Super six from Diss and Harleston Dog Training Club competing at Crufts

A dog trainer has been watching on with pride as six of her students take part in one of the world’s most famous dog shows.

Hazel Troth, who runs Diss and Harleston Dog Training Club in Thorpe Abbotts with her daughter Suzanne Walker, said it was a fantastic achievement for a small club to have so many participants battling it out at Crufts 2025, which finishes today.

The club, which was only started five years ago, has a membership of around 25 people, meaning that just qualifying for this showpiece event is a feat in itself.

Mrs Troth said: “I think it is a fantastic achievement as we are probably one of the smallest clubs in the country.

“I ran a big training club in Kent before moving here and did not intend to start another one, but people found out I trained, competed and judged and the club has just grown from there.”

The club has something else to boast about as it has three of its members in the final of the Young Kennel Club (YKC) special pre-beginner obedience stakes.

“There are only about 30 in that final, so to have three there is such an achievement,” said Mrs Troth.

Laura Lloyd is competing in the YKC special pre-beginner final with her one-year-old Boudicca, and also in the yearling class with her one-year-old Aelfwynn.

Nine-year-old Bonnie Lloyd is competing with her two-year-old cocker spaniel, Bonnie’s Biscuit, in the six-11 age group and in the special pre-beginners final.

The club will also see the last competitive outing for one of its members.

Beatrice Rolf’s 12-year-old cocker spaniel Merry will take on the YKC basic and pre-beginner final in the 12-18 age groups before retiring.

She also has Pippi, a three-year-old cross breed, who will be competing in the YKC basic, novice and special pre-final.

“This is certainly the biggest number of members I have had at the competition and it just shows how well we have done, probably making us one of the most successful clubs in the area,” said Mrs Troth.

Completing the group will be Gillian Blakesley, who will compete in the special pre-beginners class with her three-year-old border collie Clifford; Laura Danks, who will line up with her King Charles spaniel Isla in the veteran and breed classes, as well as 11 month-old cavalier King Charles spaniel Edward in the puppy and junior breed classes; and Julie Thomas, who will be hoping Moose can impress.

Another member, Kelsey McHenry qualified for the 18-24 age group in the YKC special pre-beginners class with her dog Fly, but will not be competing.

On the eve of the competition, Mrs Troth said: “I wish all our members who are competing good luck. We, as a club, are progressing really well and this proves that.”

Diss and Harleston Dog Training Club trains twice a week, not only for competitions but for those wanting to know the basics of obedience, and run a yearly show over the Easter weekend at Stonham Barns.

For more on the club, go to its website or Facebook page.