The Dream Team

Dog agility is the fastest growing canine sport in the country with more and more owners putting their pets through their paces.

It’s become a mainstay of country shows and is a popular spectator sport enjoyed by thousands of owners and their dogs, as they navigate their technical weaves, A-frames and tunnels.

And we are delighted to be sponsoring young agility expert Sally Perks, who will be spreading the word with her beautiful dogs Daisy and Dream.

Our Newsletter Team went along to meet them at their home in Tiverton where she is studying Animal Management. Her dream is to one day run her own dedicated dog agility centre.

At just 17 Sally Perks gladly admits her two dogs are her life and she wouldn’t have it any other way: “I am absolutely mad about dogs and wanted to make sure whatever I did for a living revolved around them.”

She was only 12 when she got the bug after watching a competition at a local dog show. When she got home she started to research local training classes for Daisy and hasn’t looked back.

A year later she began competing properly with the small Labrador at competitions all over the country, proving she had a gift for canine training when she qualified for Crufts in 2021.

Sadly, just before heading to the show in Birmingham, Daisy was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia forcing her to retire from competition.

Sally said: “It was such a shame but we’re managing the condition and she’s still enjoying life to the max. She just can’t do agility anymore.”

It was a heartbreaking time for Sally, but she knew she wanted to continue learning all she could about the sport. She worked tirelessly as a local dog walker for two years to save enough money for a cocker spaniel puppy. Her Dream.

And now she’s busy training the one-year-old with hopes of once again qualifying for Crufts, joining Agility Team GB to compete around the world, as well as running her own agility training business to help other owners and their dogs reap the benefits.

“Dream is still young so we’re taking things slowly. Over the next six months we’ll be building on her skills and developing our relationship,” she said. “She can start competing when she’s 18 months. The Kennel Club won’t allow dogs to compete any younger as they’re not fully physically developed.”

But what is it about agility that has driven Sally to spend years training not one, but two dogs?

She said: “It’s one of the best things you can do to bond with your dog. It doesn’t work unless you have a good relationship and the dog wants to please you.

“If you have a working or gun dog as a pet, agility keeps them young, fit and healthy. They just love it. It’s also great for socialisation. They get to meet dogs of every shape and size.

“It keeps their minds busy so prevents behavioural issues and - of course - it’s great exercise over different obstacles, for you and your dog.”

Sally said it was also a great way to meet new two-legged friends, adding: “It’s not just fun for the dog. I have met people at training and at shows who are now friends for life.”

The most popular breeds are border collies and cocker spaniels but even heavier set Labradors hold their own.

But agility is not just about trophies, world championships and Crufts.Any breed can take part in training sessions and even a Chihuahua can get a kick out of it as there are classes for all sizes.

Sally said: “It’s such a good thing for any dog to do. As long as you take everything at your dog’s pace and make it fun, they will absolutely love it.

“A weekly class is ideal. You won’t be overdoing it and your dog will be socialising, bonding with you, getting some great exercise and learning something new at the same time.”

With the help of Mole Valley Farmers Sally is hoping Dream could be a future world champion, helping her to fulfil her dream of having her own agility venue, complete with AstroTurf, to train hundreds of dogs.

She uses rewards and positive reinforcement to train both Daisy and Dream, including treats and toys to make agility as much fun as possible.

And Sally said she loves our Country Dog range, which suits both dogs, keeping them in fine fettle for whatever life might throw at them.

“Dream has a sensitive tummy so I give them both the salmon and potato grain free variety, which is also good for Daisy’s joints,” she said.

“They both need loads of energy but the food also helps with their condition and stamina. Plus, they seem to really enjoy it. I would recommend it to anyone.”