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Celebrating 10 years of agility

Easter 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the weekend that Ian Dobison and his rescue dog Tyler (Ag.Ch. Call Me Mr T) starting competing together. Since then, they've had a amazing working relationship. They've had a real bond from the start and they still work totally in tune with each other. Ian pays tribute to his  wonder dog.

Ian got Tyler when he was just six weeks old from the Dog's Trust in Darlington in November 2000. It was clear from the start that they had a Special bond. At their first show in April 2002, Tyler ran under more jumps than jumped over. However, by the end of the year he had won his first Novice class, and then he won his second Novice to make him Senior at the third show of 2003. Just a few months later he went Advanced. For nine of the ten years that Tyler has been competing, he's been a Grade 7 (Advanced) dog.

In April 2004, they entered their first Championship class (at SBCC). Ian had no real expectations except to just to try to get in the final. The qualifying runs went perfectly and they got to the final. That run went perfectly and the rest is history. They won. Ian couldn't believe it. They had done it at their first attempt.

A year later, they entered the same show only with more experience running Champ classes under their belt. Ian approached this one in the same way as the first show, just aiming to get into the final which they did on faults. They had a perfect run and won their second Champ ticket. One week later at Woodside, Ian managed to keep focused and they won their third and final ticket to make Tyler Ag. Ch. Call Me Mr T.

Ian and Tyler are still totally in tune with each other on the course. Every time Ian hears Tyler's name read out at a presentation - which is often - he feels immensely proud of his little rescue dog.

Here are some of their achievements;

  • April 2004 - First championship run and First Championship Win
  • March  2005 - Crufts Championship Finalist
  • April 2005 - Second Championship Win
  • May 2005 - Third Championship Win (making Tyler Agility Champion)
  • 2006-2007 - Supa Dog Rescue League points winner
  • December 2007 - Olympia Finalist and Pairs Winner
  • August 2007 - KC International Festival Nations Cup Team Winner
  • December 2007 - Pedigree Pairs Finalist
  • December 2008 - Olympia Finalist and Pairs Winner
  • December 2008 - Pedigree Pairs Finalist
  • December 2010 - Olympia Finalist

In addition to these achievements Ian and Tyler have several hundred wins and places in numerous classes over the ten years.

After a brief spell away from agility in the early part of 2009, Ian and Tyler returned to competitions. Now they only compete in Jumping classes but still regularly place in the top 5 and still win a few classes, too.

Ian only runs rescue dogs and will continue to do so with his youngster Jacob (My Jacob’s Crackers) now three years old and showing some great potential with a win up to Grade 4 at their first KC show of the year.

Tyler will be 12 at the end of September and is still doing great. Ian says that as long as Tyler is still fit and healthy and competitive he will continue to run him at Grade 7.

'We still enjoy going for it and we always aim to win or place high in the results. We have had such a fantastic time over the last 10 years and I feel privileged to have had such a loyal, consistent and trusting dog to share all of those experiences with.'

Ian and Tyler (Mr T) would like thank everyone who has advised and supported them throughout their agility career.

They are going to celebrate their 10th year anniversary by presenting Special Commemorative Trophies in five classes at Hare 'n' Hounds Easter show on Saturday, 7 April. Chris Hare has bought extras trophies and bottles of champers for so they can make a fuss of the 'old boys!'

About the author...
Ian Dobison
lives in Lincoln with his partner Claire Stainton and their rescue dogs.

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