Ryan & Alison Kay - Farlavale Gundogs
Farlavale Gundogs is run by Ryan and Alison Kay and they have both been involved with dogs throughout their whole lives and can be found working their team on shoots across North Yorkshire throughout the shooting season. They are also renowned for their Gundog displays at shows across the North of England including the Great Yorkshire Show.
They work with all the different gundog breeds, but they are particularly passionate about the Cocker spaniel. Ryan is a Kennel Club A panel judge for spaniels and a Kennel Club Accredited Instructor in Working Gundog training; one of only 9 in the UK. Ryan is also Gundog Correspondent for Sporting Gun magazine, and for Shooting Times magazine, writing a monthly article in each.
Ryan and Alison offer 1:1 lessons and group classes at their training centre near York. They also have a series of subscription training videos called SpanielPro.
Both Ryan and Alison compete in Field Trials; these test the working ability of gundogs in competitive conditions, at the highest level. Their team includes eight Field Trial Award winners, including up to the highest level of Field Trial Champion.
They are also involved in breeding quality Cocker spaniels and have four superb Cocker stud dogs with offspring right across the world. They are the proud breeders and owners of the only dog in the country with current Field Trial and Agility awards. Farlavale Gundogs have been brand Ambassadors for VetSpec since it first launched; all their dogs are fed on VetSpec food which ensures they look and feel their best, supporting performance and recovery whether working or competing.
Jayne Harrison Millpoint Pointers
With more than 30 years’ experience breeding and showing pointers, Derbyshire-based Jayne Harrison has a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Jayne’s love for the breed started in 1989 and she has bred and shown many UK champions with her pointers also being very successful all over the world.
Last year Jayne achieved the accolade of taking the Best of Breed award at Crufts and went down to the last eight in the Gundog group with Show Champion Millpoint Hopes N’ Dreams JW SHCM.
Now seven-years-old, she beat more than 280 pointers to take the title looking in superb condition on VetSpec Omega-3 Joint Mobility Formula.
Jayne has fed her pointers on the VetSpec range of super-premium complete dog foods for the last four years and is delighted with the results.
Other successful home-bred pointers include Show Champion Millpoint Heat Wave JW SHCM who was the top winning Pointer in the UK in 2015/16.
Show Champion Millpoint Top Hat N’ Tails JW SHCM is the top stud dog in the breed for the last six years, siring many puppies that have gone on to be prolific show champions.
Jayne is also an Assured Breeder with the Accolade of Excellence and starts her young dogs on VetSpec Puppy & Junior Formula before moving on to VetSpec Healthy Dog and then VetSpec Omega-3 Joint Mobility Formula.
Darren Kirk - Kirkbourne Spaniels
Darren's passion for working with dogs began at an early age, and he has dedicated his career to helping dogs become successful working companions.
Over the years, Darren has developed a deep understanding of canine behaviour and psychology, and he has built his training methods over the years based on learning from dogs actions and reactions to tasks; constantly adapting. Training all gundog breeds his expertise is unmatched.
Darren has been recognised for his outstanding achievements in the field of gundog training, being awarded the title of "Gundog Trainer of the Year" in the UK more than once. This prestigious accolade is a testament to his dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence in his work.
Anna Michna - Nero
Hungarian Vizsla, Nero, is hugely successful in the show ring and is a big part of Anna’s life.
Said Anna: “To be successful in the show ring Nero needs to be fit and well, and in perfect condition.
“For the last three years we have fed him on VetSpec Omega-3 Joint Mobility Formula and it has really helped to keep him looking so well.
“Nero is always super friendly and very active. He is also a stud dog and is a father of three litters. To keep him fit we walk him 10km a day and he likes training and hunting. We spend a lot of time together and have a great partnership."
“I have always loved dogs, and have always had them in the house and used to have pointers but Nero is our first show dog and it is great to have a happy smart and beautiful dog. I can achieve a lot with him and we learn a lot together.”
Agility Dog Trainer Alan Gardner
Alan Gardner has been training dogs for over 30 years and has competed in both Obedience and Agility Competitions. Over the years Alan has seen a change as agility moved from a fun event for obedience / working trial dogs to the fastest growing dog sport in the UK, to a fully international competition.
Along with partner Jackie, Alan runs a dog training business based in Warwickshire called ‘Smart Paws’. The business invests its time in dog training classes from puppy training, agility, obedience, dog behaviour and competition grade classes. Smart Paws believes that enjoyment and fun should be at the heart of dog training and competitions.
Since 2008 ‘Smart Paws’ has been sponsored by VetSpec helping both Alan’s active and retired agility dogs.
