Danesford Obedience Dog Training Club

26/06/2025

Adder bites are most common from June to August; would you know what to do if your pet ever encountered one? 🐍

Although rare, it's a good idea to get clued up on what to do if your pet is ever bitten by a snake - especially adders, the UK's only venomous snake species. Usually, adders aren't a threat, but they might defend themselves if a curious pooch gets too close.

If your pet gets bitten by an adder, you must treat it as an emergency by following the first aid advice below and contacting your vet immediately. Cats can also suffer from adder bites (although it's less common), and the same first aid should apply.

You can reduce the chance of encountering adders by avoiding areas known for them; staying out of long grass, woodland, moorland, and along the coast (sand dunes/coastal paths); and researching any unfamiliar areas for adder 'hot-spots' before walking your dog 🐕

Learn more:
Dogs - https://pdsa.me/FSOC
Cats - https://pdsa.me/HlSH

[Visual description: An infographic showing photos of an adder and its markings. Alongside this is the following text: Adder bites in dogs. If your dog has been bitten by an adder, their symptoms will depend on where the bite is and where the venom spreads to. If the venom stays in the tissues around the bite, it will cause pain and swelling, but if it spreads further and gets into the bloodstream, it can cause much more serious problems, such as damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. First aid for a snake bite. 1. If you see the snake, try to remember what it looks like or take a photo from a distance. Do not try to find the snake, get close to it, touch it, or harm it. Adders are a protected species, so it's illegal to hurt or kill them, and they can bite people if disturbed. 2. Keep your dog as still as possible to prevent the venom from spreading around their body. 3. Leave the bite alone, don't apply a bandage or tourniquet. 4. Call your vet to let them know you are coming down to the practice. 5. If possible, bring a car to your dog or, depending on their weight, carry them to it. Snake bites are an emergency - if your dog has been bitten, follow our first aid advice and take them to a vet ASAP.]

23/06/2025

The shows hosted by Newton Heath and Preston and Fylde at Littleborough Sports are a couple of favourite shows at a super venue. Lots of beautiful countryside walks and a huge show ground with plenty of room around the rings and on the whole flat working surfaces. The least said about the dratted dip in the corner of an A ring the better 🙈.

The weather for the Newton Heath shows was quite warm and there were numerous water stations dotted around with lots of dogs in cool coats and the majority of competitors choosing to work early in the day before the heat became unbearable and almost everyone retreated into the shade. The resident ice cream man did an absolutely roaring trade. On the first day some members learned a new trick - just take a small bowl to be filled with ice cream for later to enjoy at your leisure - thank you Paul Tennant it’s a game changer 😂😂

The rest day between shows was meant to be a day to go on long walks and explore - well it turned into a day to sit around and relax - not a bad way to spend a day.

Preston and Fylde hosted the shows at the weekend and thankfully for everyone the weather became more unsettled - rain and wind - with scoresheets and boards flying around. On Saturday a very exuberant spaniel flew like a bolt of lightening out of the ring and away - just as if hurtling towards a send away with an invisible marker - then ran back and continued to work the round as though nothing had happened. Not at all amusing when it’s your dog but it was a joy to see such ‘joie de vive’ careering around the rings and living life as only a spaniel can.

Huge thanks to the show organisers, all the judges (including our own Elaine Hopwood judging Beginners), stewards, scoreboarders and the ever helpful show gofers - you all worked so hard and tirelesly over four days - no easy task.

Coming home happiest this time:-

Newton Heath
Wednesday 18th June
ABC - 3rd Jackie Laverty with Cara
Thursday 19th June
Open CC - 4th Alison Gresty with Lexi

Preston and Fylde
Sunday 22nd June
Beginner - 2nd Audra Hurst with Pedro

15/06/2025

The show season is getting into full swing now with a few competitions to choose from over the last weekend (7th 8th June)
Nuneaton held one of their capped shows with limited classes but with the opportunity to compete in two novice classes in one day. These shows are brilliant encouraging people newer to competing as they are a bit less daunting but also giving more seasoned competitors the chance to have two novice classes to work.
The Nuneaton ground is a little bit hidden and it can be a case of singing the theme tune to ‘Magic Roundabout’ to yourself as you go round the block for the umpteenth time - knowing you’re really close but feeling like the show ground is hidden behind a special door and just hoping you won’t need to enter a ‘wardrobe’. Once at the ground and parked up the venue is a little gem - hidden on the middle of that roundabout.

There was also St Mary’s which was being held at Redcar Rugby Club - a new venue for them but a definite favourite with competitors as it’s just a few minutes walk to the beach and the Stray Cafe (featured in Vera). The weather was changeable over the weekend but that didn’t deter anyone from having those well deserved beach walks.

Coming home happiest this time:-
Nuneaton - Saturday 7th June
Novice - 2nd Val Dickens with Fyn

St Mary’s
Saturday 7th June
Novice - 4th Val Lether with Meeko
ABC - 3rd Jackie Laverty with Cara
ABC - 4th Val Lether with Shadow
Sunday 8th June
CC B***h - 6th Alison Gresty with Lexi
Novice - 2nd Val Lether with Meeko

06/06/2025

Thursday was the final session for the latest group of dogs to go through ‘puppy school’.
Two lovely classes graduated tonight- Ian with Rocco the gsd, Peter with Luna the Welsh terrier, Suzanne with Kiba the Shiba inu, Jessica and Jake with Bonnie the cocker spaniel, Heather with Klaus von Floof the poodle and Charlotte with Rosie the collie. Also Becky with Benjie the pug who very kindly brought chocolate for the trainers sweet tooth’s.
Well done to everyone it’s been a pleasure for your trainers to guide you through the last few weeks - keep up the good work 🎉🎉🎉

05/06/2025

Spaces available on our next puppy courses - starting
Thursday 12th June
6pm - 7pm and 7pm - 8pm
Booking link in comments

05/06/2025

This week saw our Kennel Club Good Citizen classes reach their assessment week. This is always a tense time as everyone wants to do their best by their dogs and show what they’ve learned. But whatever the outcome one on the night everyone has come so far and progressed so congratulations to all of you.

Reaching the required standard on the night this time were
Bronze
Jennifer with Clive - retriever
Lisa with Clover - spaniel
Silver
Emma with Rupert - Labrador
Suzanne with Misiek - Polish Lowland
Gold
Becky with Honey - Labrador

Unfortunately we didn’t manage to get any photos after the Silver and Gold assessment as the test ran over - but please post photos in the comments of your dogs with their rosettes - we’d love to see them.
Congratulations again from all at Danesford and we hope to see you back as you continue with your training. 🎉🎉

29/05/2025

27/05/2025

21/05/2025

20/05/2025

Today is National Rescue Dog Day - show us your rescue dogs in the comments ❤️