Market Drayton dog trainer celebrates first place at Crufts

Amanda Hampson, instructor and co-owner of CanineKinetics based in Market Drayton, achieved first place in the British Open Agility Championship with her dog Rogue.

She also achieved second place with two other members of CanineKinetics, Pauline Weston and Rosie and Carole Stone and Maddie, in the medium team agility.

She said the secret to her success was a special way of training.

"I have been using hydrotherapy to build up Rogue's fitness levels. It was a big factor in how well she did, " Amanda added. "Rogue is eight and a half and has been competing in Crufts since she was four. She loves it.

"We were in three events – the Medium British Open Agility, team event and we qualified for the championship final where we came sixth.

"Crufts is brilliant – there is nothing like it and we train very hard for the event.

"We were delighted with the success this year and I could not have asked for more.

"Rogue was paw perfect."

Based at Shiffords Grange Farm, CanineKinetics provides fitness and rehabilitation facilities for dogs, based on the successful use of hydrotherapy for humans.

It provides two main services; canine hydrotherapy and dog agility training.

Helen Rowley, co-owner, said: "We are thrilled that several dogs that have been trained and/or had hydrotherapy treatment to promote their fitness levels have had major success at Crufts this year.

"In particular Amanda, who is an experienced agility competitor, having been part of the British Agility team for several years.

"Other dogs who train and receive hydrotherapy at CanineKinetics also had great success over the four days of Crufts dog show, both in agility and in the show ring.

"It's been a fantastic show for us, and we are very proud of how all the dogs have performed.

"We are particularly proud of how the dogs that have received hydrotherapy treatment, as part of their fitness preparation, performed on the green carpet – it made a massive difference."