Charley Donaldson
Dog Handler
About me
I am a dog handler, Young Kennel Club member and Reserve Best In Show winner at the world’s largest dog show, Crufts 2016.
What I do
I help out with the training of dogs and adult handlers, but I prefer helping young people learn how to handle as well as care for their dog, as I find it more rewarding and can relate to it. I help run classes where lots of people come with puppies that need to be trained.
What I love
I love the fact I can watch people grow from strength to strength with their canine partner and just think that I was part of that!
What is difficult
You can have many challenging dogs as well as challenging handlers. You have to keep going and not give up.
What skills I need
A lot of patience! Dogs need time to grow and learn, just like their owners. The Young Kennel Club helped me at many training days when I would be having trouble with young dogs. I’ve taken those skills that were taught to me and used them to my advantage.
You also need a love of dogs! The Young Kennel Club is open to dog lovers aged 6-24 years. To find out more, please visit www.ykc.org.uk.
