One of WODAC’s (World of Dogs and Cats) founding members Beth Babbin made herself available to answer questions from an industry outsider on 27 June. The weather conditions didn’t deter owners of a variety of breeds of puppies arriving for their class at her school’s Wetnose Canine Training grounds in Honeydew. As she conducted a tour of her grounds while she explained the day’s lesson, it became apparent that not only is she knowledgeable about dogs, training and their behaviour but she is also very generous with this information for those willing to listen and learn.
Despite walking and talking at the same time, Babbin watched the puppies as they worked in lessons conducted by members of her team. At the end, she briefed individual owners about aspects of their pet’s behaviour.
Once the lesson was complete, she focused her attention on how WODAC was founded. “Brian and Sharon Blades, and (my husband) David and I go way back. David was chairperson of the Doberman Club Natal and Brian Blades was Vice Chairperson and the relationship has continued. We started talking about doing something special – there was very little available to showcase pedigree and ordinary domestic dogs and the activities in which they are able to participate.”
She organises the puppy display at WODAC and hand picks the twelve puppies, all of different breeds, which will be used. Babbin also runs the Canine Good Citizen test, an international test that focuses on the relationship between the owner and their dog.
Although WODAC is a standalone organisation, the breed show is regulated by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa and the standard of breed judging and dog dancing adheres to international regulations. It is a private venture so the organisation has to be meticulous. Brian and Sharon Blades do the bulk of the organising from Durban, with a very good backup team in Johannesburg and full use is made of Gallagher Estate’s facilities – the restaurants are open and there is plenty parking, including disabled parking.
Details: Beth Babbin 011 795 2966 or 072 986 1685.
