SOME unusual guests got in on the act when Swindon Dog Dancing School staged its first video competition.

Walcot dog trainer Angelia Richens organised the Valentine's show and attracted entries from a cat, a rabbit and pony.

Pet lovers were asked to submit entries for a variety of different classes before the closing date on February 14 and the results were announced at the weekend.

Angela, who started the school in 2008, said: “People have been training outdoors still so we have been having Zoom meetings instead. 

“People have to perform in such small spaces, which is a challenge when usually it would be in the hall, and some videos were outside in the snow as well as using props.” 

Six judges, including top handlers from Crufts, decided on the rosette winners and categories included Absolute Beginners, Hearts and Flowers and Many Feet. 

She added: “The Anything But A Dog class was a bit unusual for a dog show – but it wasn’t too serious and just a bit of fun.

“People took part up and down the country. I’m thrilled with the effort people put in and I would like to say thank you to everyone for the lovely selection of videos and the amount raised.” 

Winners were sent a rosette and the competition raised more than £250 for Medical Detection Dogs, which carries out research to improve early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases..

Ros Oswald won in the Anything But A Dog class with her cat Max and Labrador Molly. The duo train as a pair and performed to Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better, taking it in turns to perform tricks.

“I got the book How to Clicker Train your Cat from my husband, Chris as a joke for Christmas but it has completely transformed my cat," said Ros. "He was quite scratchy before but now he isn’t. He’s very bright and I just don’t think he was getting enough attention. 

“I usually come last with Molly so it was a real treat that I could do something – even if it was with a cat."

Ruth Medici from Oakhurst came second in the Absolute Beginners class after competing with her Mini Dachshund Roger 

She said: “He’s only 12 months so it was our first time doing it and we loved it. I’ve been teaching him new little tricks and practicing in parks.”

Milka Vojtiskova put her rabbit Oscar into the Anything But A Dog category and was placed third. 

Her nine-year-old son, Daniel also took part finishing third and fourth with their two Miniature Chocolate Poodles, Sian and Celine. 

“Oscar was quite challenging as I got him to do an obstacle course and eat a carrot on a string with some funny music about bunnies," said Milka. "He is really smart and absolutely loved it."

“My son took it very seriously and I got him to play with the dogs to start with while I filmed. It was a new learning curve and the first of this type of show so he did absolutely brilliant.”

Judge Jill Davis, who also entered with her Border Collie Demelza, had to do any combination of three tricks in her category. 

She broke her ankle last year so she had limited mobility but trained her dog to help her. He performed a leaning exercise and also fetched clothes, put things in the laundry basket and bought the post in for her. 

Jill said: “The standard was very high and it was a fun show. There was a lack of space so instead of having lots of routines people did tricks."

“I’ve been putting challenges on Facebook as we haven’t been able to meet but I’m looking forward to being out and training in our group as well as seeing friends.”
The group normally trains at St Andrew's Church Hall in Walcot but had to move online because of the pandemic. 

A Step into Spring competition will be held in the coming months.

To join in, email angela.richens@ntlworld.com