Who I am as a dog teacher, agility handler and world level competitor is the result of what I have learned from my dogs. I am grateful to them for my career and much of the joy in my life.

With the photos I am sharing with you I tried to show you their hearts and their accomplishments. The photos below are some of my favorite action shots. Enjoy.

Sweep was awarded the Ultimate Dog Award both regionally and nationally by earning the highest combined score in obedience and agility at the same event. Sweep was a diamond in the ruff. He proved that even dogs abandoned at shelters are capable of greatness even when they start their careers as adults. Sweep was a show stopper, he gave every performance his all. Sweep taught me much about getting adult dogs to play with toys in and out of training sessions.

Sweep was awarded the Ultimate Dog Award both regionally and nationally by earning the highest combined score in obedience and agility at the same event. Sweep was a diamond in the ruff. He proved that even dogs abandoned at shelters are capable of greatness even when they start their careers as adults. Sweep was a show stopper, he gave every performance his all. Sweep taught me much about getting adult dogs to play with toys in and out of training sessions.

Brink was my first Border Collie. He put me on the agility map by winning both USDAA Grand Prix and Steeple Chase National events on the same weekend. He went on to win the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge and was a High in Trial obedience dog. Brink was a $35.00 dollar purchase out of a local newspaper. Like Sweep, he proved that dogs with heart and soul are capable of rising to the top without fancy breeding.

I owe Brink what I know about teaching dogs how to collect their stride to turn, and he taught me how to rise to the challenge of a gifted dog.

Ty-Bo had a rocky career, while he was possibly the sweetest and most “biddable” dog I have ever owned, but he was accident prone. While his injuries kept him from making it to the top, the talent and love of training and competing was all there. His USDAA Regional win was one of my proudest moments. I owe Ty much of what I learned to create the One Jump Two Jump program, especially “Zen and the Art of the Rear Cross.”

Quilly Bear literally showed me the world. Having never left North America before, she took me to England in 2010, Belgium in 2011 and Spain in 2012 where we competed for the USA World Agility Team. Because of Quill I have 4 medals in World Competition and I am a World Champion. Quill proved that terriers can have solid long lead-outs and strong contact performances! Quill has the leading role in my FEET FIRST program, she taught me the power of setting consistent lines.

I lovingly call Tux my “masterpiece”, he is capable of extraordinary comprehension on course; any mistakes are mine. Tux’s performance at the 2019 Cynosports National Event landed us on the team event podium (Bronze) and placements in almost every round. COVID prevented participation in 2020 and 2021. Tux showed me the path to fabulous directional skills and helped me create my 2-ON 2-OFF program.

Jigsy was a rescue from an Oregon shelter. He is my most talented demo dog, worth his weight in gold. Jigs represents many agility stars, he shines OUT of the competition arena. He did not develop the deep love of competing that my other dogs have, but he does have a deep love of training and is the best ranch dog and companion a girl could have. Jigs taught me to value my demo dogs, as I cannot produce quality training material without them!

Quiz is my first “sport mix”, he was bred to do dog sports. He is a border collie x terrier mix and has the breed traits I love most in each. Quiz is fun to live with and train, never met a kid he did not adore and is a bonafide work-a-holic. Quiz inspires me everyday to excel as his teacher, handler and partner in competition. The future’s so bright we both need shades!