We hadn't even considered working our dogs, but back in December 2002 we went to watch a rally in Dalby Forest and Kai's breeder Walt said we should get him on the rig to build his muscles and get him fit. He mentioned that Sarah and Gary who own Kai's sister Khira were having trouble working her due to long trips to borrow a dog from Ann Allen at Shepherdsway. We went home and had a chat, then called Gary and Sarah. A week later, Kai was on his first training run with Khira in Sherwood Forest and the rest is history!

Kai and Khira ran a season and then we added Kodi on to run a season with a three dog team. Once their Frodo was old enough, Khira started running with him so Kai went into retirement and Kodi ran alongside Tika.

Since getting the pups working, things have changed again. Kai and Tika are now retired although they still go out to plod around the forest at their own speed. Kodi is semi retired, running on his own for training runs and occasionally at a rally. Womble and Porsche are now taking over on the competitive side. They are doing well but their weakness is water - they love it! Poor Sarah has been dragged into water more than once! For Porsche, the wetter and muddier the better!!!

We aren't particularly competitive. We enjoy the social side and the fact our dogs obviously love what they do. Out in the forest with your dogs on a freezing cold morning, it's what life's all about!

We took up backpacking in 2006 with Kodi and he has gained his WPD (Working Pack Dog) title. Womble has been carrying a backpack since he was about 9 months old and regularly carries his show gear. We are hoping to get Womble and Porsche their titles soon.

Weight pull is our new working discipline. Kodi has taken part in the event at Aviemore for three years showing a natural ability but now we are finally running weight pulls in the UK adhering to strict rules laid down by the AMCA and hope to gain WWPD (Working Weight Pull Dog) titles for the first time. Kodi succeeded in gaining his WWPD after 4 events and Womble has one leg towards his title.

So, our dogs enjoy a varied working life and although we never push them too hard, they never cease to amaze us with their natural working abilities.