Beyond the ordinary

Michelle Kaye-Ackroyd  

BCCSDip.DogBhv

 

My name is Michelle, I previously enjoyed the hobby of showing dogs, I was a B list Breed specialist Judge for The Italian Spinone breed, An C list for Briards and Bracco Italiano. I stewarded regularly at local and championship shows and I am a qualified dog trainer and Behaviour specialist.

I started out at age 15 doing my work experience in the local council dog home, I mucked out kennels, did the feeding and exercising of the dogs, Settled new in takes and ocassionally dealt with customer relations.

I bought my first pedigree dog, Mia Monster as a family pet, Although she did show lightly and qualified for crufts at her first ever show, she didn't enjoy it, this coupled with environmental changes, a horrible boarding experience and a rather sensitive first season, Mia suffered adverse effects to her personality and confidence, becoming nervous reactive, This led to my journey in to Canine behaviour. 

I completed an open university degree in Canine behaviour and Dog Handling with IABTC (International Animal Behaviour Training Centre, A KCAI PREFERRED PROVIDER)  along side training my own dog through the good citizen scheme up to them achieving gold, which was no easy task for Mia when she was reactive by nature, I attended Numerous lectures and talks on animal behaviour, aggression, reactivity and pack evolution among a few others, I completed my instructor exams for puppy foundation, Bronze and silver with IDTA (International dog training and behaviour academy)  I attained my KCAI award, Accredited by the kennel club for outstanding standards in canine welfare. 

I  passed my Level 6 Accredited Dog Behaviour Diploma, The course is a Level 6 accredited course under the  NCFE IIQ Licence, using Ofqual’s QCF level descriptors. NCFE is a National Awarding organisation for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. I received my diploma from BCCS and a second Certificate of Achievement from NCFE acknowledging my Level 6 accredited study.

Lets face it, Every little helps when trying to be taken seriously in the dog training game.

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I previously served on the HDCA committee for 2 years and helped with leading the Kennel club good citizen classes, I also assisted at their Veteran Golden oldies shows plus their open and limit shows before choosing to break away, For 3 years I ran My own independent ringcraft, Match Nights and Education seminars with RKC accredited tutors, Junior Handling days and Behaviour adjustment classes taking on dogs in the local community with complex behaviour issues that were not welcomed at mainstream classes.

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After much thought, i decided to pursue the judging of dogs, I truly believed the only way to improve any breed is to be as true and exacting to the current breed standard as possible, Winning dogs make up the gene pool used for the next generation and if judges are promoting friends, a big name kennels or the person they hope will give them their next CC in return, then in my opinion that spoils the potential of the breed, risks faults becoming large scale breed issues, ruins the sportsmanship and enjoyment of showing our dogs and discourages new exhibitors from joining the game because they can never get very far even if they happen to have the best dog on the day.

My first Appointment to Judge was at Merseyside Gundog's, I can not express how grateful I am and was, to the committee and pleased that i was invited and given the opportunity.

The exhibitors within the Italian Spinone breed were incredibly generous and supported me with an entry of 28 Dogs, It was the largest breed entry on the day and at the time, The largest entry for an open show for our breed and for a New Judge.

On the day My best of breed was Sh Ch Crieda Eagle with Sophalba (ShCM).

Reserve Best of Breed was Inostricani Ryea for Ilsolo, Short listed to last 6 in RBOB Stakes.

Best Puppy in Breed was Osulf Peanut Chunky Kit Kat, Who went on to win receive RBPIS.

Quite the statement for a novice to have her choices supported and placed Highly by the more experienced Best in Show Judges.

 

I love stewarding at shows and continued to lend a hand when asked to by societies across Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and the Midlands, I have taken the seminars required of any aspiring RKC judge, conformation & movement, Critique writing, The points of a dog exam and Requirements of a Judge exam, passing each one under the highly regarded tutor Mrs Christina Chapman.

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Cats have always been in my life, My best friend was once a moggy named Milo and he understood my emotions and was the loyalist little chap, His passing was a difficult time, I introduced our first British shorthair 17 years ago and loved his cute cheeks, independent nature and quirky personality, My education in to the feline science is far less advanced but I still believe in giving them my best.