|
I collected Buscuits from his breeder,Norman Johnston, at the
beginning of September 2004. He was 15 weeks old and quite a handful.
In fact very mischievously playful with loads of energy,
he’s still the same today. I decided to take him to obedience
classes in Oswaldtwistle, 10 minutes from where I live. The classes
are run by Kath, a lady who breeds Labradors , who I now
see at dog shows and also ringcraft.
I then thought about showing Buscuits and went back to Mr Johnston
to let him have a look at how he had progressed. It's a few months
before you can be sure that a dog is of 'show quality'. After much
discussion I decided to 'have a go' Kath had told me about the
ringcraft classes in Brierfield near Burnley on Tuesday evenings so
off we went. I had spent hours teaching Buscuits to sit and I now
had to try and undo this. This is because the dogs have to stand
in line waiting to go onto the table. They then have to stand still
for the judge to 'go over them' and look at their teeth etc. Then
they have to walk up and down on mats. It's like a cat walk for dogs!!!
No room form sitting here or sniffing the entire length of the mats.
Buscuits enjoyed it but the handler was near to breaking. The added
bonus for Buscuits was the fact that there were quite a few Heeler
people attending with their dogs so he was like a kid in a toy store.
The few Heeler people I might add were people of vast experience
and judges to boot. The interaction with other breeds is vital too.
Buscuits entered his first show at the beginning of November, he was
placed first in his class and was awarded Best Puppy in Breed. I had
the bug.
We have now spent the last 12 months competing at local Open Shows
and the countrywide Championship Shows, where he has done very well
considering we are both novices. Even though I have had Lancashire
Heelers since the early sixties, due to work commitments, I could not
show them. Last summer we spent some very entertaining and lovely
days at the shows, but I should point out that it is hard work and is not
for the faint hearted.
Audrey Bancroft.
| 
