Shropshire County Show: Actors bark up right tree in bank robbery

Eight pet pooches were on top form when they met up last weekend at Baschurch to practice for their one-off appearance at the Shropshire County Show this at the end of the month.

Known as the Roann’s Dog Therapy Team they were rehearsing their cops and robbers-themed demonstration.

Formed by animal behaviourist and keen dog lover Anne Browning, the Roann’s Dog Therapy Team are well known across Shropshire for their fun routines which have ranged from heelwork to rock ‘n’ roll.

Anne has been working with dogs for 40 years and started her career back in the 1970s working in breeding and boarding kennels. She has shown dogs in the show ring, and taught ring craft classes and has taught a great many basic pet obedience classes in the Shrewsbury and Telford area. She is joined by Roland Marks who has been training dogs and working in dog training classes for many years.

The pair have worked hard with the owners of the other dogs to come up with a routine which will keep the crowds entertained but, more importantly, will make sure that the dogs know what to do.

Anne said: “We have spent months working out the routine and the team is made up of a number of dogs who have come to us with behavioural problems. We have worked with them and their owners and they are now able to mix with other dogs and cope with the demands that being in the show ring will bring.

“We give the dogs an activity to look forward to. These are not just pets, they are now working dogs who understand they have a job to do. Bringing them to the show will not only give them a great opportunity to show off all they have learned but also show members of the public just what you can achieve with dogs with all sorts of behavioural problems.”

Catch them at the Greenhous West Mid Showground on May 27.