A DOG trainer from Moreton has won first place at Crufts 2023 with eight-year-old Yoshi.

Julie Rowlands, 54, set up Daislen Dog Obedience Training Club in 2013. She has trained and helped owners up and down the country with obedience skills and more.

Since 2009, Julie has competed in nine Obedience Championship competitions and two Northern Team Inter-Regional competitions at Crufts.

On Sunday (March 12) Julie and her Border Collie Yoshi competed in the Obedience Championships for Dogs competition.

Competition day

Speaking to the Globe about the day, Julie said: "I set my alarm for about 3.45am. Me and Yoshi went out for a walk.

"We got to the competition about 6am. The first dog did their round at 9am."

Julie and Yoshi were 13th to perform out of 23 and they performed their round for the judge.

She said: "It was quite good we were 13th because it was right in the middle. We could watch a few dogs work the round and see how it works.

"By the time I got in with Yoshi it was about 11am. It was a very testing round and you had to really concentrate. I knew if I got it right for Yoshi he would be fine.

"It was just a major buzz because he gave me 110% of his ability and I couldn't have asked for any more from him."

Once all of the dogs have worked their round, they then have to perform scent. 

A pattern is put out of 10 cloths on the floor by the judge with decoys and the dog must find the correct scented cloth.

Julie was apprehensive as some other dogs had failed the task but Yoshi was successful.

"He will never give up. He will keep going. It took him around three and a half minutes to find the right cloth. He couldn't have done any better", she said.

Julie also talked about her reaction to the win.

"I just can't believe it. It still hasn't sunk in," she said.

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"It was fantastic. You know when you're just so taken back? Winning Crufts is the ultimate."

Looking to 2024

As Yoshi came in first place, he automatically qualifies for Crufts 2024.

Julie hopes to qualify Yoshi's son, Koopa (3) so they can both compete together next year.

Wirral Globe: Julie also wants Koopa to qualify for CruftsJulie also wants Koopa to qualify for Crufts (Image: Julie Rowlands)

She said: "My ultimate dream has always been to have two of my dogs to qualify together for Crufts.

"It's a big ask for him because he's still young but how magical would it be to have a father and son at Crufts?"

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