Afternoon delight...
 How difficult
would it be
to make a show dog out of a Great Dane? Well, actually two Great Danes. It was a doggie challenge with a difference when
agility instructors Helen Taylor and Julia Reid took their giant dogs Measles and Harlequin Zara to the Michael
Ball Show. What happened next had the audience is fits of laughter. Helen Taylor reports on
their day at the BBC.
What a
fabulous experience it was to appear on Michael Ball's new ITV afternoon show. Measles and I
set off to the BBC London Studio's with Julia and her Great Dane Zara. My fiend Sue
went with us to help with the dogs, carrying every treat known to mankind to keep the dogs on
their best behaviour.
Michael Ball was warm and friendly. He made you feel you have known him for years. We
knew he was a genuine dog lover by the way he greeted the dogs with such high exuberance. Upon
greeting them, our hearts
shot into our mouths. We both took a sharp intake of breath and a quick look at each other. We
shared the same thoughts.
 What
would happen?
You never quite know what the dogs will do in a new
environment. Would it be just a bit of extra slobber, or would fear make them drop to the
floor never to get up again. Still worse, would it be a nip or would they try to run away, dragging us flying
behind them? Or would it be the ultimate humiliation - a jump pinning Michael to the floor in
order to look him in the eye?
Oh
well, you just can't help thinking of all the horrid things they could do and then bless them,
they take you by surprise. Measles was fine in Michael Ball's company, soaking up all the fuss and
attention. I did omit to tell the star that you're not allowed to stop fussing her until
she's ready! Zara proved to be the real star, not putting any one of her four paws wrong all
day.
At
11am we had a rehearsal. It was the only opportunity to plan what equipment we could fit in to
22 square feet. What hadn't planned for was the stage being on three different levels. Never
mind like true professionals we managed produce the smallest Giant Breed Agility course every
produced. We used two jumps, one set of five weaves, a wall and a table... perfect!
 We
spent the most of the day wandering around the set. Even though the Michael Ball Show is
an ITV production, it was recorded at the BBC, hence the pictures with the tardis and Dr. Who. We had our own dressing room and
'runner'
to make sure we were in the right place at the right time. We thought she was new to the job
because she wasn't very good at it. Not only did she lose us on many of occasions, she
couldn't find our dressing room. Poor girl.
Mind you I had my own worries. I had the extra
stress of trying to anticipate when would Measles carry out her bodily functions, if you know what I mean. I didn't
want Measles to appear on telly every year in It'll be All Right on the Night. I howl every time
they show the episode of Blue Peter with the elephant doing what comes naturally. It was first
shown in the late 60s... er... not that I remember the first showing of the programme, of
course! To my relief, it all went well in the end.
The
dogs had the last laugh
We walked on to the set calm and
collected, luring the dogs with a handfuls of chopped garlic sausage which, by this time, was
slightly soggy and mixed with dog slobber. Michael introduced us whilst he made a fuss of the
dogs. I invited him to take Measles for a practice run, at the same time passing him the
garlic sausage 'mix' which created a laugh from the audience. The audience was soon wowed by
Michael's control over Measles as she sat at the first jump looking up at him waiting for a
treat.
Then he made a
reference to Barbara Woodhouse. I wasn't really sure if it was directed to me for correcting
him or for Measles level of obedience to his commands; but it made the audience chuckle. So
with a little help from me Measles followed his every command. What a relief. She coped. Not
bad for a nervous little girlie.
The show has
a challenge everyday. Today it was for two ladies from The Michael Ball Fan Club to take our
dogs through the agility course.
 Measles
was handed over to a woman called Vivian. Between them, they demolished the first jump. Measles
refused the second. Then Vivian nearly pulled off her collar and lead. There was a gulp and
gasp from the audience. Michael called for her to carry on, trying to keep Measles from
hurdling off the top level of the stage and leaving Vivian holding a empty collar and lead.
They made a great recovery, however, successfully weaving, clearing the wall and landing safely
on the table into a perfect sit. Measles waited for her treat and was given
a apprehensive kiss from Vivian. Phew! So from the startled gasps and gulps they ended with
cheers and loud clapping. Brilliant. Well done my 'little sweetheart,' Measles.
It's pretty amazing
how, by contrast, 'hiper girl' Zara whizzed the course in almost a record time and had a clear round
with Emily. She was the outright winner and deservedly, too! I'm Zara's No.1 fan so I
was just as proud of her as Julia.
By the time we had
finished recording our part of the show, it was gone 8pm. We took the dogs back to the car for
a bite to eat and rest before we set off on our journey home. This gave us the opportunity to
spend some time in the famous 'Green Room'. We settled in to one of the big sofa's for a drink
whilst chatting with the show producers and other guests. A perfect way to end the day with
our Great Dane agility superstars.
 About the author...
Helen Taylor
qualified as a Agility Club Approved Basic Instructor in 2008. She
was a dog diarist in the Your Dog Magazine for a year, ending at Crufts March 2010. It
was during this period she started her own club in Coalville, Leicestershire in 2009.
The Fun 4 All Dog
Club has been moulded around her aims of offering a safe, secure environment in a relaxed,
friendly and sociable atmosphere for both dogs and owners. She wanted to offer dogs of all
sizes the chance to take part in all the weekly classes. So with that aim - and with Measles
in mind - all the agility equipment was specially commissioned to accommodate the Giant Breeds.
Adams Agility Equipment Ltd. was happy to provide the bigger, stronger pieces of equipments to
Helen's own specification.
Fun 4 All is a
non-competitive club. Helen believes it's more important for owners to have an opportunity to
enjoy a positive fun experience with their dog than any formal training. All dogs from the
biggest Great Danes down to the smallest of breeds are welcome in all her Agility, Flyball or
Rally Obedience classes.
For more
information about the club, go to
www.fun4alldogclub.co.uk
Measles had a short nervous jitter after knocking down a jump, but Zara was stunning and
stormed home the clear winner.
Publisher 29/09/10
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