Two members from our club, Rosemary McFarlane and Liz Keeler attended a week’s obedience course in the Cotswolds with professional trainer Mavis Mills, organised by Hazell Williamson and Julie Foster.
The course was held at David & Hazell’s Williamsons private indoor training hall, measuring 15metres by 10 metres, which is fully carpeted with Cruft’s astroturf. This venue is set in their beautiful grounds which have 15 acres of training & exercise areas, all of which have magnificent views of the Cotswolds.
Mavis is very well known on the obedience circuit not only as a Championship “C” handler but is so qualified and respected has judged the Obedience Championships at Crufts.
She has trained a variety of breeds and cross breeds including Shelties, Golden Retrievers, Sheltie crosses and Australian Sheepdog crosses. She has also qualified some of her dogs in Working Trials.
On the course Mavis demonstrated her “Puppy Technique’s” with Mace her 16 week old Border Collie. Already this puppy is doing distance control, presents and finishes with GREAT ATTITUDE!
Mavis believes strongly in laying the foundations for later advanced work with positive games and play, combined with creative solutions to keep dogs interested and enjoying their work.
There were 13 handlers on this course, amongst which were Jane Sutherland and Hazell Williamson both of whom regularly visit Jersey and come to our club to assist our trainers. Bronwyn Bartley and Shelagh Page , both Championship “C” handlers were also working their young Collies on this course.
The handlers were divided into groups of competition level but Mavis also did individual work every day with each handler.
The evenings were filled with a variety of social events, as most handlers had their caravans at the venue or were staying locally. With mostly good weather the handlers spent their time sitting outside the ring and learning by spectating everyone’s efforts.
Liz, Abbey, Mavis, Rosemary & Cruze
Course Organisers: Hazell & Julie
Ariel View of Venue
Venue Grounds
Training Hall
Training Hall Inside
Outside Training Ring
Group in Action
Liz under instruction with Abbey
Rosemary under instruction with Cruze
The entire group at the end of the Course!!!