At Haddon Training we love celebrating achievements and none more so than those of our own team.
Keira Walker is based in the Haddon Training HQ in Marlborough, where she is the HR Lead for the business. A keen dog lover, Keira is off to compete at Crufts 2020, so we wanted to find out more…
Tell us about your dogs
I have owned Siberian Huskies since I was 11 years old and this year, I am taking my two boys up to Crufts on Working Day (Saturday).
Their names are Nico (Skimarque Tempest Nico) who is six years old and Roman (Jacalous Tornado Of Argasala) who is one year old.
How did you qualify for Crufts?
Both boys have qualified for Crufts each year by winning classes at Championships held throughout the country.
Nico gained his Kennel Club Studbook Number at Ladies Kennel Association Championship Show in December 2018 which means he now has lifelong qualification to Crufts.
Roman won the Siberian Husky Puppy Dog class at the National Dog Show in 2019 which qualified him for Crufts this year.
Is this your first time at Crufts?
This is my fifth time exhibiting my dogs at Crufts but I have been attending as a spectator for many years before then!
How are your feeling ahead of the event?
I think there is always a slight apprehension before Crufts. My dogs have had the winter off from showing so there’s always the big question on whether they will behave themselves and remember to do what they need to do – but realistically it’s actually me who needs to remember all that as the dogs manage just fine!
Crufts is always held in March which is one of the worst months for Siberian Husky coats – their undercoat starts coming out thick and fast so grooming beforehand is always quite nerve-wracking as you feel like you are watching their coat disappear down the drain!
As a dog lover and handler, what does it mean to go and compete at some where as prestigious as Crufts?
Crufts is such an experience, from both an exhibitor and spectator perspective. There really is no other show like it. It is a showcase for your dogs and when it is your turn on the ‘green carpet’, for that exact moment, all eyes are on you.
Cameras are pointed at you and your dog, notes are written about your dog, and you have to fully concentrate on working at one with your dog. Although the format is essentially the same as all other championships held across the country, there is definitely an exhibition feel about Crufts.
There is always a bit of a party vibe among the exhibitors too, you can always look forward to seeing friends from far and wide.
Picture of Keira and Nico winning the Studbook Number.
Crufts takes place 5-8th March 2020. Good luck Keira from the Haddon Team.
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Haddon Training Learner then please give us a call on 01672 519977 or send us an email to enquiries@haddontraining.co.uk.