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.

Graham Armstrong

Graham has been involved in competitive obedience for many years, both as a competitor and as part of the wider community. Acting as Chief & ring steward at many shows as well as recently being his judging journey. Through that involvement, he's seen first-hand both what makes obedience so enjoyable. The training, partnership and above all, community. Alongside this, he has extensive experience in representative roles as a trade union officer. Where listening to different perspectives and making balanced decisions is key. Graham is honoured to have been appointed to the Obedience Liaison Council and looks forward to contributing in a positive and constructive way, supporting the sport with the help of the community and helping ensure it remains accessible, sustainable and enjoyable for everyone in the years to come.

Jodie O’Connell

Jodie is a comparative 'newbie' having started her journey in obedience six years ago. But her passion for the sport and ensuring it thrives is evident! Jodie started obedience with her 'quirky' terrier after dabbling in the full gauntlet of canine sports with both her Jack Russells and she's never looked back. A self-professed 'professional pre-beginner' but seasoned steward, having stewarded up to C, Jodie is very much looking forward to playing her part in helping Competitive Obedience grow!

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.

Kamal Fernandez

Kamal Fernandez is a professional dog trainer and dog sports coach with over 30 years of experience in competitive obedience, having competed successfully up to Championship level. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply involved in the sport, both as a competitor and a judge, contributing across a variety of roles within the obedience community. Kamal now travels internationally, helping handlers overcome training challenges and develop high-level performance in their dogs, with a particular focus on obedience. He is passionate about education, coaching, and supporting others to reach their goals within the sport. As the owner and trainer of 16 dogs across a range of breeds, Kamal actively participates in multiple dog sports while continuing to refine his own training and handling skills. Alongside this, he balances family life, raising his daughter, and remains committed to mentoring and supporting others within the obedience world. It is both an honour and a privilege for Kamal to be part of the OLC, and to give back to a community he holds close—one he proudly considers family.

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.