Meet the team!
DAWG’s classes are instructed by our wonderful and experienced members who are volunteers that share their knowledge to help you and your dog on your agility journey, learn more about your Instructor and their dogs
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Name
Cherie Picking How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2017, 2.5 years Dog/s Tank – 3 year old Border Collie x Huntaway. Tank is my first agility dog, and is often mistaken at shows for a pony. He is regularly commented on due to his size, and his unique feature of one ear up and one ear down. Camo – 2 year old Border Collie. Camo is supposed to be for my husband to run, but I may yet steal him back as my own! He is another unique looking dog, and not to be left out decided to grow almost as big as Tank. It has been suggested that perhaps I shouldn’t have fed him whatever I fed Tank…….I am getting a reputation for growing big dogs. Best dog agility memory I competed with Tank at our first Agility Nationals in 2018. He performed exceptionally for me in a tough environment (noise and number of people and dogs) – doing well enough in his runs to make the Jumpers C finals (one of 21 dogs, and one of 6 maxis), and going clear in the finals. This was a massive achievement for our first nationals. I was so nervous going into the finals, knowing everyone stops to watch, but was well supported by other seasoned club members who walked the course with me and reassured me we could do it. It was a terrifying but very exciting experience. What do you love most about dog agility? Spending time with my dogs doing things they love, learning new things myself, and making great friends who are just as passionate about agility and dogs as I am. I also enjoy helping others getting started on their agility journeys, hoping they catch the agility bug like I do. What got you into dog agility in the first place? I remember being young and watching TUX wonder dogs, and thinking that was what I wanted to be able to train a dog to do. I bought a puppy with no agility knowledge myself at the time, but knowing that was what I wanted to do, and taking a guess that as a working breed mix he would okay. I was very fortunate that he loves it just as much as I do! Do you train in any other dog sports? I am officially a dog sport addict! We currently, in addition to agility, compete in:
Words of advice to those who are new to agility Don’t give up. The perseverance when things aren’t going so well pays off. It would be hard to see it now, but when Tank started he was more interested in running off and saying hi to other dogs and people halfway around the course, including in the middle of a round at champs shows. And practice at home. Even 5 minutes a night makes a huge difference. Swap it up with trick training for fun and brain exercise. Anything else? If your ever unsure about anything, just ask us! :) |
Tank
Camo
Cherie and Tank at NZDAC 2018
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Hana How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2017- about 18 months Dog/s Current dogs is my tri coloured border collie named Skylar and black mini poodle named Xena Past dogs: I used to train my neighbors fox terrier as I didn't have my own dog at the time. What do you love most about dog agility? Just being able to spend time with my dog doing a fun sport. What got you into dog agility in the first place? I would go with my mother to trainings and competitions and then started competing with someone else's dog in the top classes and then got offered my own dog. Do you train in any other dog sports? My mother does Rally-o with my dogs but I don't do it myself Words of advice to those who are new to agility To have fun and everything takes time, over time things will click into place for your dog, don't rush anything. |
Hana and Skylar
Hana and Skylar
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Katrina De Meo Nickname Kat How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2017- 2 years Dog/s Minnie (Mini Schnauzer) 4yrs Daisy (Mini Poodle) 2 1/2 yrs Xena (Mini Poodle) 2yrs Best dog agility memory Getting that first piece of cardboard.. its what gets you hooked What do you love most about dog agility? The successes whether they are big or small and the friends you make along the way What got you into dog agility in the first place? Have always wanted to try agility from the days of Tux Wonder Dogs Do you train in any other dog sports? Compete in Rally-O on the odd occasion Words of advice to those who are new to agility Have fun and focus only on your journey and no one elses |
Katrina and Skylar
Minnie
Daisy and Xena
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Name
Kim Paice How many years have you been training in dog agility? On and off trainer for 5 years. Started doing agility in 1998, in Rotorua. Dog/s Chance – Labrador/collie X – rescue dog & first agility dog, now deceased. Trusted no one at the start but agility changed her life. The most trusting and loyal dog I have ever owned. Deefa. Free spirited dalmation who was more interested in parading around with his toy than doing agility but with some serious focus work, agility became his favourite game till he developed spondoloysis. Beau – Huntaway/Blue Heeler – adopted at 12 months –Loved his agility from day one and still would like to be doing it even if his hips says otherwise. Bolt – Foxy X – adopted at 5 months – currently working through physical injuries. Challenging but super cool dog Best dog agility memory Too many to mention but 2 that stand out would have to be Deefa’s first ever clear round, 2nd show. I was more excited about the clear round than the 1st place he had won in starters!! From then on, it was no stopping him and was regularly placed even at national level, winning over 70 ribbons over 3 different sport codes. The second one is gaining Beau’s last AD in Nelson to gain ADX and JD in appalling weather conditions What do you love most about dog agility? It enhances your relationship with your dog. Have had so many fun trips away with both Rotorua and DAWG clubs and the opportunities of competing at National competitions. What got you into dog agility in the first place? I went along to a local obedience club to get some help in training a dog that we had rescued. I got arm twisted to give agility ago. The best move ever! Do you train in any other dog sports? Currently competing in RallyO and Nosework with Beau (now retired from agility) and Bolt to give him confidence Words of advice to those who are new to agility Train the dog in front of you, teach the foundations well and above all, have fun with your dog. Anything else? If your ever unsure about anything, just ask us! :) |
