Harpenden dog 'showed himself in his best light' at Crufts (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Nathan Wilson's dog Mr Darcy 'showed himself in his best light' at Crufts competition

1:20pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Zoe Forsey, Senior Reporter

A Harpenden man and his dog wowed spectators at Crufts with their demonstration of some of the key skills taken on by police canines.

Nathan Wilson, of The Close, and his 5-year-old Weimaraner Mr Darcy gave a taste of working police trials during this year’s competition, which took place from March 7 until March 9.

The father-of-three, who works as a business consultant, said: "I’ve never been to Crufts before so it was mine and my dog’s first experience.

"It was really lovely to take part.

"Mr Darcy really showed himself in his best light.

"I love spending time with my dog. He is a family dog and ultimately he is a pet."

Mr Wilson began dog training when he was 15-years-old.

Since then he has spent time at the Met police’s dog training centre.

The pair were part of a team of six dogs and their owners that performed different working trial skills during the annual competition, which has become one of the biggest of its kind in the world.

Weimaraner dogs are traditionally all purpose gun dogs of an athletic build and are known for their unusual eyes.

Mr Wilson said: "Working trials are like the CSI of dog intelligence. It is what police dogs do.

"The commentator really used the crowd. They really got involved. It was really enjoyable.

"It really demonstrated the level of control and the ability of my dog.

"He is one of the top working trial Weimaraner dogs in the UK."