Spotlight On... Heelwork to Music at Crufts!

Possibly the most entertaining competition at Crufts for me (and my humans) is Heelwork to Music. The name gives a good idea of what this doggie activity entails: one dog and one human boogie away to some music. Though, admittedly, it is a tad more involved in that, as I have experienced myself quite a while back...

At Crufts, competitors must perform technically complex, rhythmic and varied choreography to music for up to four minutes in length. Each act is judged on programme content (the difficulty and range of movements), accuracy and execution of movement (how well performed it is) and music interpretation (how it fits with the music).

 There are four competitions centred around Heelwork to Music: Heelwork, Freestyle, International Heelwork and International Freestyle. The main difference between Heelwork and Freestyle is the content that must be put into a dance routine. To be entered into the Heelwork category, a minimum of two-thirds of the performance must include heelwork whereas, for the Freestyle category, a maximum of one-third  of heelwork is permitted. The International categories are the same, but with a competitor representing countries around the world- these in particular get very competitive!

Heelwork to Music was first brought to Crufts by doggie-dancing expert Mary Ray back in 1992, and the sport has grown in popularity ever since. Not just one but TWO dog-and-human duos have won ITV talent contest Britain's Got Talent since the show began; Ashleigh and Pudsey in 2012 and Jules O'Dwyer and Matisse last year. My humans were lucky enough to catch the former pair competing at Crufts before they won the content, taking first place in one of the Young Kennel Club competitions- they truly were brilliant.

From my (humans') many years of attending Crufts, there has been one Heelwork to Music routine that I simply cannot forget. Although Linda de Smet from Belgian did not win the International Freestyle in 2011 with this routine (I still think they should have!), their routine was charming, original and had the BEST finale... Give it a watch below!

Heelwork to Music is always a great watch at Crufts, and I highly recommend visiting either the Main Arena or the Young Kennel Club ring to see one of the competitions! More information on how to get involved in the sport can be found here.

REMINDER: the competition for tickets to Crufts 2016 closes on Friday 26th February so make sure you don't miss out on your chance to win your way into the doors of the NEC on 10-13th March. You can enter here!

Talk soon, 

Jasper x

For more information about Crufts 2016, visit www.crufts.org.uk

To buy tickets to the show, click here

DISCOVER DOGS 2015!

"What a lot of dogs," exclaims one of the thousands passing through the doors of ExCeL London. Well, there's only one reason to blame for those many dogs: Discover Dogs 2015 had arrived!

Although I did not attend the show myself this year, two of my humans were there to report back to me about London's biggest dog event and, from what I've heard, I missed out BIG TIME by not being there. Fortunately, they did take a few pictures (erm, 494...) of the scenes to share with me...

Where better to start your trip to the dog show than the "Discover Dogs" section itself? Over two hundred breeds had a stand at the show, just so we could take photos of them and have many a snuggle.

Discover Dogs aims to raise awareness of what it takes to make a dog happy and healthy so it is always sad to hear from the volunteers at charities such as English Springer Spaniel Welfare who have witnessed cases of animal cruelty. This young Spaniel did not have the best start to his life but has fortunately since been rehomed and is now lot, lot happier- yippee!

Agility. Oh, how I miss agility. My humans decided to reminisce about our agility days by watching it in the Main Ring- but with a twist. Instead of the standard, individual categories, there was a competition between major rescue homes, with relay teams made up of past rescue dogs at each centre. Some of the adorable dogs competing had even featured on Paul O'Grady's "For the Love of Dogs". And look at the smile on that proud human's face!

As readers have probably gathered from the past few years on this blog, my humans love the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team. So, of course, when they checked their programmes to see what was on and noticed that the Goldies were performing, they raced over to the Training & Display Ring to see the group. 

They were brilliant- so brilliant that I've included two pictures of the seventy taken from their display!

Following the displays and competitions, my humans returned to the Discover Dogs zone, where they snuggled with yet more dogs (I try not to feel too offended). This lovely Field Spaniel seemed pretty chilled modelling the stunning qualities of his breed. He never left that bed the whole time my humans were there.

Without doubt, the noisiest dog sport of them all, it was time to watch some Flyball. Man, those dogs were showing some speed- almost too quick for the camera!

Those competitors were certainly raring to go.

What is fantastic about dog shows is that there is always something new to see, whether that be a new sport, shop or display. A new demonstration for my humans today was once performed by the Royal Air Force, who demonstrated just how strong their canines have to be to work out on the field. This determined dog managed to jump from the ground to the very top of the blue axle. Incredible.

