Marianne Tembey – judge for level 2 at Comber

A glorious morning when we started out but as the day went on it turned a little chilly and some light rain. This did not put any of the competitors off though.

Everyone was really happy to be at the their first level 2 trial at this venue. I was extremely honoured to have been asked to judge at the first level 2 trial in Northern Ireland. So thank you to all concerned – Lesley Clements especially for organising everything. Also thank you to Ronnie McAlesse for the fabulous venue and to Laura Kirk for being a great trial manager. Plus the lovely lunch, most enjoyable.

As the tables and chairs got under way I saw some lovely searching from the dogs. Only two of them did not find both. This was very new to a few of the handlers who had only competed at level 1 previously. As the day wore on they were all happy that they understood about the first article being removed and the timer stopping. Everyone took advantage of this to reward their dogs after the first find.

Next we moved onto the vehicle search. We had three vehicles ready. The scent was on each of the outside cars so the one in the middle was clean. A couple of dogs took their time checking the vehicles. Five found both scents. Nicky with Bobbi was having a tough time and did not find either but had done a fabulous search on the tables and chairs earlier. Copper handled by Lynda did a super search finding both in under 46 seconds.

The boxes and luggage search went really well with some fabulous searching from Ronnie with Flora giving the fastest time. Duster handled by Janine (who went on to win) was the next fastest and he proved to be a fabulous boy in all the searches.

The exterior search and by now it was a little drizzly but that did not put anyone off from some fabulous searches. The fastest here was Antoinette with Buddy in 28 seconds, redeeming himself from a very slow vehicle search. Better to be slow and call it correctly though.

Jillian with Humphrey had a good day with Humphrey being very consistent with his timings. Lesley with Gavita also had a great day with lovely searching from Gavita and superb handling from Lesley.

Debbie with Hollie and Nicky with Bobbi did not qualify today but both dogs did some lovely searching and today was just not their day. I look forward to watching both of these dogs coming back and qualifying next time.

All in all it was a fabulous trial, beautifully run and a lovely lunch provided. Thank you again to all concerned as I had a great time.

I was so privileged to watch your fabulous dogs and hope you all had a great day.
Marianne