Ian has been involved in running KC licensed agility shows since 1988.   He started by show managing a limit show for a few years until being Show Manager for five years of the Dogs in Need Show from 1992 to 1996. Ian is currently Show Manager for the 4 day Summer Agility Show, which is held at the Littleport Leisure Centre, Littleport, Ely.  He also show manages some unlicensed shows, which take place at the Living Heritage Game and Country Shows in various parts of the country.

The Orchard Agility training ground is situated in the Hertfordshire countryside on the outskirts of Hitchin and takes place on Sunday afternoons in the Winter and on a Monday and Wednesday evenings in the Summer.

The training methods are based on motivation and reward and club members have achieved many successes over the years.

The Club trains up to 5 levels in Agility, starting in Class 1, which is a continuous new dog intake; the handler and dog then graduates sequentially through the classes on ability through the different levels to the competent competition level in class 4. Class 5 is dedicated to the small and medium dog class for competition level dogs.

Dogs may not start their agility training until they are 1 year old, but the people who are in contact with Ian before that time are advised that valuable time can be given to their dog in creating instant response from their dog by using a toy to good effect when out for daily walks.

Some people who start agility are fearful of their dog’s aggressive behaviour towards other dogs, but this is soon rectified by Ian through his behavioural experience.  He will give advice to the owner and he does some personal on-lead rehabilitation exercises.