Another "Discover Dogs" treat: a meet and greet with a gigantic St. Bernard. It's not every day that you come across one of these huge dogs- look at the size of those paws!

Puppy alert! Yep, the Metropolitan Police treated visitors to Discover Dogs to a viewing of the police dogs of the future, these German Shepherds. These puppies certainly have very exciting prospects ahead of them.

Wherever there is a puppy, there is a crowd.

After a spree in the shopping area of the dog show, it was sadly time for my humans to bid Discover Dogs farewell. My humans can honestly say that this year was one of, if not, the best dog shows they have been to in London and cannot wait to find out what is in store for next year's show. 

Next stop: Crufts 2016!

Talk soon, Jasper x

For more information on Discover Dogs, visit www.discoverdogs,org.uk

So Which Breed is Most Popular Where You Live?

As I've mentioned just a couple of times already (I'm one excited dog, that's for sure), this weekend, Discover Dogs is taking place at ExCel London. A large part of the dog show is the meet and greet section, where visitors can snuggle over two hundred breeds of dog (try and get them all, I challenge you).

Recently, the Kennel Club has released figures that show Britain's most popular dog breeds, and the study has found that a number of "endangered" breeds have been making their way up the popularity scale. One of these breeds is the Queen's Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which saw a 54% increase in the number of dogs registered in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year. Similarly, the Miniature Smooth-haired Dachshund has seen a rise in numbers, with 34% more of the breed registered within the past five years. These increases have been largely thanks to social media, where animal accounts and canine-fan celebrities are showing just how wonderful these dogs are have encouraged users to take on the breeds (after thorough research, of course.)

Ever wondered which breed is the most popular in your area? Well, now you can find out. New for this year is the Kennel Club's interactive dog map, where you can see the most registered dogs in your local neighbourhoods. In my area, I was disappointed to see that apparently English Springer Spaniels aren't one of the top five most popular breeds- you crazy London dog owners...! Surprisingly, the adorable Pug makes up 4.1% of dogs living in my local neighbourhood- who would have guessed?!

I hope all you Discover Dogs-goers have a fantastic time at the show and be sure to send me your pictures!

Talk soon, Jasper x

 If you would like further information on Discover Dogs 2015, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk

To buy tickets to the show, click here

Discover Dogs is Nearly Here...!

It's that time of year again when I get very, very excited because London's biggest dog show is back in town... It's finally time for Discover Dogs!

Discover Dogs 2015 is taking place THIS WEEKEND- on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October and it promises to be more exciting than ever before.

This year, things have slightly changed with the dog show. As you may remember, Discover Dogs has taken place every year since 1996 at Earls Court but it will now take place at ExCel London and I, for one, am extremely excited to check out its new look.

We met this very handsome Springer on
our last visit!

The purpose of dog shows like Crufts and Discover Dogs is to emphasise the importance of happy, healthy canines and how this can reflect positively back on you. No one likes to see a distressed animal, which is why it is critical that awareness is raised on how to keep us animals feeling fabulous.


It is extremely important to have knowledge of everything that comes with owning a dog. Oh yes, it's not all snuggles and kisses (though you certainly do get a lot of them, too). When choosing which breed of dog you want to take on, make sure you know what level of exercise they're likely to require as well as their possible health implications as knowing this information will make caring for your pet a WHOLE lot easier.

Richard Curtis and Mary Ray will be taking
their dancing shoes to Discover Dogs 2015!

At Discover Dogs, you will have the opportunity to meet and greet over 200 different breeds of dog so what better opportunity is there to find your perfect match?

Just to show you the wonders of  finding the perfect breed of dog for you, the Kennel Club has produced this very adorable video with some very adorable creatures in it... I recommend you have a watch:

So, if you're around this weekend, why not head to the best dog show in London? My humans certainly will be!

Talk soon, Jasper x

If you would like further information on Discover Dogs 2015, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk

To buy tickets to the show, click here

IT'S CRUFTS WEEK!

Maaaaaan, I cannot believe it. How has Crufts 2015 come around so fast?! It seems like it was only yesterday that my humans bid me farewell before travelling up to The NEC for Crufts 2014. Fortunately, the pain of knowing that they were going to have a brilliant day without me will be non-existent this year as, obviously, me, myself, and I will actually be attending... Eeeeek!

Just to make you all even more excited, here's a clip giving you a glimpse into the largest dog show in the world...

It looks incredible, right?! Who knows, maybe I'll be able to sneak my way on to the video for Crufts 2016 when I go to the show...

