CSJ Trailer for Heelwork To Music OEC 2014

Peter Melling -  film maker on behalf of CSJ - one of the Major Sponsors of HTM Team GBR - travelled to Stuttgart, Germany for the Open European Championships and has taken footage of the event.

Click HERE to see the trailer.

Thanks to Peter Melling of Video4site - it's super!

Thursday 13th November - a relaxing day!

The Team met a breakfast for their first day in Stuttgart all together!  First call was to be at the Open European Venue where a Press Conference had been called and as one of the first teams on site Team GBR had been invited to attend.
It was the start of a strange day - the theme was "Where are We?"
They all travelled to the venue with instructions as to where to go - unfortunately the instructions didn't fit in with any of the maps or roads they found so they arrived just a little late - but so did the Press!!!   A maze of a Conference Centre - a complex similar to the NEC but much more open and inviting.  Take a look here.

 Being invited to the Press Conference had its advantages as the team could unload their dog cages and dress their area where they would be stationed for the next few days.

The huge ring as seen from the Quiet Dog Zone.

The Ring where the competition would be held was beautiful with a glass back drop with cascading fountain. The audience would be on three sides of the 25m x 20m arena - one long side being tiered seating and the judges positioned very closely to each other in front of the seating.  The warm up area and quiet Dog Zone was on the next floor up with a balcony to look over to watch the competition.  Perfect.  With either a lift or stairs to move between warm up and competition - everything had been extremely well thought out with the Health and Safety of the dogs paramount in their arrangements.

View from the top of the Tiered Seating

And a view from the judges' tables.

Christina and Eze

Christina and Eze

 After the Press Conference, the Team arrived back at the hotel for an afternoon of steady walks or relaxation.  Lucy and Rob set off and found a beautiful walk with a lake.

However, Nicci, Kath, Helen, Lesley and Penny went a slightly longer walk - and not intentionally!!   

What a lovely walk - but even though they had a plan as to where they would go - all the paths on the way back looked very similar - leading to 4 hours later a rescue mission being made by David and Rob with Lucy at Base Camp (the hotel).  

Thank goodness there were enough clues to give the two rescuers a chance of finding them - just before darkness fell!

That evening, the Team made their way to Cafe Del Sol for a great meal out - a bit noisy but good food and a truly relaxing and fun night.

 OK - who was the main photographer???  As Allan had stayed at home looking after Karen's dogs, David stepped up to the mark along with everyone else!!

What huge platefuls of food - and some managed a pudding too!!!!  But after all the walking that had been done that day, it was well deserved!

Tuesday 11th November The Journey Begins!

The Team - all prepared and ready for their long journeys to Stuttgart.

The first vehicle to start the journey was Rob and Lucy with Teasel and Skiffle - leaving Spider to have a great holiday with Lucy's parents in Cambridgeshire.

Skiffle and Teasel having a good play in the Dog Area provided at Eurotunnel. Thank you to Eurotunnel from TEAM GBR for sponsoring us on this journey.

Lucy, Rob and dogs managed a very short visit to Cologne on their way to Stuttgart.

Those travelling in the Top Lodge bus were the next group to set off deciding on a night drive with the three drivers Kath, David and Helen taking the driving in 2 hour shifts. Together with Karen, Allan (who would be a supporter from home), Nicci, Lesley and Roger, they met in the Training Hall at Lesley’s at 19:30 - and after fully loading the bus and roof rack they had a fish and chip supper before setting off at 21:00 on their way to Folkestone and the Eurotunnel.

The Top Lodge Bus with flags on show!!

This vehicle carried seven people and a precious cargo of 8 dogs :
Nala, Spice, Amber, Denby, Maia, Hamish, Dewy and Tedi.

Please note the the Kennel Club did not support Team GBR, however, full permission was given to Louth and District Dog Club to enter a Team.

Christina's Final Preparations

Christina and Eze had a busy morning with their final preparations for the OEC. Eze had his vet check up to make sure he was in tip top condition and yes, he is. The vet commented on how fit Eze was and also how chilled out he was, saying that he hardly ever listens to such a slow heart beat! He and the nurses also said how young Eze looked (no-one seemed to be able to believe he was 8,) HTM really does keep them fit! 

Meanwhile the car was also getting ready to travel and
was having the winter tyres fitted that are needed for Germany. 

A huge thank you to Terrington Vets for the donation of a check up and worming tablet and also to Leeson's Garage for the cost price tyres and free fitting – a huge help from both and greatly appreciated! 

The Final Team Training Session

The final Team Training Session.   Good fun had by all in the last preparations.  

Denby and Kath work their way around the excess props!!!

Goodness - Lesley and Helen ready to swat flies?

A great session with good food and good company.  Good Luck cards and gifts sorted, final travel and accommodation preparations done.  
Yes - the Team is ready and would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity in making this trip possible.