Beau, Kim and Bolt
Beau
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Krissie Shew Nick name? Krista (My name is actually Krista and my nickname is Krissie, but everyone at club knows me as Krissie) :) How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2014, 4 years Dog/s Huck - he's a black Kelpie who comes from a line of working farm dogs, and Fei - she's our new pup, also a Kelpie but brown, unsure of her history as she is a re home but have been told she also comes from a line of working farm dogs. Best dog agility memory My first clear round with Huck at our ribbon trail (he normally runs for Frazer my partner so I don't compete with him a lot). What do you love most about dog agility? Huck loves it!! Its fun, so rewarding when you and your dog 'get it', it creates a special bond with you and your pooch. Plus, I love to watch the senior doggies navigate their way around a senior course, so cool! We also have a super club with awesome members :) What got you into dog agility in the first place? Huck is a Kelpie, you cannot physically tire these breeds, they need mental stimulation. He loves to learn. It's a great way of keeping him out of trouble. Do you train in any other dog sports? We train Flygility with Huck as well, it's a form of Agility, but involves the dog navigating a course without you by their side, hitting a box, catching a tennis ball, and bringing it back to you through the course, all while racing a dog in the ring next to you (as oppose to racing on time which is how agility works). Huck really loves Flygility, he loves the thrill of racing against another dog. Words of advice to those who are new to agility There are so many methods to training your dog, ask for advice on various methods and see what works best for you and your pooch. Just give it a go, once you and your dog can get around a simple course make sure you sign up for some ribbon trails, and of coourse keep up the practise at home - it makes a world of difference. Anything else? If your ever unsure about anything, just ask us! :) |
Krissie and Huck
Krissie and Huck
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Louise Williams Nick name? Used to be called Loo! How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 1992, 26 years Dog/s First dog Tor, a GSD x Great Dane, slow but a great first dog. 5 border collies and 2 papillons since then. Bee (BC) was the second dog in NZ to get into Jumpers A, was one of a 3 team dog at NZDAC, and was an agility champion. Main dogs now are Gnat and Fluke, with Cricket waiting in the wings. Best dog agility memory Kaz my first BC getting his first clear round and a win by 12 seconds after competing for 4 ½ years. Fielding show where Kaz had 4 wins in the weekend. Bee (BC) getting Ag Ch. What do you love most about dog agility? The camaraderie with club members and good friends at training and shows. What got you into dog agility in the first place? First I saw a demo at a huge South Island breed show before I had dogs. Then I saw an agility demo at a country show in England years later when I had a dog. I put my name down and started a few months later. Do you train in any other dog sports? Used to do Fly but only agilty now. Words of advice to those who are new to agility Don't take it too seriously but play to win. Be kind to your dog and to yourself. |
Louise and Gnat
Louise and Gnat at NZDAC 2018
Louise and Fluke
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Liz Barlow How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2004, 14 years Dog/s Dixie JD RN ZA HDN NTD CGCF –Yorkshire terrier the shortest dog to gain a jumpers dog title . Polly, JAX ADX RN mini poodle Frank RN mini poodle. just starting out on his agility journey. Best dog agility memory Bringing Polly back from injury and winning novice on her first show back in the ring What do you love most about dog agility? The unique relationship you build with your dog and all the great friends who love nothing more than talking about dogs for hours. What got you into dog agility in the first place? I was reading a book about Yorkshire terriers before I got my first dog (Dougal the yorkie). It mentioned agility can be a fun hobby. It didn't mention that did sport is addictive and all consuming. Do you train in any other dog sports? We also dabble in Rally O and trick training. In recent years I've gained an appreciation of conditioning and strength training for dogs Words of advice to those who are new to agility Keep it fun. |
Liz and Polly
