Lindsey and Koba join NI obedience team at Crufts for the first time
The Northern Ireland Obedience Team has been busy training at Glen-Craig Canine Training Centre in Lisburn ahead of Crufts 2026, which will be held from March 5-8 at the NEC in Birmingham.
Lisburn woman Lindsey McDowell and her canine companion Koba have been selected to join the team for the first time.
Lindsey, who attended dog training classes at Glen-Craig, was shocked when her Labrador Koba was chosen to join the Northern Ireland team and they have been working very hard to perfect their skills for the prestigious dog show.
Lindsey got her first dog, a terrier, just eight years ago and began training classes at Glen-Craig.
Sadly he passed away at a young age but thanks to Michael from Glen-Craig, Lindsey found Koba, who quickly proved his talent at obedience training.
"I started training Koba for the Kennel Club Citizenship Certificate,” Lindsey explained.
"Koba is delighted to be out and will do whatever you ask of him.”
After completing the initial training, it was clear to everyone that Koba excelled at obedience work and Michael’s wife suggested Lindsey apply to be part of the Northern Ireland team for Crufts.
"I put an application into the team manager and then had to try out and got selected from there,” Lindsey continued.
"I really didn’t know if we were ready but I was very pleasantly surprised when I was picked.
"I have had a lot of support from the club and from trainers to get him up to the standard we need.”
Koba and Lindsey will be competing at the beginners stage, completing exercises in front of judges to show off their skills.
"Beginners is the most straightforward set of exercises,” Lindsey explained.
"It looks straightforward when you watch but it’s all about the dogs and their position.”
Lindsey is looking forward to the experience, which has already brought her even closer to Koba during their training.
"I am nervous and excited in equal measure,” she admitted. “I got into this as a way to spend time with my dog and increase our relationship. It is lovely to see that paying off.”
You can support the team by donating online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-northern-ireland-dog-obedience-team-reach-crufts
Crufts will be screened on Channel 4 and More 4, where you can catch Lindsey, Koba and the Northern Ireland team in action.