pre-beginner finals.

Janis Horton and Fraiser (Rottweiler), Caroline Middleton and Scout (Large Munsterlander) have both won championship classes to enable them to compete in the show ring.

Cath Philips and Pepper (German Shepherd) qualified “excellent” in tracking and patrol stakes to compete in the special working trial class where Pepper will be handled by Peter Yates.

Neil Green-Moriss and Axel (Rottweiler) qualified IPO 3 and will be competing in the special working trial class.

Cath Philips from On Track Training says: "Many of these handlers and dogs will be seen on television and of course YouTube has live coverage of Crufts throughout its four days.

"All of these handlers will be representing their club and as such carry with them our very best wishes and messages of good luck.

"It is such an honour to take part at Crufts I know they will cherish the memories for ever."

In order to qualify for a place at Crufts a handler and dog must have accomplished something rather special in the preceding year such as a win at a championship show or beating off the competition in the qualifying rounds for the Crufts display teams.