DogLive Germany

DOGLIVE Munster, GERMANY

Kath was very happy to accept the invitation to perform at DogLive 2012 with Spice and Amber. David and Denby joined them for the experience and were invaluable help. A two day drive with stop over in Folkstone - then onwards to Euro Tunnel for the short journey into France, followed by a drive through Belgium, Holland and into Germany.  Perfect!

Backstage - the day before the show which was held on 21st and 22nd January.

The stall holders spent a day or two preparing their produce for the huge crowds expected.

Huge advert for the event on the convention centre

The river close by the hotel and venue.

Walk time for Kath and the dogs for their morning exercise.

The hotel which would be their base for four nights next to the Convention Centre.

Saturday morning and the queues were very long.  The public were allowed to take their dogs into the Trade Halls as long as their vaccinations were checked by security at each doorway.

Kath had also been asked to carry out a workshop each day - 12:00noon on Saturday and 5:00pm on Sunday.  This was Denby's first big show.

Very busy aisles between each stand but Denby took it all in his stride.

One performance from Amber and Spice each day in the DogLive Gala.  Saturday night from 7:00pm and Sunday afternoon from 1:00pm.  Amber was to open the show - walking into the arena, unlit except for flashing spotlights - she was super and showed her experience by not being affected by the large audience, sounds and darkness.

A huge screen which was used for advertising but also showed great close ups of the action.

DogLive is a very popular event - this was its fourth year and very well organised

The audience ready for the start of the "entertainment".  Amber's routine was a good show opener and she completed her brand new routine really well. 

Spice was to perform 3 hours later as the penultimate act.

Backstage during the interval - time for all three of the dogs to have a look around

Kath and her dogs with Comedian Florin and Cato - a very funny and clever act.

The arena was 50m x 23m - a great size and the surface was from the "Horse of the Year Show" held at this centre the previous week - wonderful surface for all the dogs involved.

Spice, Amber and Denby ready for the final workshop.

Denby, at 10 months old, was well focussed and happy to show what he has been taught.

Amber's attitude was brilliant - very willing to please.

And Spice "hiding" from the audience!  Always happy to show her repertoire of freestyle moves.

The following day, the return drive through Germany, Holland, Belgium and France to Euro Tunnel - and no cars waiting.  The dogs were checked through Pet Passport Control - Denby's first trip out of GB with the new Passport Regulations - no Blood Test now and no Tick Treatment required!!  This is making travel so much easier.

Euro Tunnel Shopping area - and David on his way in!!!  Thank you David for filming, taking pictures and for being with us.

Thanks to everyone of the organisers involved in DogLive Munster 2012 - you were a pleasure to work with.

Qualified for Crufts 2012

Rugby Dog Training Club January 2012

The big day arrived - after a year's work - it was the day of the all important Semi Finals for the HTM and Freestyle Competitions to be held at Crufts in March 2012.

First competitor from the Top Lodge Team was Lesley with Hamish in his first Intermediate Heelwork To Music Class.

 A lovely routine and a great start for the new season.

Next was Karen with Fly and their new routine to "Singing In The Rain"  This was the Heelwork To Music Qualifier for Crufts

Great result - Fly was placed well in the Top Ten so she got her ticket to Crufts for the Friday competition on 9th March 2012 in the Main Arena.  Congratulations Karen and Fly.

The next Top Lodge Competitor was Lesley with Angus in the Freestyle Semi Final performing to "Elegance" from Hello Dolly.

Another great routine and again placed well in the Top Ten gaining their ticket to Crufts for the Freestyle Final to be held on Thursday 8th March 2012 in the main Arena NEC Birmingham.

And of course the third member of Top Lodge Dancing Dogs will be in the Main Arena every day as she is one of the three judges invited to all the HTM and Freestyle Competitions to be held at Crufts 2012  -  Freestyle Final ,  Heelwork To Music Final, The International Freestyle and the YKC Classes.

A busy but great Crufts for the Top Lodge Trio.

Kath, Spice, Amber and Denby captured on video by Mars PetCare

Thanks to Mars Pet Care for edting this lovely short video of Kath's time with you for Christmas.

Christmas at Mars Pet Care Melton Mowbray

 Another visit to Mars Pet Care for Kath and her three dogs, Spice, Amber and Denby, but this time to the factory at Melton Mowbray.

 Kath showed them some of the basic moves for Freestyle with Spice and explained the sport of HTM to them.

 A couple of people had brought their own dogs for today's lesson - and others borrowed Kath's dogs.

Time for everyone to join in with a rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas made especially special for the dogs by Kath.

 All had to join in - singing or taking part with the dogs.

 Amber thoroughly enjoyed dancing with her new partner!

 Captured on film!!!

 Nearly at the end of the song - and once again Kath and Spice were the only ones not to miss a beat!!!

 Time for a rest - well done Denby, Amber and Spice!

Kath did OK too!!!   Thank you to Mars Petcare for inviting Kath and her "pack" to entertain at this special Christmas lunch time break.

Karen & Kath judge the Swedish Championships

Shortly before the Open European Championships, Kath and Karen received a wonderful invitation from The Swedish Kennel Club to judge at the Swedish HTM and Freestyle Championships to be held on 10th & 11th December

Arlanda Airport - Stockholm - beautifully decorated for Christmas

The huge venue where the Swedish Championships were held

On arrival at the venue each dog was carefully checked by a veterinarian

The Swedish Kennel Club Stand

Inside the venue with its "living walls" - carefully covered for the weekends visitors!

The Saturday saw the judges working with the Young KC Members.  Three levels of competition and some superb routines.  Judging took all morning and then within the Dog Show, prizes were presented.

 Unfortunately - no photos of the competition as Karen and Kath were busy judging!

Lovely to be able to give a little feedback to the competitors during the presentations

The FCI celebrated its100th Birthday in 2011 and the Freestylers were invited to "dance" out the decades in the afternoon for the Main Arena Entertaiment - they did very well.

 Whoops - there is a Chihuahua there somewhere!!!

 Manchester Terrier and its handler depict the 1980's

 And a fabulous finale for all the handlers and their dogs

 These two were kept busy throughout the weekend with each Champions Fanfare

The Young KC - Class 3

The evening Dinner where Karen was joined by Rolf for aperitifes - anyone for a sprout??????

Sunday and the day of the Swedish HTM & Freestyle Championships.
All the competitors were greeted by the audience before the show started

 The Prize Presentation - Thank you Yvonne Oster  And Photos

View from the hotel - 17th floor!  No snow!!

Thanks to the organisers of both competitions, to the Swedish KC and to the wonderful competitors for a great competition