Teen comes close to top award at Crufts (From Dorset Echo)

Teen comes close to top award at Crufts

2:20pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Rene Gerryts

TEENAGE dog trainer Isobel Buchanan from Bridport had a weekend to remember at Crufts.

The 17-year-old was nominated for one of the Young Kennel Club’s most prestigious awards, the Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person Award, and competed with five others in her age group in the iconic ring.

Isobel didn’t win but said that she was overjoyed to be part of the show.

She said: “The Crufts day was great, though we didn't win overall it was an honour to be nominated and shortlisted and of course it was a brilliant day out.

“I'd certainly recommend Crufts as a place for any dog lover or prospective dog owner as there's so much there to learn and enjoy.

“I'm looking forward to my role as a Young Kennel Club ambassador as I think it's very important that the younger generations are involved on a personal level with their dogs and for people in general to be aware of the many misconceptions regarding dogs.”

Mum Denise added: “She had a lovely day, she was chuffed to have been nominated.”

Isobel joined the Bridport Dog Training Society when she was 11.

Denise said: “She’s had a dog since she was eight but started at the club as soon as we got here and never left.She’s obsessed.”

Isobel now teaches puppy classes at the club and is a member of two dog agility clubs and regularly competes with her collie Mollie.

She wants to be a dog trainer and behaviourist as well as an agility champion.

The Sir John Colfox pupil is taking her A levels and is thinking of doing an animal psychology and behaviour course at Exeter University when she finishes.

Her dog Mollie is a three-year old collie and Isobel is already the proud recipient of a Kennel Club gold Good Citizen’s Award.

She is also studying to be a Kennel Club obedience trainer.

June Goodburn, of Bridport Dog Training Society, said: “We are immensely proud of her.

“I think she got nominated for enthusiasm and for her very great love of dogs and for her dedication.

“She comes week in and week out like all our trainers.”