By Maureen Hodges

Published at 11:43, Monday, 11 March 2013

A club that has helped train thousands of canine companions is celebrating its 50th birthday.

David and Heather Lowe with their labradoodle Bella

And over the years the caring dog lovers at the Border Dog Training Club have raised thousands of pounds through sponsored walks with their four-legged friends.

The Barbara Woodhouse of the club is Margaret Armstrong, of Ashley Street, Carlisle.

She has been involved with the club for 46 of its 50 years.

A former club chairman, Mrs Armstrong, who is 80 this year, is now a honorary life member and trainer.

She said: “I find that more and more owners want to train their pets properly from being pups but we also get people coming along with older, rescued dogs. There is no such thing as a hopeless case.

“We supervise the Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme and most pets get their certificate in a matter of weeks.”

The club held its first competition in 1967, and it proved so successful the Kennel Club turned it into a championship show. “Anyone winning had the chance to show their dog at Crufts. It was a proud moment for us,” said Mrs Armstrong.

Organising the championship show put a lot of strain on the club, and it now concentrates on the dog training side.

“We are still registered with the Kennel Club, but the championship shows just got harder and harder to organise,” added Mrs Armstrong.

Over the years the club have raised thousands for charity, with Dogs for the Blind one year receiving over £2,500.

“We have favoured dog charities, but we also do sponsored walks for others, like the local hospice,” said Mrs Armstrong.

Heather Lowe, 57, of Cummersdale has been a member of the club since 1979.

She attends the classes, along with husband David, and has introduced her son, along with his boxer puppy, Bee.

“Our labradoodle, Bella, is six and she has been coming with us since being a puppy,” said Mrs Lowe. “The first dog I ever owned I took along to the club, because I felt a well trained dog you can take anywhere.

“It is not just the training, the club is great for socialising – not only for the humans, but for the canines as well.”

The club has seen many venues, but their latest home is Botcherby Community Centre.

To mark their 50 years the club plan to organise a party and there will be a display at Carlisle Library. Anyone wanting details of dog obedience classes can contact Mrs Armstrong on 01228 538244.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk