Young Dog Handler Focus - Janine Ashworth: 'I have had the opportunity to make my hobby my job'

Background

A 24-year-old Lancashire girl, I live in Rossendale where we run 200 ewes, with 150 Cheviot gimmers and 50 older ewes alongside a few calves we carry on to stirks. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work on my partner's parents' farm and train dogs and recently I starting training full-time. We house around 30 dogs and I spend the odd day shepherding.

I started working with dogs around six years ago and immediately found it so rewarding, I love to see their natural instincts and abilities, watching them develop.

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Successes

My first dog was £350 from CCM Auctions' Skipton ‘Pup Pen', in the shape of Cydros Dan. He will always be one of the best dogs we have had on the farm, with him delivering in trials too. We have collected quite a few open prizes with wins and many top six placings, along with the highlight, running in two national trials last year, placing 12th.

I have had a successful nursery season with my bitch, Burndale Lassie, gaining numerous placings throughout the winter, qualifying for the Four Nations trial after taking third place at the English Nursery.

Influences

When I first began working with dogs, I spent a lot of time with Jim Cropper and his family and I will forever be grateful for the advice and insight they gave me to working with dogs.

I am an active member of the Holme Sheepdog Society, which is a great place to socialise with other dog enthusiasts. These good friends have given me advice and tips, especially Meg and Ricky Hutchinson and Shirley and Steven Duckworth. The dog community spreads all over the country and Kevin Evans in Brecon has also proved a great help.

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A man said to me: 'If you enjoy your job, you'll never work a day in your life' and it could not be truer, I am so fortunate do have made my hobby my job.

Passion

I thrive off seeing a young dog start to use its natural instinct, with balance and the feel for sheep shining through, a dog that wants to learn and help you.

My type of dog is one with presence and power, one that can move a stubborn sheep whether it be at home or in the trial field.

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Rearing a litter is so rewarding and seeing dogs you have bred or trained go on to do well makes all the work worthwhile.

Future

Moving forward, I hope to carry on learning and picking up new things to keep improving and gain some open placings with the young dogs.

If you would like to be featured, contact Ellie Layton, tel: 07814 997 407 or [email protected]