Introducing the New Obedience Liaison Council

Annette Boulter

Annette’s passion for obedience began at 11 when her family’s Standard Poodle joined Willesden DTC. By 14, she was competing with her own puppy, Ticket, advancing quickly to Championship C. After pausing to focus on her engineering career, she stayed involved as a steward and judge, supporting her parents, both Championship C judges. A decade ago, she returned to competing socially, now training a young Rottweiler while continuing to steward and judge up to Open C level. Annette is an engineer and Chartered Accountant, diagnosed autistic at 49, and values being part of the obedience community.

Clare Williams

Clare is honoured to serve on the Obedience Liaison Council and is a passionate advocate for Competitive Obedience. Since starting in 2004 with Chesvale Dog Training Club, she has taught, judged, stewarded, and served as Show Secretary and Chief Steward. Clare holds Kennel Club Accredited Instructor qualifications in Competitive Obedience, Companion Dog Training, and Rescue and Rehoming. She shares her life with two rescue Staffie crosses, Sprout and Cauli, and a young mixed breed, Turnip. Retired from commercial and charity leadership, Clare volunteers as an instructor and serves as Club Secretary at Chesvale.

Dawn Cox

Dawn has represented the Midlands on the Obedience Liaison Council for four years and has over 55 years’ involvement in competitive obedience, starting at age 10. She began stewarding and competing at lower levels and, for the past two decades, has been active with the Kennel Club’s GCDTS and Special Pre Beginner Stakes. Dawn competes regularly at Championship and C levels with two Collies and judges obedience events. A retired NHS physiotherapist, she was also a behavioural pet dog instructor, enjoys scentwork, and looks forward to promoting obedience through the Council and Kennel Club.

John Higgins

John has over 50 years of dog training experience and more than 40 years competing in obedience. He has embraced the sport’s shift toward positive, reward-based methods. John has produced two Obedience Champions and qualified five dogs for Championship C level; his current dog, Luca, competes at Open C Level. He has judged widely across the UK and Europe and is passionate about supporting newcomers into the sport and creating the conditions for them to stay and progress. Advocating for building young dogs’ confidence with rewarding experiences in the ring, John believes obedience’s future relies on listening to competitors and organisers. He looks forward to hearing the views of the obedience community about how to grow the sport nationally and in Europe.

Kathy Russell

Kathy has served three years on the Activities Committee and five years representing the North West on the Obedience Liaison Council. Since 1980, she has judged obedience in the UK and abroad, awarding Challenge Certificates since 1991, with a career highlight judging the 2001 Crufts Obedience Championships. Based in Cheshire since 1999, Kathy has competed for 48 years, producing ten Obedience Champions, six home-bred. She currently competes with four Border Collies at Championship C, all qualified for Crufts 2026. Passionate about the sport, Kathy is committed to training newcomers and advancing obedience through community engagement.

Lesley Holmes

Lesley is a qualified physiotherapist with 35 years of NHS experience, currently supporting clinical service redesign. She brings over 20 years of obedience involvement to her role on the Obedience Liaison Council. Her first Golden Retriever took her from pre-beginner to working, and she has twice competed in the Inter-Regional at Crufts. She now works two Goldens at B and C levels. A judge since 2016, Lesley regularly officiates and recently served as Team Manager for the 2025 Crufts Obedience Championship Judge. She co-founded Micheldever OTC in 2019 and is passionate about helping shape the future of obedience.

Lou Holmes

Lou brings extensive experience and enthusiasm to the Obedience Liaison Council. She began her obedience journey with the Young Kennel Club before an international career working as a groom with event horses, including at Olympic competition. Returning to obedience while working at Hearing Dogs, Lou has been an active competitor, recently reaching Championship level. She enjoys stewarding and judging, earning the right to judge Championship classes with her first appointment next year. Lou is also a dog trainer specializing in nosework and has 25 years in search and rescue, serving as a national assessor for Lowland Search Dogs. She values the obedience community and its future.

Michael McCartney

Michael’s passion for dogs began in 1969 when he joined a dog club in Belfast. He is currently Head Trainer and Chairperson of Lisburn & District Dog Training Club, which focuses on positive reinforcement. The club uniquely hosts Northern Ireland’s only Obedience Ticket show and a Championship Agility show. Michael runs Glencraig Canine Training, offering puppy, Good Citizen, and competitive obedience classes, alongside behavioural consultations. He is an RKC Accredited Trainer and Assistant Chief Obedience Steward at Crufts. A long-standing Obedience Liaison Council member, Michael is dedicated to supporting and growing the sport’s future

Sheilagh Hyde

Sheilagh has been an Area Representative on the Obedience Liaison Council for four years and is happy to continue. Since starting competitive obedience, she has served as judge, steward, and scoreboard operator. She was Show Secretary for over 20 years, mainly for the Midlands Border Collie Club’s Championship/Open Show weekend. Co-managing the original ObedienceUK Facebook group and a Show Secretaries group, she also helps with four Walsall shows. A familiar face at Crufts, Sheilagh updates ringside scores on Championship days. Based in the Midlands, she regularly supports local shows and the obedience community.