Alexa and Loki aim for more competition success after Crufts third place
The Glynllifon student and her border collie impressed the judges on their debut at the world’s most famous dog show
Coleg Glynllifon student Alexa Healey is looking forward to more competitions with her border collie Loki after a third-placed finish at Crufts this year.
Alexa, who studies Level 3 Animal Management, won third place in the Young Kennel Club Novice Obedience category, for trainers aged 18 to 24.
It was her first time competing at the world’s most famous dog show, making her achievement all the more impressive.
“Crufts was amazing,” said Alexa. “It was a good experience - a bit scary because it was my first time competing, but winning third place with Loki was really cool.
“I haven’t competed in obedience for that long, so to be able to get to Crufts and win third place was amazing.”
Alexa also competes with Loki in flyball (a ball-based agility sport for dogs), and is planning to compete in qualifiers for Crufts 2026.
“There are quite a few competitions throughout the year so I travel across the country competing in different ones,” she said. “Usually I’ll go to a few each month. I’m hoping to go to some of the Crufts qualifiers and hopefully do the experience all over again.”
Alexa believes her course at Glynllifon is providing an ideal foundation as she targets a career working with animals.
She said: “I love the practical side of it. I love how you’re able to go in and be hands-on with the animals, while also having the theory side to back it up. I think it really helps your understanding of animal care.
“In the future there are a few things I’d like to do. I’d either like to do dog training, or just working with animals, maybe as a zookeeper or in veterinary care, or even something like working in kennels. I just love dogs, so being able to be around dogs would just be amazing.”
Rebecca King, lecturer in Animal Care at Glynllifon, said: “Alexa and Loki have both worked extremely hard for this wonderful achievement and I wish them every success in their future competitions.”
Do you want to work in the animal and veterinary sector? Glynllifon offers a range of courses from Level 1 upwards, including apprenticeships in Veterinary Nursing. Learn more here