TEACHING a young dog new tricks has led to a top prize for a Cornish youngster and her cockapoo.
Lily House, 15, and two-year-old Luna won the ’Heelwork to Music’ class of the Young Kennel Club’s online dog show.
With 1,100 entries from all over the UK, the virtual event was launched to celebrate the joy and companionship our four-legged friends bring, and to recognise how dogs have been helping their young owners through lockdown.
The online contest was open to Young Kennel Club members aged 6-24 and showcased a whole variety of impressive tricks and handling techniques, as well as plenty of cute photographs.
Overall winner was Romeo, a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel owned by Ruby-Mae Brooks of York.
Lily House and her family live near St Austell and Lily trains with Bodmin Dog Training: she has passed her Bronze, Silver and Gold Kennel Club Citizenship awards.
Luna is an owner-trained assistance dog who helps Lily with her autism and seizures. The two also enjoy performing trick routines together.
Lily and Luna love fun dog shows but as they haven’t been able to attend any this summer, they have instead been training on the beach and in their garden.
The winners from each class in the YKC show were judged by Tony Allcock, executive chairman of the Kennel Club. He said: ’I have been very impressed with the outstanding interest of this competition. It has been significant at this current time for YKC members to have a new opportunity for themselves and their dogs.
’The feedback from parents has been one of support for the competition and appreciation as this has reached areas of the membership that may not always have the chance to take part in a YKC competition. It has also given members something different to do at this difficult time.
’Choosing the overall winner was not an easy task but I believe the winning picture captured the optimism of what dogs are all about and everything they stand for.’The YKC has plenty of other exciting activities coming up to keep kids and their canine companions occupied during lockdown, including drawing tutorials, interactive games across their social channels as well as printable quizzes, colouring pages and more. There is more information for young dog lovers who are interested in joining the Young Kennel Club available at www.ykc.org.uk.