University lecturer and sports historian PETER DAVIES looks at a club for Huddersfield dog enthusiasts who are happy to put their animals through training and agility courses
ROLL over Atomic Kitten!
A new sports club has been founded for Huddersfield canine enthusiasts – Atomic Dog Training.
It was formed last October by Orienne Langley-Sadler, 34, from Edgerton.
She is passionate about dogs – and the new club gives expression to this.
“We are a small group,” said Orienne.
“We train in Deighton on a Wednesday evening.
“The aim is to compete in agility but we can also accommodate those who just wish to train their dogs in agility for fun.
There are two types of dog training – agility and jumping.
According to one expert: “In the twentieth century, formalised dog training originated in military and police applications and the methods used largely reflected the military approach to training humans.
“In the middle and late part of the century, however, more research occurred as wild animal shows became more popular.
“Aquatic mammal trainers used clickers (a small box that makes a loud click when pushed on) to ‘mark’ desired behaviour, giving food as a reward.
“The change in training methods spread gradually into the world of dog training. Today many dog trainers rely heavily on positive reinforcement to teach new behaviours.”
But is it a sport?
Orienne is clear: “Definitely,” she says.
“It can be competitive and you can also study for certificates and diplomas in dog behaviour.”
Every weekend there are competitions for dog trainers.
Orienne concentrates on events in the North of England.
She said: “Yes, there are lots. We go to Manchester, Preston, Scunthorpe and many other places to compete.
“We do this on a regular basis. And there’s Crufts too – where dogs and their owners come from all over the world.”
Other dog sports include carting, dock jumping, field trials, flyball, hunting, racing, scent hurdling, scootering, sighthound racing, skijoring, sled dog racing, tracking and weight-pulling.
The Atomic club hold their meetings and training sessions at the Deighton Centre at Deighton Road.
This is the former Deighton High School building.
The school closed in August, 1992, but the building was renovated and became a centre for educational, training and leisure activities.
It currently houses a gym, squash court and basketball court and is also a venue for reggae and dance-hall music.
Orienne hails from Nottingham but lives in Edgerton.
By day she works as an educational consultant. But in her spare time she devotes herself to her animals.
She has dogs of her own, including a Jack Russell cross and a Labrador cross.
Today her club has between 15-20 members and they all have different breeds of dogs.
In line with its stated aims, Atomic put on classes for beginners and improvers and also sessions for those already competing with their dogs in agility.
It also has its own website at www.freewebs.com/atomicdogtraining
This features news about club events and an interactive messageboard – where members post photographs and news.
One recent message sums up what the club is all about: “There seems to be no stopping Woody at the moment – he certainly is making up for lost time!
“Well done to Natalie and the little Woodster, who won Grade 4 agility on June 1, 2008!
“That means Orienne needs to get her running trainers on ready for Grade 5 competitions from August!
“Huge well done to Meg, Woody and Farley who all got placed at Lunn Valley at the weekend. Meg gained a second and a third place, Woody won grade 4-5 agility (AGAIN!) and Farley came thirteenth in the jumping and had a clear round in Grade 3 agility.
“Saphie came home with a clear round in the jumping too. A successful weekend despite the horrid rain!”
The club is fortunate to have good support.
Its main sponsor is www.theironpetbedcompany.co.uk
The Iron Pet Bed Company produces luxury iron pet beds which can be made to customers’ requirements.
In addition, the club is supported by the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund.
This organisation was set up in April, 2005, with the aim of “tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and drugs” and “empowering communities and improving the condition of streets and public spaces; in particular for disadvantaged neighbourhoods where these issues often require more attention.”
Because Atomic offer a service to the local community in Kirklees, Safer and Stronger Communities help with the club’s rental payments for the Deighton Centre.
Orienne said: “We’re always looking for new members too!”
