15 Young Kennel Club (YKC) members are to be given a unique opportunity to boost their canine training skills ahead of Crufts 2017 and attend a special handling training day at the Birmingham National Dog Show on Saturday 7th May 2016.
Taking place at the Stafford Showground during the National, which is taking place from 5th- 8thMay, the training day will offer the opportunity for YKC members to train their dogs in handling with high profile trainer Victoria Wilkins.
Victoria, who is a senior YKC member, has shown a variety of different breeds including Large Munsterlanders, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Afghan Hounds and Australian Terriers. She competes in YKC handling and adult handling with her Large Munsterlander as well as in breed classes.
Throughout the day, YKC members will be able to find out more about ring etiquette, showmanship presentation, basic control and pattern work, and stance and teeth work. The day will end with a fun competition. The day is open to all members aged 6-24 years who are both new and experienced in both handling and the show ring.
Jane Fullbrook, YKC Events Co-Ordinator said: "This event has been extremely popular in recent years and this year is no different! These training days are a fantastic way for young people to develop and perfect their handling skills. It's also a great way to meet other like-minded trainers and make lifelong friends."
Members are urged to apply as soon as possible as there very few places left for the day. The day's training costs £25 per YKC member, and members under 18 years old need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who will not be charged to attend. Completion of an application form does not guarantee a place. The final places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. All applicants will be informed by email if they have secured a place. If the training day is full, members may email the office to be added to the waiting list.
To find out more and to fill in an application form, please speak to the YKC team.