Training in Finland

Kath and Karen were invited to train over the weekend 14th/15th August in Finland. Unfortunately - it was too long a journey to include taking any of their fully passported dogs - but they improvised. Kath made a very good substitute dog to enable Karen to explain about positioning the dog for perfect heel work.

The venue was a good sized retail unit, carpeted and ready for the dogs to work in.

There were many handlers and spectators and of course the handlers had their dogs with them which were a variety of breeds.

Everyone was good fun and joined in with everything Kath and Karen had to offer them to help improve their relationships with their dogs, improve their routines or improve other aspects of training.

Karen and Kath kept them very busy - sometimes physically and at other times mentally! Although the temperature was around 30 degrees on landing in Helsinki on the Friday - on Saturday and Sunday there was a breeze and happily the temperature dropped so that it was comfortable for working in.

Each of the groups were asked to choreograph a short section of music. For their finale, they had to perform in their groups, one group after another to their section of the music. The handlers, along with some spectators, made a great job with some good musical interpretation. They also worked well in the small "teams".

Thank you to Henna and her brother for allowing Karen and Kath to stay in their "visitor's" log cabin. The Cabin (Villa Irene) was situated in woodland - with a plunge pool and Smoke Sauna available for their use.

Villa Irene as seen from the Smoke Sauna.

The kitchen area.

The adjacent Dining Area

One of the bedrooms.

Another bedroom at the top of the stairs.

The gallery looking down into the lounge area.

Thanks again to Henna for being a perfect host and to everyone who came along to our seminars.

A Sad Day

Not long ago the Top Lodge team could not imagine a competition without Tipp's energetic and breathtaking routines. He was so fast and always right on cue with his moves. He had been a beloved and treasured member of the team for years and suddenly he is no longer with them. Tipp is now running free of pain and torment and is missed so much for his enthusiasm and keenness and very special personality! It was stunning and moving to see Kath and Tipp together. Their relationship was special.




Today was a difficult and sad day for the Top Lodge. They have been to the Blackpool HTM Competition, where Tipp and Kath should have performed in the Advanced HTM class.

Only 2 other Top Lodge dogs were entered today. Karen with Erin did training rounds and Kath with Amber danced for Tipp in the Advanced Freestyle Class, were placed 3rd and qualified for the DFS Crufts Semi Final.

Congratulations! Tipp was looking over them!

Happy BIrthday Angus

Angus's 9th Birthday 3rd August 2010 He celebrated it with one of his favourite walks.

Of course Hamish came along too......

For a walk and a refreshing swim....
such a pity that Hamish found the mud later on in the walk!

The Big Welsh Bite - Sunday

Sunday - the final day entertaining. Lesley and Angus performing their entertaining routine to "POSH"

Kath and Spice and their final Scarecrow Routine of the weekend. Phew it was getting very very hot!!!

Karen and Kes - performing to "Me Ol' Bamboo"! Is Kes really trying to knock Karen over?

"There Ain't Nothing Like A Dame" - great fun for both Lesley and Angus as he leaps up to the sky!

Who is hiding from who? Kath and Spice entertaining the crowds with ELO's "Mr Blue Sky".
Thank you to Soundman Paul who helped the team throughout the three days.And thank you to the Main Arena Commentator Ed Williams who was assisted by Suzanne his wife on Saturday. You did a faultless job and it is appreciated!

Ed and the leader of "The Runner Pack" enjoying a well earned break.It was a very warm day on Sunday - but the team demonstrated the sport well. Kath with Amber and Karen with Fly.Karen demonstrates with Erin and shows how much she has learnt during the past 12 months since their last appearance at the Big Welsh Bite.Fly demonstrating some of the Heel Work positions .....................And she is helped by Lesley and Angus.And finally Karen and Kes perform to "Be Our Guest" where Kes can show her dexterity with a wine glass and tray!The last morning in the Rhonda Valley and another walk for the Top Lodge Team around the Country Park before setting off back home. And of course the usual morning swim for the dogs - Erin was introduced to water here in 2009 - no worries with water any more.

Is this Amber practicing moves for her new routine to the music from "Jaws" ?

Angus, Erin, Fly, Hamish, Amber, Spice and Kes all enjoying their paddle or swim in the clear water.

Thanks again to Bernie, Rhian and everyone involved in The Big Welsh Bite. Top Lodge Dancing Dogs hope to meet up with you all again sometime - maybe in 2011?

Big Welsh Bite - Saturday

Saturday - another fine day at The Big Welsh Bite After a good night's sleep and a nice relaxed walk in the Country Park - the Team were ready for action again!

The Top Lodge Team have treated themselves to new body warmers which they sourced from Crazydogs! The crowds gathered early for all the entertainment that ran throughout the day, and once again the Top Lodge Dancing Dogs proved to be very popular.

Introducing the Team members and the sport - Karen with Fly, Lesley with Hamish and Kath with Amber.

The three handlers and dogs showing the crowds some of the Freestyle moves............... After a short lesson on Heelwork To Music and Freestyle, Kath rewarded Amber whilst she introduced the first performers.

Kes and Karen!!! The audience loved their performance to "Me Ol' Bamboo"

It seemed word had spread that children were given free dancing lessons in the ring - the early session was much busier than Friday!

And Lesley joined in to help Fly demonstrate the moves!! Can you spot her??

And finishing the session with all the children back on their feet.

Kath and Spice entertained with a fast moving performance to "If I Only Had A Brain"

Welcome to Hywel Davies - and the Runner Ducks being herded into position by Meg.

Meg - with a little help from Hywell, managed to direct all the ducks to the slide much to the amusement of the visitors.

And Meg's 13 month old son, Bob, is seen here on his first trip away from home - but happy to show how much he knows already. Speedy Bob!!!!

The later Top Lodge session was even more busy - lots of children wanting to join in - Karen had to hold them back to give Fly room to move!!

But if the kids start moving too fast a very quick "Lie Down" command and order was soon resumed. The children in Wales proved to be the best "Dog Dancers" yet!!!

Kath closed the day with Spice and their routine to "Mr Blue Sky" - how many ways can you skip with a dog?

Well that's different!!!!

The Team and their dogs returned back to the hotel for another well earned night's sleep.