My country memories

Weekends with her beagle-breeding grandmother and summer holidays in Wales nurtured dog trainer Victoria Stilwell's love of animals

‘I loved spending time at my grandmother's; in Medmenham, on the Thames in Buckinghamshire. She was passionate about her dogs. Twice a day we'd walk them along the river accompanied by the sound of woodcocks and pigeons cooing. Beagles are hunting dogs so we'd have one on the lead and one off, because a scent would spark their pack instinct and together they'd make a run for it

‘On my holidays on Pantyderi farm in Boncath in Pembrokeshire, I learnt how Mr Jones would work his sheepdogs. They were border collies, and he taught me a bit of how to do the whistles and commands. I was more interested in acting, but I found it fascinating. This was my first taster of dog training.'

Victoria Stilwell is a dog trainer and presenter of Channel 4's ‘It's Me or the Dog'. Her latest book, ‘It's Me or the Dog: Fat Dog Slim' (Collins, £16.99) is out now. For her current and forthcoming projects, visit www.victoriastilwell.com.