Golden retriever Rafa, bearded collie Colby and cairn terrier Breeshey are to represent Northern Ireland in the Crufts Inter-Regional Rally competition.

This will be the first time all three dogs have taken part in a major event, with two competing in the top two levels of the rally.

Handlers Carol Lewin, Liz Gibbon and Linda Nicol have been working hard with Debbie Martin of Busy Bee Dog Training, Ramsey, to prepare the entrants ahead of the obedience competition at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on March 8.

Debbie said: ’We took part in the first inter-regional rally at Crufts, which was last year, and had one of our three entrants get placed.

’The rally includes seven regions in the UK and the Isle of Man is teamed up with Northern Ireland, of which I am the assistant manager for.

’It’s a very unique atmosphere at Crufts, as there is nothing else like it and it’s a very prestigious event to go too.

’The dogs and handlers are starting to get a little nervous the closer they get to the date, but I think they will do just fine! They are on regular training to help build up confidence to still their nerves on the day.

’Taking part does add many dimensions, as there are people watching you and you have the pressure of being part of a team. The noise level is also very different.’

She explained dogs can be awarded up to 200 points, and will have points removed if the dogs are not paying attention, sniffing around or having to be given additional cues from their handler during the rally. They need to have 175 points or more to qualify for the round.

In the team of seven dogs, dogs competes at different levels, with level six being the highest. The rules also ensure there is a mixture of border collies/ working sheepdogs, crossbreeds and other single breeds.

Rafa, who is six or seven years old, is at level six, Breeshey, who is aged five, is at level five and Colby is at level two.

Debbie said: ’The exercises become progressively harder until you reach level six, giving you more choices for exercises along the way. Once you get to level six, you have 63 options to choose from.’

Debbie, who has helped train dogs to take part in rallies for about four years, is delighted that the island has a range of breeds competing this year.

’It’s a bit of a change to the usual border collies! Rafa is as honest as the day is long and he always tries his socks off to make his mum proud. Breeshey and Colby are great, but can have their mischievous moments.’

Debbie said rallies are becoming increasingly popular, especially as a wide range of breeds that can take part.

’We’ve trained dogs from the tiniest of terriers to Bernese Mountain dogs,’ she said. ’A lot of people are realising that any dog can have a go at it.’