Pam Worwood
I have over 20 years experience of dog Obedience Training. I have owned dogs for much longer (most of my life).
I do not have any Certificates my learning has all been with Geoff and the various dogs i, my parents, and others from the dog club (elderly owners etc;) have owned.
I had my first dog, a corgi, at the age of 4 - as a reward for having my tonsils removed. This was followed by a second corgi. Neither of these dogs went to dog training class as training was in the blood so to say - my grandfather had bred and owned Staffies most of his life and my mother had learn't from him and passed the knowledge to me.
When I left home i bought my 3rd dog, a cross Collie, and began training with Geoff at Brierley Hill. I was once told by someone that this dog would never be very good at obedience work as he was a mongrel. Well we disproved that one. This dog was over 12yrs old when he died- of old age.
I then had my 4th dog, another cross Collie, and went back to trainig with Geoff, now based at Quarry Bank, as the old premises had been closed, it's marvelous what youmiss the first time and learn the 2nd time around - you are so busy the 1st time trying to sort out which foot goes where and when and how to hold the lead etc; that you miss other little things.
I am now on my 5th dog, a Border Collie, who comes with me every other week to training and trains in one of the classes - usually the Advanced.
I was asked,by Geoff, about 10 years ago now (around 2000) if i would help take the Advance Class - which i did. Then about 6 years ago (around 2006), due to the number of beginners we were getting, he asked if i would assist with the beginners class so now i am there for all classes.
Outside of the Dog club i do some part time work within the schools which include mentoring children and Exam invigilation.
At Christmas we have a bit of a christmas party and i provide the dogs with their party foo