CRUFTS TV COVERAGE

Whether you're planning on heading to the show or are just looking forward to see the pictures online, make sure you tune into More4 at 6:30pm tomorrow for the first of four days' Crufts coverage! As Crufts kicks off with Gundog Day, fans of Springers like me should definitely not be missing the show as the first place in the Best in Show final will be awarded to one of the top dogs of the day. Agility, heelwork to music... All the best bits from the show will be programmed, so don;t miss it!

CRUFTS COMPETITION UPDATE
Just to let entrants into my competition to win two Crufts tickets know, the winner has been chosen and it is... Janet from Staffordshire! I hope Janet has a fantastic time at the show. Thank you all so much for entering- I wish I could give ALL of you lovely people (and dogs!) a pair of tickets to the show!

If you're heading to the show this year, I hope you have an incredible day! I would love to see some of your pictures from the day and hear your highlights from Crufts so make sure you either tweet me @Jasperthedoggie or just send me leave a comment below. If you sadly can't make it to The NEC for 2015, do not fret: each and every day, there is a livestream at https://www.youtube.com/crufts showing every second of what's going on in the Main Arena, so you can watch from 8:30am to 8pm if you so desire!

Here's to a fantastic Crufts 2015 (and hopefully a Springer winner!)

Talk soon, 

Jasper x

For more information on Crufts 2015, visit www.crufts.org.uk 

Tickets to the show can now only be bought on the door- have a marvellous day!

My Humans' Day at Discover Dogs 2014!

Today, my humans went to Discover Dogs at Earls Court, London and what a day they had! Each year, the show has a fantastic offering of many different doggie activities, and this year is no different.

Firstly, my humans visited the YKC Ring to see a Crufts qualifier! On both days of Discover Dogs this year, the Young Kennel Club is holding qualifiers for 'Groomer of the Year' at Crufts. I've competed in this very competition twice before, so one of my humans knew exactly how the competitors were feeling: under pressure!

 Also on offer at the show is a range of agility competitions. Who doesn't love watching dogs jump, climb and weave through obstacles?! My humans caught the Small/Mixi Pairs Final in jumping, which is basically a relay involving two dogs, with one taking on the first half of the course and the other the second half. 

 Look at them go!

 Following the agility was Trick 'n' Treat and Obedience Training with Mary Ray. As many of you will know, Mary Ray is the person who brought Heelwork to Music to the UK, so she is very experienced in the obedience field. 

 The first half of her set was done with her helper Lyric, her newest recruit for Heelwork to Music. Lyric was born this time last year and her tricks are already seriously impressive- look at that concentration!

 Mary Ray was then accompanied by Levi, her nine-year-old Border Collie who has been an obedience champion for the past three years. With years of experience, Levi's second home is the Main Ring at most dog shows, and he performed the most amazing tricks that left my humans in awe. 

 It was then time for the first Scruffts semi-final of the weekend: Child's Best Friend! Each and every dog's appearance was unique- they're all cross-breeds- but every one of the competitors was gorgeous! 

 Sarah Wright, editor of Your Dog magazine, was the judge of this competition and she chose................ as the winners. Each finalist of the six categories will be at the final at Crufts 2015, where the overall champion will be crowned. Don't miss the rest of the semi-finals at Discover Dogs tomorrow!

After demonstrations of teaching your dog obedience tricks, it was now time for Mary Ray to show us these tricks performed to music- with Richard Curtis. The two top dog handlers performed a fabulous Scottish-themed Heelwork to Music (Freestyle) music routine with Levi. Definitely not to be missed!

Erm, humans, I am definitely capable of performing tricks of that level... 

After watching a number of fantastic competitions and displays, my humans then decided that they were missing me too much and headed off to my personal favourite of the 200-plus breed stands- the English Springer Spaniels! Look at that face... I might even have to admit that he is just as cute as me!

After a quick break for lunch and browse of the shops, it was time for my humans to return back to the Main Ring for the act I crowned my top thing to see at the show: the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team!

 The weaving circle!

Patiently waiting for their humans to come back whilst dealing with separation lasting more than five seconds...

 Oh, so obedient.

 Your humans have left you alone? Again? Goldies, I feel for you.

 About time for a trip to see the gentle giants. Such stunning Great Danes.

 Yup, I have no idea where this Hungarian Puli's eyes are either. 

 My humans bumped into one of the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team dogs later on and she was more than happy to pose for a photo!

 Snoozing Spanish Water Dogs with those lovely curls. I can totally understand why they've chosen to sleep instead of snuggle with humans: Discover Dogs is an exhausting experience!

