Crouch Valley
Agility
About Pauline and
Crouch Valley
Dog agility is a dog sport in which a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. Dogs run off the lead and the handler can touch neither dog nor obstacles. The dog moves around the obstacles directed by the handler, by their verbal and movement commands.
Agility is a fun sport and cant be done by any breed, any size, although some are better than others should you wish to take the sport on competitivly. At Crouch Valley Agility, all levels of handler and dog are welcome and encouraged to progress to whichever level you would like.
What is Agility?
"I have always been naturally drawn towards the company of animals and consequently have been fortunate enough to build my home life and career around horses and dogs.
I trained as a riding instructor, gaining my BHS exams in the early nineties. I then began working as a freelance riding instructor along side raising my family with my able assistant ‘Sadie’ a collie cross by my side. After loosing Sadie in 2005 I was devastated and so found and re-homed Buddy, who was an18 month old active overweight collie. Looking for an activity to do to bond with him I began my Agility journey in 2006.
Buddy took some convincing but soon was loving it. He seemed to naturally read my body language. Without the pair of us knowing much we were out of Grade1 in no time. Then the lack of knowledge and experience started to show, no waits, flying contacts, barking at me in the ring. He was so excited loving every minute but I felt out of control at a show. I retired Buddy aged 11 with his last 2 years of his career running YKC with a junior handler. If Buddy went clear he would get placed.
In 2007 ‘Bandit’ arrived and the inspriration for my logo. A handsome traditional black and white home bred collie. Still at this stage I was too inexperienced to understand the importance of good foundation work. As I started to train Bandit I kept him close to me, not wanting to loose control as I had with Buddy. He showed amazing drive and pole awareness and solid contacts but was constantly checking in on me.
At this time I was offered the opportunity to train a few beginners in return for unlimited use of a training paddock. Although reluctant this was a golden opportunity for me to improve my dogs. About the same time I was introduced to Lee Windeatt a top level competitor and trainer who’s training theory’s and techniques continue to inspire me.
My dogs and my handling continued to improve and Bandit was through to grade 5 in no time.
Bandit has sired 8 puppies. Seven of which compete successfully on the circuit today. Two of them are mine. ‘Vinnie’ born 2012 and Flic born 2013. Having 2 young dogs to bring on as well as train and compete Bandit has been a challenge but rewarding. I am out competing with all my dogs from March to September with some great results. Vinnie and Flic competed in the UKA Grand Finals 2015 after qualifying in heats. My ambition is to qualify and run at Olympia so each year follow the qualifiers. One day I will get there so watch this space!
By 2013 my Agility client base had grown, taking over my riding tuition sufficiently to become independent and hire my own venues and equipment and so I founded Crouch Valley Agility.
I so enjoy instructing. Be it teaching riding or Agility and I take pride in my work and love to see my clients achieve thier goals. Good coaching comes from patience, understanding, inspiration and putting people at ease. Giving people confidence to try new skills even if it feels awkward. It’s important to understand the dynamic between animal and person and see how that relationship works and bring that into to training. Negativity should never be included in a training session, frustrations should never be shown. We want the animal to love working with us not fear us.
There is nothing more rewarding for all parties than dog/handler, rider/horse working in harmony.
I am very proud of how far Crouch Valley has come. It’s taken on a life of it’s own with the help of my loyal clients/friends.
My clients range from Mastiffs to Poodles, all shape all sizes. Handlers vary from 7ys old to 60ishhhhh. Some come along to have fun in the fresh air, others come along in preparation to the agility world by storm.
I try and offer training and fun for all in different formats:
- 1-2-1 ½ hr training slots
- Group evening sessions
- Contact and Weave workshops
- Summer Competition Evenings
- Crufts Team Training
- Christmas Clear Round.
Success comes to me in many ways. Watching clients success’s in the ring this year with too many to mention. Watching how much fun dogs and handlers are having without wins. Having clients qualify for Discover Dogs, Agility Club Starters Cup and UKA finals each year. When out on the show circuit, watching how friendships are formed and how we support each other. But also I get great satisfaction at home from helping nervous confused dogs start to develop relationships with their human and grow in confidence.
I attained my KC requirements of an Agility Judge and Agility Course Design qualification in 2015.
I have a lovely Crouch Valley family all with the same values; enjoy your time with your dogs
Hope to see you on the training field soon.
Pauline
Testimonials
Kay & Blake
Laura & Cato
"Pauline trains with professionalism and patience towards you and your dog always keeping the dogs enjoyment at the forefront of the sessions.
Since joining Crouch Valley Agility Cato has shown more drive throughout a course and shows more understanding of what is required during competition. However most important is his enjoyment of the activity which he shows by singing as we turn into the training field, bounding into the field wagging his tail, and the regular sit down protest and refusal to get back in the car we have at the end of a session!"
Since joining Crouch Valley Agility Cato has shown more drive throughout a course and shows more understanding of what is required during competition. However most important is his enjoyment of the activity which he shows by singing as we turn into the training field, bounding into the field wagging his tail, and the regular sit down protest and refusal to get back in the car we have at the end of a session!"
"Blake is not the usual type of agility dog, but Pauline at Crouch Valley has turned him into my champ. It has taken a lot of patience, because he is a clown and wants to do his own thing. Thanks for encouraging me to compete, we may not do the big shows, but we have made it to Grade 3"
Diana & Indie
Rachel & Troy
"Pauline never gives up where others may. She perseveres and adapts her training styles to what suits the handler and the dog, understanding that every dog is different.
Never thought Indie would weave, yet Pauline never gave up hope and now I can say Indie can weave!"
"Troy is a rescue dog who had severe anxiety and confidence issues. Thanks to Pauline he has learnt to trust me and become a more happy go lucky boy. Fantastic trainer, wonderful person, now a friend"