Puppy Hero Beats the Odds to be Named Puppy of the Year

Puppy School™ ‘Pup of the Year 2007’ triumphs over adversity

A Papillion dog called Rio from Cornwall has been named Puppy School™ ‘Pup of the Year 2007’ having helped his family overcome illness and gain confidence, despite a very shaky start to his own life.

Rio’s owner, Mrs Kelf, said “Rio helped me recover from a long period of ill health. He gave me a reason to get up and start going outside again. He took the focus off me when people stopped to admire him, making my recovery so much easier.” 

Maureen Howard-Smith, Puppy School™ tutor from Liskeard, Cornwall, who worked with Rio, said “Rio had emotional problems himself when the owners got him at 8 weeks old, having been kept in a small crate and not socialised. But together we worked on strategies to help him become more outgoing and sociable, and watched him grow from a tiny frightened pup who hid under the chairs to a handsome young dog who trotted in the hall with his head held high.”

The family have 3 daughters aged from 11 – 17, two of which have learning difficulties.  Rio has helped them to gain confidence and give them a sense of responsibility.  “Considering how small he is, Rio has made a huge difference to our family” said Mr Kelf.

Gwen Bailey, Founder and MD of Puppy School™ commented “Rio is the embodiment of all that is good about Puppy School™.  With some sound advice from our tutor, he has developed into a well-adjusted, happy, well-trained little dog that has brought the owner and her family so much pleasure.  We are very pleased to be part of this dog/owner success story.”

Puppy School is a network of UK puppy training classes and tutors sent nominations from all over the country.  Rio and the other winners were awarded their prizes at the Dogs at the Lodge event in the Forest of Dean on Sunday (9th Sept) where Royal Canin provided trophies and prizes of bags of dog food. 

Runners up were two brothers from Cheshire, Will and Charlie Fletcher with their pups Mischief and Daisy.  Puppy School™ tutor Karen Ingram said “They are a great example of how a wonderful relationship can develop between children and dogs if they are shown the right way.  These boys listened really hard in classes and worked very hard to develop the techniques and skills needed to produce well-behaved, lovely dogs.”

Third place was awarded to Roxie, an Australian Cattle Dog from Surrey who overcame giardia and being deaf in one ear to become one of Puppy School’s star, and Katie, a Miniature Schnauzer puppy from Edinburgh was fourth.

For further information, please visit www.puppyschool.co.uk

Highly Recommended: This could be the most important link you EVER click as far as your dog’s life is concerned – see why….!