In Your Own Time  -  Pat Spray

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I got my first dog, Spike in Aug 1987 and then joined Scunthorpe Dog Club in Feb 1988, as I needed some help to train him. He was a very headstrong dog and I had no ideas as to how to channel his energy. I soon realised that they had an Agility section and decided that when I had some better control of him, then I would join them. The following year, we were good enough to be off on what was to be a life-changing epic! We completed an 8-week basic training class, where we were taught all the various bits of equipment. Then we joined the rest of the section and were expected to complete a full course with very little further help. Most others quickly dropped out at this stage as it was a HUGE step, but, being thick-skinned and persistent, and having made friends with one particular lady who truly helped me (who was really an Obedience competitor!!!) I carried on. June 1991 was the “Club Competition” and Spike won the “Starter” section, much to my amazement! It was suggested that I start entering competitions but at this time, I was running Area and County Schoolgirl teams and had no time at weekends to fit anything else in. Summer 1992, I fitted in a couple of shows. FATAL!!!! I gave up on the schoolgirls and the rest is history, as they say! Spike never actually won on the Agility circuit, but had some good placings, especially the “Rosa Trophy” at Barrow 1997. He was brilliant at Fly Ball and would do it on his own without my help!!!

As to actual training ---- having been a P.E. teacher all my life, I am used to sorting activities out and organising groups so it is easy to transfer from people to animals (sometimes its easier!!!!) I understand the problems of building up standards, instead of leaving people to find out for themselves and I enjoy seeing others making progress and helping them to get the best for themselves and their dogs.

I have always loved being involved in all sorts of activities and would much rather be “up and doing” than “sitting being bone-idle”. The Agility Circuit is great fun and as everyone is totally into dogs, you all have similar aims. Weekends are social as well as competitive. My ambitions are slightly less than they used to be, as I get older (play the violins!) as I don’t run as fast as I used to, so now I aim to have fun, get some clear rounds, hopefully a few rosettes but especially to have fun with my dogs. Anything above that is a bonus! Pat Spray What else about Pat - She has been Vice Chair for a year and was Show Manager last year and brilliant at it! She always wears shorts, even when it is raining. (Although she doesn't seem to want her photograph taken in them) She is a leading light in the Working Beardie Collie Society, so just a little tip - Don't ask her about working beardies unless you have plenty of time!