Watch: Dog training trio from Suffolk aiming for Crufts’ glory

Some of the youngsters and dogs being trained by Jacquid Wood at Ace Agility in Glemsford near Sudbury. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

The trio are 17-year-old reigning champion Hester Cowley with eight-year-old Shetland Sheepdog Ace, 16-year-old Fred Adams with five-year-old Cocker Spaniel George.

Brooke Smiles, 21, is taking double the dogs - with four-year old Shetland Sheepdog Dex and four-year-old Labradoodle Izzy.

All three of them train three times a week around work or full-time education.

Brooke Smiles says she will savour the moment of competing at the prestigious Crufts event for the first time Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

Ms Smiles said: “It’s been a lot of training, a lot of hours and a lot of hard work, but I could never have done this without Jacqui.

“I’m just going to run like it’s a normal show, try not to get too nervous.

“I’ll always take the best dog home if I win or not.”

Dex which belongs to Jacqui's mother will also compete in this year's junior event Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

They are all trained at Ace Agility, near Glemsford, where teacher Jacqui Wood is getting them ready in the final days before the competition.

“This week everything we are doing is high-reward for the dogs and making everything we do very positive.

“If you can stimulate a dogs mind you will have a happy animal.

Fred's dog George Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

“Their dedication and loyalty to the sport is just phenomenal. Thankfully the weather was great last week and everything is going to plan.”

Fred, who has competed twice at Crufts previously, said: “It’s quite strange because there is a lot more pressure than the normal shows - but it’s still quite exciting.

“This time George is a lot more experienced. He’s a lot older and so am I, so I’m hoping to do better.

Ace who will compete with local girl Hester Cowley, 17 Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

Ms Wood has a pedigree when it comes to agility courses.

She coached Julie Thompson to multiple medals and a world title at the paragility world championships in October 2018, with both her dogs taking home silverware.

Mrs Thompson uses a modified motorised scooter, with tighter turning and greater acceleration, to get round the same agility course with Nancy, a six-year-old Labradoodle, and Dodger, a nine-year-old Patterdale-Terrier cross.

Brooke's dog Izzy Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

The three contenders will be hoping to walk away with their best-ever performances when Crufts - the world’s largest dog show - kicks off at the Birmingham NEC on March 7.

“They have the same thing Julie had, you see the bond between dog and handler grow the more they do,” said Ms Wood, talking about her young trainees.

“To get to Crufts is just an amazing achievement.

Jacqui Wood has been training dogs for over thirty years and says she is still learning something every day Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

“To see them on the television - words just can’t describe how satisfying that is.”

Brooke Smiles says she will savour the moment of competing at the prestigious Crufts event for the first time. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

Fred Adams will compete for the third time at Crufts with his dog George. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)