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Lucy Tannahill How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2013. I have been training in agility since I was 11, so 5 years. Dog/s The first dog I trained in agility was Nugget who is a border collie x. After competing with him for a year I began training his littermate, Natcho who is still competing now. In 2016 I bought my own puppy, Cino, to train from scratch and it has been quite an adventure. Best dog agility memory My best agility memory would have to be being a part of the winning zone team at NZDAC 2018 with Cino. What do you love most about dog agility? I love seeing improvements in the dogs and handlers, also watching the top dogs at competitions doing their thing. What got you into dog agility in the first place? I taught both Nugget and Natcho to jump over various things in the backyard before joining DAWG and never looking back. Do you train in any other dog sports? I have only properly trained and competed in agility but was tempted to do obedience with Cino as his dad really excels at it. Words of advice to those who are new to agility Keep practising at home to get the best out of your dog and be prepared to get hooked! |
Lucy and Cino
Cino
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Mike Butler How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 1993, so 25 years Dog/s Past - Tip (Staffy x), Ben (BC) Ella (Kelpie) Rapid (BC) Current Idol (Heading Dog) Toby (Xbreed) I have also competed with Shiloh (Viszla) Freya (BC/Labrador) Silvie (Bichon Frise) Best dog agility memory Idol being the bst Maxi Dog in Senior final at NZDAC (only maxi not to get a D) What do you love most about dog agility? That the dogs have so much fun What got you into dog agility in the first place? Someone at obedience mentioned it – I took Tip and after a year of agility she refused to do obedience as it was boring. Do you train in any other dog sports? Obedience, Show, Rally-o, Breed etc Idol and Toby do Rally-O. In the past I have done Flygility. Tip and Ben competed in Obedience. Words of advice to those who are new to agility Your dog doesn't know if it went clear. Just let it have fun. |
Mike with Toby (Left) and Idol (Right)
Idol
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Marian Holman Nickname Maz How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2004, approx 15 years Dog/s My first "agility" dog was Cleo - a gorgeous Standard Poodle X Wire Haired Pointer. Very full on when training for agility, always jumping up and biting me - probably because I was a rookie and she was so frustrated with me! I quickly decided to do Flygility with her instead of Agility, to preserve my breasts! She loved this and went on to get her FDX title. (Thank goodness for her love of balls!) Then I got Eva, my first Hungarian Vizsla. She and Cleo were great mates. Eva was very keen to please, loved working with me (but not away from me until later on - typical velcro dog! Honest and reliable, Eva was the Zone 3 team dog in 2005, I think - a huge accomplishment for a Vizsla! She gained several titles and I retired her at age 11 1/2 years old. Zephyr was my next dog for agility. Such a lovely boy, still loving life at 12 years, having cheated nasty injuries, and an even nastier gut infection. He gained several agility titles, is a Flygility Champion, has achieved Canine Good Citizen Gold - one of only 2 vizslas in NZ to do this, and has his RN title in Rally O. My loving, sugar - faced gentleman! And then there is Aria - the Red Long Legged Giraffe, AKA The Red Peril. My third ( and definitely not my last ) vizsla. Related to Zephyr, this " quirky" girl is nearly 5 years old but has the focusing capacity of a 9 month old. She is special, as many agility folk know. Likes to do her own course unless it is REALLY obvious where the obstacles are placed- and will also visit the judge occasionally for a quick kiss! Aria also has her CGC Gold title and has just achieved her RN title in Rally O. She loves Flygility also. Lastly, there is Chai - my Springbord (Springer Spaniel x Border Collie). Chai is the sole representative of The Dark Side (in house term for working dog - Border Collie, Heading dog, etc ) Hence her official title, Chai Tasting the Dark Side. After 3 gudogs I succumbed. So different to train, after training vizslas! She is 3 1/2 years old and has taken to dog sports quite well. Her favourite would be Flygility, followed by Agility and then Rally O as an " oh well, if I must " last. She has a couple of agility titles and her RA Rally O title. I will put her through CGC training towards the end of the year, to work towards a title or 2 in that. Best dog agility memory Probably the Vs getting their CGCGold titles as these are hard to achieve - particularly the 4 minute out -of -site -stay - quite a mission for a velcro dog! Even though this isn't an agility memory, I believe it relates, as the trust and teamwork that is built in agility helps to create a more confident dog who is able to successfully work at other dog sports. Also, Eva being the Zone 3 team rep was awesome. Pretty much any time one of my dogs " gets it ",becomes a memory - finally nailing the weave on both sides, doing a nice tight wrap around a hurdle, knowing and carrying out a " round the back " of a hurdle, and....... still to come with Chai.... consistent contacts on the A Frame! What do you love most about dog agility? The challenges in training a new move. When the dog understands and performs that move. And probably most important - the amazing agility folk who are there to help with training, who are supportive, encouraging and who can laugh with you! DAWG is an awesome club, and 30 years of existence shows that its members who have the above attributes have been responsible for the club's longevity and success. What got you into dog agility in the first place? I think I had seen a demo at a Pet Expo in the Hutt many years ago and thought how cool it would be to do when i got a dog. I had done Obedience with my 2 Irish Setters in the 80s and Agility wasn't around then, so it looked so much more fun than obedience. Do you train in any other dog sports? Flygility, Obedience, Rally-o Words of advice to those who are new to agility
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Aria, Chai, Zeph
Maz and Zeph
Maz and Aria
Maz and Chai
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