THREE dogs who faced an uncertain life at a rehoming centre have learned skills in obedience and agility.

Inca, four, was classed as unsuitable for rehoming at the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, in Sadberge, near Darlington, because of her aggressive streak.

But Gill Crawford used her skills to tame the German shepherd after giving Inca a home with her four dogs.

Mrs Crawford and her husband, Paul, have run K9 Pursuits, in Sadberge, for ten years, training dogs in obedience, agility and socialisation.

"Rescue dogs deserve as good a chance as any and I felt Inca was an ideal candidate because of her problems," she said.

"Inca is lovely now. The problem will always be there, but she does not lunge out at people anymore and she is competing nationwide in agility classes."

Demand for K9 Pursuits is high, with maximum numbers of handlers attending classes with their dogs.

Two favourites at classes are cross-breed Paddy and greyhound Phoebe, who, like Inca, were rescue pets.

One-year-old Paddy was taken on by Andrea Rogers as a puppy and has sailed through training, while Phoebe, owned by Mary Robson, is more demanding.

"She only lies down if there is a carpet or blanket because she likes her comfort," said Mrs Crawford.