Three dogs from the Isle of Man will be part of the regional team competing at one of the world’s most prestigious dog shows next month.

A new obedience regime called Rally will be included for the first time at Crufts this year.

Dog trainer Debbie Martin from Ramsey, who runs her own dog training classes, Busy Bee Dog Training, will be one of the island’s contingent taking part.

She said: ’This is the first time there has been a competition for Rally at Crufts,’ she said.

’It takes the form of a course - pre-set by judges - with exercise stations and instructions for what the dog has to do at each one.

’As they progress up the levels, the tasks get more complex.

’And it really challenges you as to how well you work in a team with your dog.’

Mrs Martin will be competing with her terrier/Austrian shepherd dog cross, Fred.

She will be joined at Crufts by Karen Westcott, from Port St Mary, with her border collie Maddie and Carol Lewin, from Colby, with her border collie Ash.

For competition purposes, the Isle of Man is counted in the same region as Northern Ireland, which will be fielding a Spanish and a Portugese water dog and a poodle. Teams from other regions around the UK will also be taking part.

The discipline is fast gaining recognition and its supporters say it helps to improve dogs’ obedience, provides welcome mental stimulation for dogs, has an active social scene and is open to any breed of dog, not just pedigrees.