Please note the the Kennel Club is not supporting Team GBR, however, full permission was given to Louth and District Dog Club to enter a Team.

Nicci with Nala and Carol Mortimer Radio Lincolnshire

Nicci Hindson and Nala, along with Carol Mortimer spoke to BBC Radio Lincolnshire about the preparations for the OEC's. 

Nicci was interviewed by the reporter Leigh, who was so impressed she then wanted to try Heelwork To Music for herself.,   Nicci demonstrated a few of her Team Dog, Nala's favourite moves for her to try. 

Watch Nala working for the programme reporter Leigh:

If  you would like to listen to the interview,  it is available for just 7 days at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p028llt2   

1st Interview at 01:53:00    2nd Interview at 02:52:00

Please note the the Kennel Club is not supporting Team GBR, however, full permission was given to Louth and District Dog Club to enter a Team.

Lucy In Team Colours at Avonvale Vets

Saturday the 25th of October Lucy, Teasel and Skiffle had fun at the open day of the new branch of the Avonvale vets in Stratford Upon Avon! 

They did two demonstrations to a good local crowd and were there the rest of the day to answer questions. Lucy was also interviewed for the local radio station 'Touch FM'. By the end of the day they were all quite tired (but not too tired for a final photo!). 

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting the team in selection or any other way, however, 
the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth & District Dog Club to enter a team from Great Britain.

Lesley's Auctioned Lesson Success

From Ann Carrington:

Recently I won the opportunity to train with Lesley thanks to an on-line auction via facebook raising funds for the Team to compete in Stuttgart Germany..

First of all I was very impressed with her set up with a brilliant area for training and a great place to exercise dogs off lead. It was such a great session and opened my eyes to a lot of things that are not usually covered in freestyle training classes simply because there isn't time. The idea of choreography filled me with dread, I have absolutely no skills in that what so ever and to coordinate movements and music for myself let alone my dog requires a whole new skill set that I needed to develop.

Whilst I have researched on the net many times about choreography there's nothing I've found that actually gives the bare bones of the skill.

The time just flew by and even though Lesley was very generous in giving more of her time that was bid for, it seemed sadly to go in the blink of an eye but yet we covered so much in that time.

Canine freestyle for me is addictive, the more I do and learn the more I want to know and learn and I just so wish that there was an on-line auction every day, I'd be there!!! 

Misty my Border Collie boy always loves his training sessions and I'm sure he got as much out this exciting time with Lesley as I did. 

All I can say is thank you very much Lesley for your generosity with your time and efforts we both got so much out of it and that Misty and I truly appreciated the opportunity we had. 

Please note the the Kennel Club is not supporting Team GBR, however, full permission was given to Louth and District Dog Club to enter a Team.

Helen and Maia at Ynys Mon, Anglesey

Helen and Maia took the opportunity and trained instead of competing at Anglesey Show to work on a section of the routine that had been changed slightly.  

Thank you to Allan Brown for the lovely photos 

This was more of a test for Helen to get her feet right, rather than for Maia to do the work! Helen said that co-ordinating her mouth, arms and feet has been challenging at times!!

Thank you to Ynys Mon Dog Training Club, Anglesey  for letting us raise funds for the Team.

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting the team in selection or any other way, however, 
the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth & District Dog Club to enter a team from Great Britain.

Lucy - Thanks to Avonvale Veterinary Surgeries

Big Thank You to Avonvale Veterinary Surgeries!  

Today Teasel and Skiffle went off to the vets to have their vaccinations for their pet passport. Avonvale Veterinary surgery at Wellesbourne are kindly sponsoring Teasel and Skiffle by doing the pet passports and their vaccinations free of charge! 

 They are soon to be opening a branch at Stratford upon Avon when Skiffle and Teasel will be attending the opening. More details to follow on that! 

The dogs and Lucy had their photo taken for the Avonvale newsletter. An exciting time for these team members!

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting the team in selection or any other way, however, 
the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth & District Dog Club to enter a team from Great Britain.

The Team at Strictly Canine

Some of the team competed or trained at the Strictly Canine HTM Competition held at Arena UK Allington.  Team supporter Allan Brown took these photos.

Dewy and Lesley gained a 5th place in the Advanced Heelwork To Music class, very good for a young dog who has only just worked his way up to the Advanced classes.

In the Advanced Freestyle Class Dewy pulled out all the stops and flew through the air to gain 2nd place.   Watch out for flying Beardies!"

Helen and Maia gained a third place at the competition.  

Maia kicked her feet out around the large arena having the time of her life! 

Kath and her youngest dog Denby were entered in the HTM Class but just took advantage of the huge ring for working out a floor plan of their new routine in preparation for the OEC!

A good game of tuggy set the right atmosphere too - more play than work!!   Kath other two team dogs (Amber and Spice) had good fun the following day in the same ring during a Training Show.

 Nicci Hindson was very busy running the show but made time to do two nice training rounds with Nala.

