Our Instructors
Ann Eddington
Hey folks, just wanted to introduce myself.
My agility journey started about 18 years ago as a complete novice with my best boy Ollie Beanz a working Cocker Spaniel. We started our agility training when he was about 12 months old. We taught each other so much and grew as a partnership working our way through the agility ranks to grade 7. He managed to compete in agility in veteran classes enjoying a full life until the ripe old age of 13 and a half.
Naughty Buddy was my second agility dog, my little Steady Eddie. A lively English Springer Spaniel. He was never quick enough to break any records but he still managed to get to grade 6.
When we started agility, we never intended to take it too seriously and were just having fun learning new skills together. I resisted until Ollie was about 5 years old before I succumbed to entering an agility show. I was bitten by the bug and haven’t looked back since.
Dog Agility is a bit like Marmite “you either love it or hate it”.
I started teaching agility around 10 years ago, attending The Agility Club instructor course in 2015. I decided that I wanted other pet dog owners to enjoy and benefit from taking part in agility.
Dog agility can be the most frustrating sport in the world. Everything can change in a split second from the best run you have ever had with your dog to a big fat “ELIMINATION” in a split second. That said it can also be the most rewarding activity to do as you and your dog will learn and grow together into a strong partnership.
You will need patience, understanding and perseverance. You will also have the best fun with your dog learning how to communicate with your best friend as well as helping to keep you and your 4-legged friend a little fitter and healthier.
Tamsin Durston
I am Tam and one of the instructors and the club treasure, sorry, treasurer 😉
I have competed for the club with a good friend’s dog Kali, now gracefully retired, and am currently training my own Labrador, Coconut. She is such a joy as she really loves learning (but we do have to make sure everyone’s treats are safely out of reach!).
I’m passionate about teaching agility because I love the shared experience between owner and dog, the way you have to find the right way to connect and communicate.
I believe in teaching from a behavioural perspective to bring out the best in owner and dog partnership, so the owner understands their dog’s perspective and so both dog and owner develop self and team-confidence so they thrive together, strengthening their bond while having fun.
Brenda Jordan
Hi, I am Brenda and I have been involved in the wonderful world of agility for over 25 years competing with my dear little Border terriers.
I am a firm believer that agility is a great way to build trust and confidence with your dog and develop and grow mutual communication for life. It is a fabulous team sport which creates a tremendous bond between dog and handler. One of the most rewarding aspects of my agility journey and teaching is to watch relationships grow as you learn together.
I have spent many years running dog training classes and puppy development classes. My own dogs, two Border Terriers and an Irish Terrier love their agility. Great fun for all.