Lancing Canine Obedience Group was born, originally in Shoreham-by-Sea, where it was known as Shoreham-By-Sea Dog Training Club. The club started in Shoreham in the early 1960's and ran until approximately 30 years later, when the founder; Joan Benwell, retired.
Having grown up with dogs, Brenda Redford (me) joined the club with her first German Shepherd "Humphrey" (Don't Ask!) in the early 1980's. He was named by Warnham Animal Sanctuary, where he came from. He was a 5 year old rescue with a troubled past, but in the year that he was with us, we turned him into a very obedient and loving dog. Sadly, at the end of that first year of ownership, we lost him through ill health.
Just before Humphrey left us, we rescued a Border Collie (from Warnham again!) and his name was "Bobby". Bobby (formerly known as Buck's Fizz) was only 10 weeks and I started training him at Shoreham Club when he was 6 months old. Both Bobby and Humphrey were trained under the tutelage of Joan Benwell and Bill Burns (a very well respected trainer in his time). Bobby went on to have a career in obedience shows, which he excelled in. He was also seen on TV on that 80's classic "That's My Dog". He proudly won the show and the proceeds were donated to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Two years after Bobby arrived, came "Trudy" (another Warnham waiff!). She was 12 weeks when she joined us. As the family spent weekends at obedience shows, Sara was given Trudy to carry on her training. Not an easy thing to do, when someone else has put their training stamp onto an obedience dog, but she managed.
We have had many dogs in the family, nine Border Collies and three German Shepherds.They were all trained in general obedience at the club. "Remy" and "Brandy" also did agility and "Tyto" now does breed shows.
When Joan Benwell was nearing retirement, I became a trainee trainer at Shoreham and then, on her retirement, became a fully fledged trainer around 1990! Experience was everything then. After a couple of years, Sara joined me as a trainee trainer and then earnt her stripes to take her first 'solo' class in 1992 at the age of just 16
After moving to a new house in Lancing, in 1996, the club moved to new premesis and was renamed Lancing Canine Obedience Group to reflect the relocation.We started off at the Sea Scout hut in Manor Road and then in March 2005 moved to our present location in Roberts Road.
During our time as trainers we have had many and various breeds and crossbreeds, of varying ages and handlers from all walks of life. Sara studied a correspondance course and gained a Diploma in Animal Behaviour, but still believes ther is no substitute for hands on experience (as do I!)
I was told by a very good friend, that I am not 'normal'! She meant I am not a usual trainer and dog owner, maybe that is why I get on with the majority of dogs. I consider it a compliment,but maybe she thinks I am part dog having been around them for so long! I consider it a 'gift' that I have passed on to Sara.
In 2006 Lancing Canine Obedience group celebrated 10 years of training in Lancing (see Anniversary page) and invited the press along to a little celebration.You can see the article in the Herald papers archive.
So, let me sum up, that's a lifetime of dog ownership, nearly 30 years in a training environment and 18 years as a 'Dog Trainer' whilst Sara now has 20 years in a training environment and she's just celebrated (if that's the right word!) 15 years as a 'Dog Trainer'
March 2008 |
