Caroline O'Connor, Club Secretary & Instructor
ACAI - Agility Club Approved Instructor

Dogs
Milo - Border Collie age 9

Above: Milo showing his focus on course

Jake - Border Collie age 5

Above: Jake doing his favourite thing :-)

Both competing at Grade 3

When did you start doing agility?
November 2005 - I started with Jake when he was 19 months old. I'd started competing and thought I'd have a go with Milo and started training him in the Summer 2007 when he was 6.

When did you start teaching other people to do agility?
I started assisting experienced instructors in September 2008 and by the end of the year I had my own group.

What courses have you attended?
The Agility Club Instructor Seminar - October 2009

Memories from first shows
My first show was one organised by UKA. It was a very cold frosty day in November 2006 at Cheltenham Racecourse. I remember having no idea what I supposed to do when I got there. But I got through the day with a very excitable dog and have videos that are too embarrasing to watch now! The following summer I entered some shows, my first Kennel Club show being Lansdown. I was shocked at the number of rings set up for classes and the masses of people that were there competing. But not as shocked as I was at the end of the day when me and Jake achieved 1st place in the Grade 1 jumping. A great memory to have.

Favourite Aspect of Agility
There are so many. Great days out at shows, having a fantastic group of friends who I've met through agility who are all so supportive of each other. But, I guess what I enjoy the most, is seeing my dogs so happy and having so much fun. They love training and competing and they never cease to amaze me in what they achieve and the relationship we have as agility partners when we're in the ring.

Above: Caroline & Milo at a Wessex league match awaiting their turn

Least Favourite Aspect of Agility
Having to wait a long time for your next run when it's a cold wet day.