Greetings from Italia! Yesterday I visited the Bracco Raduno and tomorrow I leave with Bracco pup and my Dachshund for the United States for a while where I will continue to work on an Illustrated Breed Standard for the Spinone Club of America, online training for Judge Educators and present to judges at the National Specialty for SCOA in May. This event is annual - each year I organise workshops and training for the Judge Education team. I have trained for National Gundog under the Group training programme in the UK and wrote the only book in English available for the Spinone. Perhaps this background will help when preparing education for judges in the future?
In my early days with Labs and Goldens (in the late 70s and early 80s), I ran in Open Obedience, Working Tests, Field Trials and later became the first FT Sec for the Spinone Club and Assistant FT Sec for Hampshire Gundog Society. I later ran Spinoni in both the field events and gained awards. During that time I trained for field work and for film work and could be helpful with ring training too.
In the 90s I showed IWS and Sealyhams, which broadened my grooming skills to include scissoring and clipping. Once I understand more about the Lagotto trim, I will enjoy helping with grooming workshops. In the USA, I regularly present at grooming workshops for the Spinone folk.
Perhaps my involvement with the Spinone and the Bracco worldwide could offer the LRA some insight into procedure in other countries (which affects the UK show scene now). Where I can offer a valuable viewpoint, I am more than happy to contribute. This breed is growing on me more and more, especially after watching the dogs and meeting many of you at Crufts. The personalities shone out!
Cross your fingers for me when I fly with two dogs to JFK tomorrow (phew)!!
In my early days with Labs and Goldens (in the late 70s and early 80s), I ran in Open Obedience, Working Tests, Field Trials and later became the first FT Sec for the Spinone Club and Assistant FT Sec for Hampshire Gundog Society. I later ran Spinoni in both the field events and gained awards. During that time I trained for field work and for film work and could be helpful with ring training too.
In the 90s I showed IWS and Sealyhams, which broadened my grooming skills to include scissoring and clipping. Once I understand more about the Lagotto trim, I will enjoy helping with grooming workshops. In the USA, I regularly present at grooming workshops for the Spinone folk.
Perhaps my involvement with the Spinone and the Bracco worldwide could offer the LRA some insight into procedure in other countries (which affects the UK show scene now). Where I can offer a valuable viewpoint, I am more than happy to contribute. This breed is growing on me more and more, especially after watching the dogs and meeting many of you at Crufts. The personalities shone out!
Cross your fingers for me when I fly with two dogs to JFK tomorrow (phew)!!
