The Kennel Club has announced 23 new dogs and 19 handlers who have been selected onto the 2019 Development Programme for Agility Team GB 2020 Squad.
They were chosen to train towards a place on the 2020 squad from those who competed exceptionally, as well as those who showed potential as up-and-coming dogs and handlers at the Performance Weekend which was held in April at Arena UK, Grantham.
The coaching team will now work with the Development squad to support their progression as they prepare for the team selection in November.
Mark Laker, Agility Team GB Manager said “Following very positive feedback from the handlers on last year’s development programme, I’m pleased we’re able to continue building on the idea of bringing new up and coming handlers and dogs into Agility Team GB. These handlers have been given a unique opportunity to be supported by the coaching team as they prepare for possible 2020 team selection.”
Emma Cooper, Marketing Assistant from Natural Instinct, said “Natural Instinct would like to express a massive congratulations to the handlers and dogs who have been selected onto the Agility Team GB Development Programme. We look forward to welcoming them onto the 2020 Squad”.
The development programme consists of:
Large Dogs:
Connie Sellers with Beware of the Bear and Diagemtas Serge
Dalton Meredith with Neon Oxide
Ellen Sleight with Teddy Bear Grylls
Gemma Haycock with Lalapaws Turn Up The Jukebox
Jenny Kimber with Fandabidozi Dare To Rumba
Lisa Duggan with Devongem Tri Ted and Indistorm Breeze On By
Louise McCulloch with Darleyfalls He's Got Style and Leebeardream Take Two
Martin Reid with Lilhaze Secret Pleasure
Oliver Tatton with Never A Moment Of Dullness AW(B)
Sian Illingworth with Zhanisgo's Secret Agent
Stephanie Best with Dare To Dream It Must Be Fate and Maximum Reds
Medium Dogs:
Jo Gleed with Spiderwick Nimble Ninja
Naomi Read with Little Miss Jumping Jinx
Sam Towe with Licosateria Shades of Blue
Small Dogs:
Julie Dunlop with Hillsidejemz Firecracker
Lauren Langman with Maesydderwen Shine Bright At Devongem
Lou Cadman with Maddest Moment Yet
Marc Wingate-Wynne with Obay Thatz Entertainment
Nina Rajala with Piikachu's Best Start at Zanimo's
The next opportunity for handlers and dogs to be invited onto the Development Programme will be in August, followed by a final opportunity in October.
The team is sponsored by the Kennel Club, Natural Instinct and Nottingham Trent University.
This year, Agility Team GB will be competing at the European Open Agility Championships in the Netherlands from 25-28 July, and the FCI Agility World Championships in Turku, Finland from 19-22 September.