A WOMAN from Moreton, who has worked in the dog training industry since she was 17, will be competing in this year's Crufts competition with eight-year-old Yoshi.

Julie Rowlands, 54, set up Daislen Dog Obedience Training Club in 2013. She has trained and helped owners up and down the country with obedience skills and more.

Speaking to the Globe, Julie said: "I absolutely love it. I love seeing progress and when you get a good result it is amazing to see."

Since 2009, Julie has competed in nine Obedience Championship competitions and two Northern Team Inter-Regional competitions at Crufts.

Her dog Mario, who died three years ago of Lymphoma, won two championship classes and went to Crufts placing sixth.

Wirral Globe: Julie and MarioJulie and Mario (Image: Julie Rowlands)

Two of her dogs Patrick (Mr P) and Ricky, who have also died, have the prestigious title of Obedience Champion - a title awarded to a dog when they win three or more Challenge Certificates (CC).

A Challenge Certificate (CC) is a document signed by a dog show judge, stating that the judge thinks your dog has what it takes to be a champion. 

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Wirral Globe: Patrick and Ricky who are both Obedience ChampionsPatrick and Ricky who are both Obedience Champions (Image: Julie Rowlands)

Julie won a prestigious Challenge Certificate (CC) with Yoshi (8), her current dog, which gave her entry to the Dog Obedience Championships at Crufts 2023.

She and Yoshi will be competing in the finals on Sunday, March 12 against 22 other competitors and will be attending the whole event as she is now proudly Assistant Manager of the Northern Team.

The team events will take place tomorrow (Saturday, March 10).

Julie added: "Crufts is the ultimate and you just never know what is going to happen on the day. 

"I've got every faith in Yoshi, he is absolutely fabulous.

"You need that bond before you start doing anything with them and Yoshi and I have got that."