West Cumbrian jumping superstars appear on Crufts 2023

The club had two of its juniors competing; Josh Tyson and Martha Wake.

Josh, 13, teamed up with his dog Penny who is a 4-year-old border collie. Penny was in a pairs competition, which is where one dog does the contacts, the other dog does jumping.

Sara Garratt from the club said: "Penny did the jumping the run which was going really well until the last jump and Penny jumped the wrong jump so got eliminated."

Josh with Penny and Maddy (Image: Newsquest)

Josh then went on to run his 3-year-old fox red labrador retriever, Maddy. 

Maddy was in the 'Young Kennel Club Agility Dog of the Year,' and 'Young Kennel Club Jumping'.

For the jumping, Maddy placed sixth overall. For the agility, Maddy placed third, and the top three from each height went through to compete in the main arena at Crufts.

Sara said: "Josh and Maddy have only been competing for two years, so to qualify for Crufts is amazing. To get through to the main arena took the experience to another level, it was fantastic.

"Good memories to treasure forever."

Martha and her dogs rest up (Image: Newsquest)

The second junior was Martha, who brought two dogs to Crufts: Lola, a four-year-old akita cross whippet, and Tiggi, a two year old collie.

Martha got Lola as a six-month-old, when her previous owners no longer wanted her. Lola likes agility, trick training and has passed her bronze and silver Kennel Club Good Citizen awards.

Sara said: "Lola isn't the fastest dog at agility and sometimes will even wander off to have a sniff in-between jumps!"

Tiggi was rehomed to Martha and her family through the help of a club member, when it was found that she was a little too exuberant for her previous owners.

Sara said: "Tiggi has only been competing at agility for a few months and she loves it!"

Martha was lucky enough to win places in four different classes with her two dogs.

In Lola's last class, which was a crossbreed showing class, Lola came to life and came third.

Josh and Maddy rest up (Image: Newsquest)

Martha's first class with Tiggi was on the Saturday in the under 18s jumping. Sara said: "Tiggi got a clear round and came fourth. Martha was so pleased with her!

"Martha has said this has been one of the most exciting times of her life and can't wait to see what this year's competitions bring."

West Lakeland Dog Training Club is based in West Cumbria. It is more than 40 years old and run completely by volunteers.

It is a wide range of members handing dogs of all different shapes, sizes and breeds. It is a Kennel Club society and offers classes including obedience (held at Egremont Market Hall) agility and hoopers (both held at Seascale Recreational Field).