 My humans visited the Police Dog stand and spoke to some very friendly trainers who were more than happy to answer any questions they had.

And look who they met... Marney! 

 One of the trainers had only their little Springer for four weeks and Marney had apparently already shown many signs of becoming a fantastic dog to fulfil the requirements of a police dog- and the requirements of becoming Britain's Next Top Dog Model as well, so it seems!

 And then the humans came across the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team... Again.

 Back to the Main Ring for the noisiest dog sport, Flyball! Never does this competition fail to be one exciting competition requiring a LOT of yelling from the audience...

 To end the day, my humans visited Discover Dogs' sponsors Metro Bank's stand to meet some of the most famous doggies in the acting world, including Harvey (real name: Sykes) from the Thinkbox advert, and Roly, who is in Downton Abbey. Recognise any of them? 

 You can just tell that these guys are completely used to having their photo taken...

And that was it; my humans' day at Discover Dogs was over. Once again, they had a brilliant day, full of lots of shopping, adoring and stroking. Discover Dogs is open again at Earls Court TOMORROW so, if you haven't already been, make sure you go. 

Next year, Discover Dogs is moving to ExCeL London and is open on 17th and 18th October, so make sure you save the date in your diary!

Talk soon, Jasper x

For information on Discover Dogs, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk.

To buy tickets to the dog show, click here. 

Top 10 Things to See and Do at Discover Dogs 2014!

With only a week until Discover Dogs opens at Earls Court, London, it's definitely time to start planning what displays you want to see, what things you want to buy and what breeds you want to meet. As I have attended the show many times, I have chosen 10 things that I would not want to miss at the dog show...

1. Southern Golden Retriever Display Team: Okay, I know I go on and on about this group of gorgeous Goldies, but they truly are tremendous! The team consists of 16 Golden Retrievers and 16 handlers and they perform routines of obedience that are choreographed to music. Very entertaining to watch- check them out in the Main Ring at 13:40 on Saturday and 16:05 on Sunday.
2. Flyball: This mad dog sport is a relay race, where the dogs sprint and leap over a line of jumps, pick up a tennis ball, and then sprint and leap back over the jumps for another dog to have their turn. Arguably the noisiest of all dog sports, this is definitely an event to be watched. Main Ring at 15:15 on Saturday and 13:35 on Sunday.
3. Heelwork to Music (Richard Curtis and Mary Ray): Famous dog trainers Richard Curtis and Mary Ray perform immensely impressive routines with their dogs and each have won top Heelwork to Music competitions across the globe. Performing together, this show is bound to be one of the most memorable events of the week. Catch them in the Main Ring at 15:35 on Saturday and 13:30 on Sunday. 
4. English Springer Spaniel: For obvious reasons, this stand remains to be my favourite of all 200+ dog breeds. Who wouldn't want a snuggle with a Springer? Visit these adorable Spaniels at  Stands 191/192.
5. Young Kennel Club Ring: Witness the skills of some of the next generation's most promising dog trainers in this ring. The programme includes Dog Groomer of the Year qualifiers for Crufts, which are taking place on both days, so make sure you visit this ring to see some new talent!
   
6. Scruffts: Back in 2000, Scruffts was launched at Discover Dogs and now,  throughout the weekend, the semi-finals of the UK's first cross-breed dog competition will be taking place in the Main Ring. The finals for this competition will be held at Crufts 2015 so this is your chance to see all the potential finalists before March next year. 
7. Great Dane: Although they're not Springers, I've got to admit that these dogs are very cute and are definitely worth going to see. Known as the 'Gentle Giant' of dog breeds, visit Stands 88/89 to meet some of these huge dogs. 
8. Agility: I had agility lessons for many years and this sport is still my favourite of them all. On both Saturday and Sunday, competitions are taking place, with some of the country's top dogs and handlers competing against each other. Definitely one not to be missed! Competitions taking place at various times throughout each day. 
9. Spanish Water Dog: Another lovely breed; Spanish Water Dogs are not a breed that you come across every day. Discover Dogs is great for meeting rarer breeds, and this one is one that I met at the show a few years back. My family are huge admirers of their perfectly-curled coats! Meet some at Stand 197. 
10. Shops: With over 100 trade stands at the show, it would be ridiculous not to have a look at what's on offer. Only 8 Sundays until Christmas everyone...!

As you can see, there are plenty of things to entertain you and your family with at the show, which is why my humans return every year. Let me know of your favourite things to do at Discover Dogs- I would love to hear your recommendations. 

Talk soon, Jasper x

For more information on the dog show, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk 

To buy tickets to Discover Dogs, click here