Phil’s experience with training dogs started at a pet dog training club in Hull. He was an instructor there for about 20 years and passed a British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT) course. He became interested in competing at Obedience competitions, but Working Trials soon became his main interest, both as competitor and judge. As such he also judges the Kennel Club Good Citizen’s Award scheme. In March 2000 he acquired a re-homed Irish Water Spaniel dog, joined the Sporting Irish Water Spaniel Club and subsequently met his wife Jan at an event and has since became more involved with gundog training and competing. They live in Sheffield with a Labrador and two Irish Water Spaniels.
'I feel that working with dogs can be extremely rewarding both for the owner and the dog. Many dogs that become difficult to live with can be helped with understanding and training, which besides giving the owners control also provides the dogs with an opportunity to enjoy using their natural instincts and a channelled outlet for their energy. For all aspects of training I feel it is important for the owners to understand their dogs behaviour better and then find enjoyable training methods for them both to ‘’Get on Board’’ and make progress'.
