Waggy Tails Dog Training

Waggy tails, glossy coats and perfect paws are some of the attributes members of this club boast. Well, the non-human members anyway.

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Waggy Tails is split into three main groups to cater for different needs and each dog and owner is always left feeling full of beans.

Founder Alison Garforth said: People can come along for fun or they can also take tests to get their qualifications.

The In Pink display team regularly performs line dancing demonstrations at schools, village fetes and has recently been asked to do a display at a childrens hospital in Bristol. Owners and dogs bounce along to their favourite music and wow the crowds with their skills.

Member Sarah Cooke said: In Pink do all sorts of demonstrations and we do them for free, with donations going to charity.

The charities usually include local or national animal and pet charities that the four-legged members of the club will benefit from.

Waggy Tails also runs classes for dogs and puppies called The Good Citizens Scheme. Members who want to take the tests can progress from puppy to gold and learn simple things from sit and stay to more complex tasks such as assault courses.

If a dog has a particular behavioural problem or struggles in a group, Alison will offer one-to-one tuition so both dog owner and dog can enjoy the lessons without becoming frustrated.

Alison said: The aim of the groups is to just have fun. If people dont want to take the exams they dont have to. Our emphasis is having fun with your pet and socialising.

The other group which comes under Waggy Tails is the Junior Handlers. Youngsters aged up to 16 can learn how to train their dog to sit and stay while parents watch from the side-lines.

All three groups hold meetings in a converted barn near Weare, after being told they could no longer rehearse in their old centre in Banwell.

The barn they use is decorated with giant pink and purple paws, paintings of puppies and colourful dog bowls. The whole team helped to decorate the barn and a Waggy Tails member has bought a music system for In Pink to use at their displays.

THE FACTS:
Name of club: Waggy Tails Dog Training.
Founded: 2003.
Membership: About 100.
Who the club caters for: Anyone of any age who has an interest in dogs or owns a dog
Meeting place and time: In Pink display team meets on alternate Wednesdays, Junior Handlers meet on Mondays and members of the Good Citizens Scheme meet weekdays and evenings. All meetings are held in the centre at Badgworth Barns in Notting Hill Way, Weare.
President/ chairman: Alison Garforth.
Who to contact for more details: Alison on 07739 890803 or 01934 514251.