 Lots of reward for the new sections of her heelwork to build her confidence

 With some proofing work on parts of her freestyle where she was starting to anticipate.

Nicci was very pleased with how she worked.

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting the team in selection or any other way, however, 
the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth & District Dog Club to enter a team from Great Britain.

Fundraising at Appleby Village Fayre

On Sunday 15th June, Nicci and Nala took part in a demo at Appleby village fete. 

They performed their individual routine twice and joined with Nicci's friend Emily Crookes and her dog, Lexie to perform a pairs routine. 

The Appleby Village Fayre committee gave them a lovely donation towards their trip to Germany.  Thank you for your support!!!

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting the team in selection or any other way, however, the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth & District Dog Club to enter a team from Great Britain.

Fund Raising at Just Dogs Live

Earlier in the year team member Christina was asked by the organisers of Just Dogs Live to do some displays for them with her dogs, as well as taking seminars on dog behaviour and running 'have a go at HTM' sessions. She's delighted to say that the organisers have been very supportive of the team going to the OEC and are more than happy for the team to sell the hand made team tuggies and beautiful pens at the event to raise money for the team funds. 

Thank you from the whole of Team GBR to the organisers of 

Just Dogs Live http://www.justdogslive.co.uk/  

 If you're free on the 4th, 5th or 6th July why not pop along for a great day out with your dog? 

Christina would also like to say a huge thank you to Stacey from Well Dog Hydrotherapy  http://welldoghydrotherapy.co.uk/    who will be selling items for the team when Christina and her dogs are busy in the display rings or seminar rooms. 

Stacey will also be able to sell pens and tuggies at her work so if you live near Peterborough and would like to buy some do pop along to the Hydrotherapy Centre. 

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting the team in selection or any other way, however, the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth & District Dog Club to enter a team from Great Britain.

Change to the Team Squad

Due to Lesley's recent successes and showing of growing strength in competition with Dewy, Kath has withdrawn Denby from the position of second reserve and this will now be Lesley Neville and Dewy.

The final decisions about the team will take place just prior to the entries being made.

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting the team in selection or any other way, however, the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth & District Dog Club to enter a team from Great Britain.

Thank you to Sleaford Fun Day

TEAM GBR Members Nicci and Nala attended Sleaford Fun Dog Show organised by Emma Yardley and Emma Reynolds. They very kindly donated all proceeds from the HTM Display and Trick Ring towards Team GBR funds. 

They raised a total of £80 from people and their dogs entering Fun Show classes such as best trick and best sausage catcher and also by demoing alongside Lucy Heath and allowing people to use the ring to practice their routines for a donation.

Thank you to Emma, Emma and Lucy - your support is greatly appreciated by all Team GBR.

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting this team in anyway by selection or in any other way.  However, the Kennel Club has given permission to Louth and District Dog Club to enter a team for Great Britain.

Introducing Christina Oxtoby and Eze - Freestyle Team

Christina will be competing at the OEC with her lovely Border Collie Eze (Legacy's Eze Ezekiel.) He will be 8 years old at the time of the OEC and he competes at Advanced level in both Heelwork to Music and Freestyle and also competes in agility. He is duel registered ISDS (both his parents work sheep) and KC and arrived as an extremely challenging and strong willed 8 week old puppy! After much hard work he has blossomed into Christina’s dream Border Collie who she wouldn’t change for the world. In 2013 he was part of the British Team at the OEC in Holland and he then went on to compete in the Crufts 2014 Freestyle Finals. He's a real sweetie to live with and has a delightful personality.  

Christina also shares her life with 2 other wonderful dogs, Ru and Shai. Ru is a 7 year old Great Dane who Christina rescued when he was 6 months old (this was the 3rd time that he had been re-homed.) He is an absolute delight, being great fun to work with, very loving and a big baby! He currently competes at Advanced level in Freestyle and Intermediate level in Heelwork and is the only Great Dane in the UK to compete at HTM. He is affectionately known as the ‘Dancing Dane’ when he performs as part of the Dog Activities Display Team at Crufts. The newest member of the family is Shai, a 3 year rescue Border Collie who joined the family in February of last year. He’d had no training before arriving and LOVES his training sessions in obedience, agility and HTM. He has just started to compete in HTM and Christina has high hopes for him in the future. He is also a very sweet (if somewhat enthusiastic!) boy.

Christina's work and interests include teaching the violin and piano, singing for events, running a Gospel Choir and training dogs, and she lives with her supportive and encouraging Husband, David. 

Christina first started HTM 11 years ago with her Great Dane Caleb, and her rescue German Shepherd Asaph. She will forever be indebted to her lovely dogs for teaching her so much of what she has learnt, as well as the many people who have helped her along the way. 

Please note that the Kennel Club is not supporting this team in anyway by selection or in any other way.  However the Kennel Club of Great Britain has given permission to Louth and District Dog Club to enter a team for Great Britain.