MIDLAND TRIBUNE 17 JUNE 2009

Keith Mathews – probably Ireland’s most reputable dog trainer, famed for his practical refreshing teaching manner and his ability to rehabilitate dogs with extreme behavioural problems and ‘Red Zone Aggression’ – is to appear exclusively at the great Game Fairs of Ireland at Shanes Castle, Antrim and Birr, Co Offaly. A Top TV Dog Trainer, often described as ‘Ireland’s Legendary Dog Whisperer,’ Keith burst onto our TV screens with his own hit dog training series Good Dog Bad Dog, where he demonstrated the art of canine control and obedience, with his usual enthusiasm and waspish humour. Keith also appeared as the canine expert on the BBC’s highly rated topical weekday programme The One Show reaching an estimated audience of around 5 million.

Announcing Keith’s exclusive appearances at Shanes Castle 27th/28th June and at Birr on 22nd/23rd August, Game Fair Director Albert Titterington said: ‘This a real coup for the Great Game Fairs of Ireland. The man behind the renowned Copperbirch Dog Training Academy & Behaviour Centre is a leading figure in canine care and arguably is the most widely recognised trainer in Ireland. And not just in dog training, but in almost every aspect of canine expertise, dog psychology and obedience training, behaviour modification, grooming, showing, nutrition and breeding to name but a few.’

Apart from demonstrating his considerable expertise in training the dog and handler on TV, Keith has had a very successful time with his Labradors in his chosen sport of Field Trialing, by not only making up an Irish Field Trial Champion but also gaining the coveted Irish Kennel Club’s Retriever of the Year accolade.Keith will be giving main arena displays on both days of the Fairs as well as conducting one to one clinics with pet owners on the Irish Countrysports and Country Life magazine stand.

His presence at the Fairs will further enhance the reputation of both events as among the largest and certainly the most varied ‘doggy’ events in Ireland. With International gundog team and individual events; the All Ireland Game Fair All Comers Gundog Handling Championships; the All Ireland Novice Gundog Handling Championships; the dog & gun events; novice and open spaniel, retriever and minor breeds tests; the Gundog Group Show; the parade of gundogs; the 21st All Ireland Annual Terrier & Lurcher Championships – show and racing ; the World of Gundogs Marquee; the dog agility show and demos; the gundog scurry; retriever and spaniel demonstrations; sheep dog displays and horse and hound displays; plus a wide range of trade stands featuring everything the dog owner could possibly want and now Keith, these really are events not to be missed by anyone with any sort of interest in dogs.

‘Added to his unique ability in dog training is the indisputable fact that Keith is a born entertainer, who will have the main arena crowds enthralled with his masterful displays. I have no doubt that our Shanes Castle and Birr audiences will learn a lot from Keith while at the same time enjoying a display choc a bloc with sheer entertainment,’ said Albert. Keith commented: ‘I regard it as a privilege to be asked to represent my craft. To be present at the two Great Game Fairs of Ireland is to be present at the summit of excellence.’ Albert added: ‘Keith’s success is characterised by his no nonsense hands-on approach. He is often consulted when all other avenues have been explored and failed. He has that rare quality, instant rapport and an apparent mystical bond with dogs and Keith will be on hand to chat to dog owners eager to learn from this renowned expert.’