For the past 5 years he has been the Commentator for the Young Kennel Club ring at Crufts and enjoys passing on to the public the technicalities involved in the Agility, Obedience, Flyball and Heelwork to Music routines held throughout the four days.

Ian and Rosemary qualified for the Flyball Finals at Crufts for 7 years running and Ian will be judging the YKC Flyball Finals at Crufts in 2008. Ian and Rosemary were the senior Agility instructors for 18 years at Letchworth DTC until their decision to move to another part of the country to give them more space to expand their dog training interests.

Orchard Dog Training has been in existence for approximately 5 years and covers many aspects of dog training which includes:  puppy socialisation, with some basic obedience, agility training to all levels starting from the very beginners and helping people on a professional basis in dealing with problem dogs and, most of all, in all these activities, promoting the understanding of dogs.

Ian and Rosemary also organise a number of Agility shows throughout the summer months.Ian considers that Puppy socialisation is critical to give the dog a balanced life for the future and, in this belief, runs puppy socialisation classes each week in Hitchin.  The classes are divided into age groups and are held every week with a constant new intake to avoid any delay in starting.

Agility training takes place 4 times each week during the summer and on Sundays during the winter just outside Hitchin in an idyllic location in the countryside.  The classes are set to 6 levels from new introduction to top competition and dedicated classes for the small and medium competition level dogs.  The venue is fenced all round, which is very handy for new dogs.
The equipment is made by one the countries top manufacturers and in first class condition.

Orchard Events is the Country Show side of the organisation and is involved in running agility competitions in different parts of the country at Living Heritage Game and Country Shows during the Summer.  The intention is to give those less experienced in agility an opportunity to take part in competitions where the atmosphere is less intimidating than some open shows.  The shows are not KC licensed; they are run in the same way, but without some of the restrictions.

Orchard Agility is also involved with Ely DTC in organising KC licensed Open Agility Shows in the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire area. Ian has been helping people for many years with dog behavioural problems by advising on understanding and the rehabilitation of dogs. Many dogs and owners have benefited from his advice and it is a side of his knowledge of dogs that he would like to develop more and pass on to owners of dogs to give everybody a better life together.