Having joined the Club in July 1999, been on Committee and PawPrints Editor since August 2001, been an Instructor for almost as long, and managed the Club website and email enquiries since May 2006, it was salutary to realise the other Sunday that not everyone at the Club knows who I am … let alone that I'm the current Club President.
I hadn't planned to join a dog club when I set off on my first morning walk with my new 6 month old Lab, Harry. However, it looked like fun when I bumped into helpers setting up for training.
Within 12 months Harry and I had surprised several of our Instructors by progressing to Class 4. We got our 1st Novice obedience pass at the Club's obedience trial in July 2000 and our Novice title in January 2001. 3 trials, 3 passes! It all seemed so easy!!
I learnt a lot about dog training over the next 12 months as we failed trial after trial. Being a regular helper, I got roped into joining the Committee, became the PawPrints Editor and a trainee Instructor. I benefited greatly from this increased involvement, through the knowledge of Club Members and from the experience of training others.
Harry and I got our Open title in December 2001 – it proved to be the highpoint of our obedience trialing. With the birth of my son in June 2002, my priorities changed, but I maintained my commitment to the Club and to dog training.
In fact, of all my roles at the Club, from being "that bloke on the Inspection Line" to Club President, being an Instructor is the one I enjoy the most. It allows me to share the knowledge I have gained since Harry and I bumped into the Club 10 years ago.
Having said that, I am very proud to be the Club President and I do not take the role lightly. Please feel free to speak with me about any issues or ideas you have regarding our great dog club.
Robert Fairhead, Club President etc.