A Very Special Relationship - Ben and Lucy

1 - Tell us how you first came across Ben and his background?

I was looking for another dog to train and my parents took me to look at the litter as a birthday present. He was from a small farm and I just fell in love with him from the moment I saw him. You never really know how a dog is going to turn out when you see them at such a young age but he is just a star, I couldn’t have wished for any more.

2 - Why do you feel your relationship is so special?

Our relationship is special because we spend so much time together. We trust each other 100 per cent. Trust is so important when you are training and competing and the relationship is key to success or failure. You have to be a team and must work for each other. I always make all the training we do fun and positive so he loves to
work for me.

3 - What do you count as some of your biggest and most prestigious wins?

It has to be Olympia 2009, which was simply amazing and also taking first place in the International Jumping at Crufts 2010. I try not to get too hung up about winning the major classes as I have always felt getting into the other smaller finals
is just as fun.

4 - How would you describe Ben?

Ben is a trusting, reliable dog, he likes to relax and have lots of cuddles. He also loves his walks and swimming, he is never any trouble, I couldn’t ask for more.

5 - Where are you based and what facilities do you have for training?

I am based in Saxilby, Lincolnshire, I train in Skellingthorpe where I have an indoor arena, with a full set of competition style equipment.

6 - Tell us about your other dogs?

I have one other dog who is Ben's son Stig. He is nearly 18-months-old and is going to be competing in agility too. He won’t be competing yet though, he is really eager to please so I have high hopes for him.

7 - What are your aims for the season?

To get my last championship ticket with Ben which will make him an agility champion. We have qualified for Crufts 2011 in the championship class and I also would love to get to Olympia again. I have also qualified for the GB team againand qualified for the Agility Zone Highland Final Stakes too.

8 - Where would you like to be in five years time?

I would like to be travelling and training abroad more often as it is loads of fun training and the fact I have the opportunity to go to other countries makes it even more enjoyable.

9 - What qualities do you feel a dog has to have to be a good agility dog?

There are many different dogs in agility. On the whole agility is very good for dogs and they do love it the only thing is the dogs need to be fit. I am very fortunate to have support from performance dog food experts Alpha Feeds so I know Ben and Stig are getting all the goodness and nutrition they deserve. It is not fair on your
dog to do agility with them if they are over weight as it may damage their bones. Good walks and a correct feeding plan can make a big difference in a dogs weight.

10 - What are your favourite agility events

The Kennel Club Festival as there are lots of international people that go. I don't really have top favourites, I just like running and training my dog.

Quick Fire

1 - Sweet or Savoury - Sweet
2 - Blue or Red - Red
3 - Champagne or Beer - Champagne
4 - Coronation Street or Eastenders - hummm hard maybe Eastenders
5 - Walk or Run - another hard one maybe Run