nykarth

Location:

West Sussex, UK

Occupation:

Dog Groomer

Name:

Kathryn

Your dogs name/s:

Dudley, Jodi, Lorel, Harley, Gemma

Breeds owned:

4 PBGV and 1 Lhasa/WBC

Other Breeds owned or previously owned:

2 GSD, 1 JRT & 1 shih tzu(previously)

Has owned dogs for:

9 to 20 years

Dogs Owned:

5

Number of dogs owned over the years.:

10 - 15

I have trained dogs to:

An intermediate level (10 commands or more)

Believe in using positive training methods?:

Yes - but I will raise my voice if I have to

Have you ever shown any of your dogs?:

have been for more than 15 years

Have you ever bred your dog?:

yes - I am an ethical breeder who breeds an occasional litter to further my breed only

Other Animals I own:

Marital Status:

Single

Children / Grandchildren:

Drives:

Ford Galaxy

My Story:

Got the Dog Bug after being bitten whilst doing a paper round aged 14. A friend of my Mum's took me to a training class to get me over my fear. The manager of the local NCDL asked if I'd like to go to help at the kennels. So I volunteered for the next 2 years while finishing school and 1 year of tech college. Completed 1 year at Bellmead Kennels Training College then worked in Boarding/Breeding Kennels and Cattery in East Sussex, where I got my 1st PBGV. After 15 months I went to work at another Boarding Kennels and Cattery near Maidstone where I stayed for 5 yrs and bred my 1st litter of PBGVs. In 1995 I moved back home to help care for my Nan after she had a stroke. I got a job at the NCDL Centre (since changed to Dogs Trust) where I was the Grooming supervisor as well as kennel staff. I competed in agility with Dudley (my Lhasa x WBC, from the centre) and gave talks to Brownies and schools in the area.
In 2004 I had an accident at the centre and damaged my knee very badly. Since then I have had 1 operation but it's not been much help and as I can't do the kennel work I lost my job.
Hoping to start up a business (Grooming and Training)when my compensation finally comes through, still waiting.....
I can't do any agility now as my knee gives way, but I have a friend who helps with the handling and walking so at least I can still show.
In the meantime I'm caring for my Mum and muddling on.