ENNIS twins have had success again at an Irish Kennel Club obedience competition in Dublin recently.

Nine-year-old Natalie Ryan placed first with her young dog Rita, while her twin Stella placed second with Riley.

They competed against adults from both north and south of the border at the championships show held by the Working Trials Club of Ireland in Tymon Park in Dublin.

Natalie commented, “I was so excited to win! I never thought I would. We were expecting to be competing against other kids but it was all adults there. I am super proud of Rita too. She’s only young but was so calm in the ring”.

Stella was delighted with her place too, “Riley can get a bit worried in the ring and always likes to know that mom is around to reassure her. But working towards this competition has really improved our bond and she was much improved from our last outing. She did her best and I am very happy with that”.

The twins look forward to continuing to compete in obedience over the summer and maybe try their hands at agility too.

Their delighted mother Deirdre said, “It’s a great team effort in the ring between dog and child. There must be trust, affection and co-operation in order to succeed…as well as a lot of fun.

“I hope they are learning good life skills such as empathy, understanding and resilience and of course will have the lifetime skill of being able to train and communicate with all their four-legged friends.”