Pup of the year
Each year, all of our Puppy School tutors choose the puppy they think most deserves the title of Puppy School Puppy of the Year. The winner receives a trophy and prizes and a chance to show off their well-trained puppy at a Summer show. Ask your Puppy School tutor who they will be nominating this year.
2007 Winner - Rio, a Papillion from Cornwall
Rio was named Puppy School Pup of the Year 2007 having helped his family overcome illness and gain confidence, despite a very shaky start to his own life Rios owner, Mrs Kelf, said Rio helped me recover from a long period of ill health. He gave me a reason to get up and start going outside again. He took the focus off me when people stopped to admire him, making my recovery so much easier. Maureen Howard-Smith, Puppy School tutor from Liskeard, Cornwall, who worked with Rio, said Rio had emotional problems himself when the owners got him at 8 weeks old, having been kept in a small crate and not socialised. But together we worked on strategies to help him become more outgoing and sociable, and watched him grow from a tiny frightened pup who hid under the chairs to a handsome young dog who trotted in the hall with his head held high. The family have 3 daughters aged from 11 17, two of which have learning difficulties. Rio has helped them to gain confidence and give them a sense of responsibility. Considering how small he is, Rio has made a huge difference to our family said Mr Kelf. Gwen Bailey, Founder and MD of Puppy School commented Rio is the embodiment of all that is good about Puppy School. With some sound advice from our tutor, he has developed into a well-adjusted, happy, well-trained little dog that has brought the owner and her family so much pleasure. We are very pleased to be part of this dog/owner success story.
2nd place in 2007
Mischief and Daisy, belonging to two brothers from Cheshire, Will and Charlie Fletcher. Puppy School tutor Karen Ingram said They are a great example of how a wonderful relationship can develop between children and dogs if they are shown the right way. These boys listened really hard in classes and worked very hard to develop the techniques and skills needed to produce well-behaved, lovely dogs.
3rd place in 2007
Third place was awarded to Roxie, an Australian Cattle Dog from Surrey who overcame giardia and being deaf in one ear to become one of Puppy Schools stars.