Lots of laughs but not always PC...

The original idea for a relaxing, week-long holiday with agility was born over a glass of wine or two in 1991 by Rosemary and Ian Stowers during an evening with Gerry and Sheila Eckersley. The initial plan was to hold the show for one year only. Thirty years later Dogs in Need is still going strong. The show is bigger but the basic format has not changed much. Ian Stowers found some of his old working copies of the first five years’ schedules and wondered if anyone would still be interested... 

A Show Committee was recruited the next day to take on the different responsibilities. Ian Stowers shared the show management with Gerry Eckersley, and Rosemary Stowers, whose idea it was originally, became Show Secretary while Sheila Eckersley took on the rosettes and trophies.  Ann Roberts took on the job of Treasurer and Gwyn Roberts was Entertainments Manager. Brian Southon looked after the Minis while Leslie Reid was in charge of the Juniors, mainly because her daughter was quite young then. Let's not forget Fran Graham who came on as Hinckley and provided the first KC show licence.

For the first year, some of the paperwork was done at Ian and Rosemary’s home including preparing the ring cards, kindly donated by Dave Ray on behalf of Pedigree Chum, with running orders.

The first show in 1992 had six rings and took place at the Three Counties Showground (Malvern) where it was held there for the next three years. Due to the showground working on a different calendar - and after much searching - a new venue was found. The Dogs in Need Agility Show moved to its current venue in Suffolk.

The Committee worked hard to promote the show as a 'people's show and a holiday with agility.' They used to create all sorts of novelty classes including a mountain bike Jumping class where the handler had to manoeuvre around half the course on a bike followed by a Jumping round. It was then that one handler, Denis Macaulay, a paramedic, broke his collarbone. There was a Knockout class that finished in the dark and so on. There was even a class for people who helped but didn't run a dog! And that was the start of Helping Hands.

**Guide to Classes in Order of Silliness
As per the 1995 schedule

Brace Agility
In theory, not silly at all. Two complete rounds of Agility with one handler and two dogs. We even allow a dog holder in the box. But if you're running not-to-be-parted stable mates, or your dog holder's best friend, then be warned. If you win, okay - we're impressed. But doesn't it get boring having that much control?

Two-Part Mountain Agility
One complete round with your dog and one complete Mountain Bike round without your dog. A dog holder will be permitted whilst completing the Mountain Bike section. Again, we are relying on your ineptitude to produce silliness. If we were providing the bike, we would provide one with square wheels. But we're not, so bring your own. But perhaps next year, a unicycle?

Senior Jump & Drive (qualifier)
A Jumping competition for one agility dog and a test of driving skill for the handler. I think Barbour would prefer ineptitude not to feature in this competition.

Collies Class
Only for dogs registered at the Kennel Club as B/C or WSD or any hint of a collie anywhere. Last year it was amazing how many collies suddenly developed a chequered past - now you can be honest and still have a class to run. But. of course, you are up against all those other collies, so...

Other Breeds Agility
If you can convince the judge you're not a B/C or WSD, then this is the class for you. You can be stuffed by another breed instead.

Helping Hands
Now a chance for all you helpers to show us how to do it instead of just telling us. If you are not entered in any other class, then grab a dog (better make it a good ’un) and put your money where your mouth is.

Lunchbox Agility
A normal (normal? - did you see last year’s competitors? There's no way that's normal.) Agility round for male handlers only. (Handlers who are male, that is not - well, you know what I mean.) Lunchboxes will be inspected prior to the round, in case they don't survive the ordeal intact, but must be with the handler on the round. Handlers achieving places for Agility will obviously not have lunchboxes worth inspecting anyway. Lunchbox holders not allowed.

Snackbox Agility
As above, for Mini dogs, that is. But if you are willing to admit it...

Wonderbra Agility
A normal Agility round for handlers who are female. Bids for this prestigious judging appointment are still being received in sealed envelopes. A free heart transplant will be available to the winning judge after completing his judging assessment.

Trainer Bra Agility
As above, but for Mini dogs. After last year, this is obviously the grand finale. A shortlist of judges will be selected, but only those passing a rigorous fitness test will be risked. Hopefully, the class (if not the Trainer Bras) will be the size that will not overtax human endurance.

Four Breed Team Agility
Each team must comprise four dogs of four different breeds. This class will include Minis but there can be no mixed teams. Any dog that has failed the DRT (Dave Ray Test) in the Other Breeds Agility class will count as one breed. Even more reason to find Dave Ray's weak spot.

Junior Classes
Juniors may enter as many of their own dogs as they like in Junior and non-Junior classes. However, in addition, a Junior may also enter a maximum of two dogs not registered to their own name. A dog may only run once in a class, so sort out who is going to run it before you send in your entries. We know it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised, Please check with the owner, before sending your entry in.

Credit where credit is due...
Thank you to all the people who worked and played so hard to make Dogs in Need such a success.

The shows could only be run with the help of many volunteers. By 1995, they needed a minimum of 300 people, many of whom still stop Ian and tell him how much they miss the fun. Behind all the mirth and merriment, however, there was - and still is - a serious side to the Dogs in Need show. The committee's original aim was always to raise money for smaller dog charities where it would be more significant and personal - and that's what they did. Each year, people at the show are asked to nominate their favourite dog charities, and thousands of pounds have been shared out between them.

It' was the start of a great agility tradition and a bit of history to be proud of albeit not always politically correct!.

First published 23rd August 2022

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