A NEW dog training facility is coming to Lancashire which promises top of the range equipment, turf and instructors.

Wild Paws Agility was founded by former architect turned director and head trainer Nicola Wildman, from Blackpool, who has trained dogs as a hobby for several years before turning professional and who last year represented England and the Great Britain team at Crufts.

The new indoor agility training centre will be opened in Leyland in July, while Wild Paws already has a centre in Barton.

Ms Wildman said: "The facility is going to be near Centurion Way in Leyland and the surface we are putting in it is the same as Crufts but has a 15 millimetre shock pad underlay which will make it a better surface than Crufts.

"It will be the biggest indoor agility training centre in the UK with the most high-tech facilities."

Lancashire Telegraph:

A range of facilities will be available

Along with competing at Crufts, Ms Wildman brings an incredible range of experience competing at national and international level to the new venture.

At just 14-years-old she was a Kennel Club Judge and was teaching adults and young people alike as a volunteer at Wyre Agility Club.

She has represented both England and GB at international events and has been a member of the winning Nations Cup team as well as representing Britain at the European Open and being selected as a Wild Card at the World Agility Open in 2019.

Meanwhile, many of her previous students have themselves gone on to appear at Crufts and other national and international events, with Ms Wildman hoping that they will soon be joined by future students at the Leyland facility.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Nicola Wildman and her dogs have competed at a range of events

She, and her two border collies Zest and Panache, will be joined by fellow trainers who who bring years of experience working with dogs to the team.

A range of dog training classes will be available for all comers of varying levels of ability.

The trainers are also happy to take on dogs of all sizes, breeds and ability.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Dogs and owners of all abilities will be welcome

The coronavirus pandemic has somewhat complicated Ms Wildman and her fellow trainers' plans, just as it has disrupted all manner of businesses across the UK.

However, as the country emerges from lockdown she hopes that dog training will be an excellent outlet for people and their pets alike to learn new skills and keep fit and healthy.

Ms Wildman said: "We are aiming to open the centre for July but obviously construction programs can vary."

To find out more, go to: https://wildpawsagility.co.uk/.