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 Dog/s Tank – 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 – 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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Name
Donna Tofts How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2013 Dog/s Dash - is a 9 year old heading dog and my first agility dog. I learnt so much about how not to train an agility dog and the mistakes I made with her will forever be etched into my brain. Dash is a very nervous dog whose anxiety made it an easy decision to retire her at 5 years old. Fern - is a 7 year old border collie and my second agility dog who is both a wonderful pet and an exceptional agility dog. She is the boss of the house and keeps everyone in order with a calm but firm hand. Fern is both an Agility Champion and Jumpers Champion. I always remind myself how blessed I am to have her in my life. Flirt - Flirtiliscious is 6 years old and the reason I’m so obsessed with tri-coloured border collies. As her name suggests she is a little bit of a flirt and will try to make friends with anyone she can. A true speedster on the agility course who is exhilarating to run. She is also both an Agility Champion and Jumpers Champion. Hush - is a 4 1/2 year old tri border collie. He is Fern’s son, so of course he is naturally super clever and very talented. He is also very fast and I honestly find him terrifying to run. Learning the skill of distance handling has become essential!! A lovely boy who is very driven and focused in everything he does. Sweep - is 4 years old and another tri border collie. Sweep is a full brother to Hush from Fern’s second litter. He’s gentle, kind and a real sweety to live with. He had an injury as a puppy so I have chosen to run him in jumpers competitions only. Vixen - is the baby of the family. Her mum is Flirt and Hush is her dad . Of course this means she is Fern’s granddaughter and Sweeps niece. Vixen is a 15 month old chocolate tri border collie and she is as fast and driven as her parents. I think this means we are in for a very exciting agility journey when she is ready to compete Best dog agility memory I have 2 very special memories . They are of Fern winning the Top Dog Trophy in the 500 height at the New Zealand Dog Agility Championships in 2015 and again in 2018. A real testament to what an exceptional dog Fern is. What do you love most about dog agility? Spending time training and competing with my dogs and hanging out with my friends. I’m quite competitive so I love winning too. What got you into dog agility in the first place? A Dog’s Show, Tux Wonder Dogs and a naivety that agility it would be easy. Do you train in any other dog sports? No I am consumed by agility. I’ve tried other dog sports but nothing has come close to the thrill I get competing in agility. Words of advice to those who are new to agility Always put the health and well being of your dog first. Don’t take chances running them on faulty equipment, on an unsafe course, or run them when the conditions increase their risk of injuring themselves. Remember there will always be another run but an injury can end a dogs agility career. Anything else? Have fun with your dog and enjoy the friendships you make on your agility journey. |
Hush, Sweep & Fern
Flirt, Vixen and Hush
Fern at NZDAC 2015
Fern at NZDAC 2018
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Name
Jacob Cannell
How many years have you been training in dog agility?
Since 2019
Dog/s
Raava, 5 years, Boarder Collie X
Best dog agility memory
That moment the handling started to click and I felt the smoothness of a really tightly run course
What do you love most about dog agility?
The different types of people you get to meet and the hands on time I get to spend with my dog. Seeing people's new agility puppies is also great.
What got you into dog agility in the first place?
It was kind of always the plan when I got me own dog.
Do you train in any other dog sports?
I used to do tracking with Raava while I was waiting for her to be old enough and when the terms were too full.
Words of advice to those who are new to agility
All that foundation work that's super boring is EXTREMELY important later once you start competing and it's much easier to teach from the start.
Jacob Cannell
How many years have you been training in dog agility?
Since 2019
Dog/s
Raava, 5 years, Boarder Collie X
Best dog agility memory
That moment the handling started to click and I felt the smoothness of a really tightly run course
What do you love most about dog agility?
The different types of people you get to meet and the hands on time I get to spend with my dog. Seeing people's new agility puppies is also great.
What got you into dog agility in the first place?
It was kind of always the plan when I got me own dog.
Do you train in any other dog sports?
I used to do tracking with Raava while I was waiting for her to be old enough and when the terms were too full.
Words of advice to those who are new to agility
All that foundation work that's super boring is EXTREMELY important later once you start competing and it's much easier to teach from the start.
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Name Kim Nicol How many years have you been training in dog agility? Competing since 2011, training since 2009 Dog/s Dot 15 years poodle never did compete, fast, but too stressed at shows and my training was awful obviously Lulu – 12 years poodle recently retired made Agility Grand Champion and was 1 challenge off jumpers champion (but my other dog always beat her) Billie – 8 years my wee star, is currently 1 challenge off being a Grand Agility Champ 4 times over, is also just a few off being a triple jumpers Grand Champ 3 times over Fox 16 months old Fox terrier Best dog agility memory There have been lots with Billie, winning 6/6 jumpers events at Napier show, also her results at the last NZDAC 2019, we made every final, got 2nd in an unsplit senior final, was the Senior small dog winner and Jumpers small dog winner. What do you love most about dog agility? My friends and trips away competing. What got you into dog agility in the first place? We got a puppy for the kids (Dot) following on from puppy class I wanted more…..then found agility and never stopped. Do you train in any other dog sports? No Words of advice to those who are new to agility You get what you train, there are a lot of experienced people around, find one with a dog similar to yours – in size, speed and/or temperament and listen. Anything else? Oh and buy a bigger car, a caravan and more dogs. |
Kim and Billie
Billie
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Name Kim Paice How many years have you been training in dog agility? On and off instructor for 7 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. Indi - new border collie x spaniel pup 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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Name
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 Dog/s Huck - he's a black Kelpie who comes from a line of working farm dogs, and Fei - 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 loved it, but we have retired him now with exception of the odd club night. I now train Fei and she 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 instructors and 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. They love to learn. It's a great way of keeping them out of trouble. Do you train in any other dog sports? We sometimes train Flygility with Huck, 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
Fei
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Name
Louise Williams Nick name? Used to be called Loo! How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 1992 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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Name
Lloyd Pallesen How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2008 Dog/s Stellar – 10yo border collie. Agility Grand Champion, Jumpers Champion & Games A, best quote from a Judge early on in her career that encapsulates her style “and you, you were not running that dog you were controlling chaos” Bowie – 5yo border collie. Senior, Jumpers A and Games B. Mr consistent a sensitive boy who doesn’t like to get things wrong. Teddy – 15months wire haired terrier mix. Capital “T” for trouble, hopefully going to be a little firecracker. Best dog agility memory Lots to choose from – but probably NZDAC 2015 at Tokoroa. Stellar was part of the Zone 3 team winning Inter Zone Teams, and Rose (a Belgian Tervuren) was made up as a Jumpers Champion. What do you love most about dog agility? The bond it creates with your dog. Being in the outdoors with likeminded people. What got you into dog agility in the first place? What got you into dog agility in the first place? Running Lili Marlene (a heading dog) that my wife had trained and was unable to run at the time. Do you train in any other dog sports? Not currently but have dabbled in Rally O and Scent work. Words of advice to those who are new to agility Have fun. Realise that it is always your fault when something goes wrong never the dog’s. Watch other handlers to see what works. Realise that there is always more than one way to handle course elements and that what works well for one dog may not be the best option for another. Be aware that everyone in the dog agility world is a volunteer. Make sure that you do your bit to help out at events. Be nice to everyone, especially the judges . |
Lloyd and Stella -
Photo Credit Emily Taylor Photography
Bowie - Photo credit Betelgeuse Photography
Teddy
Rose
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Name
Liz Barlow How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2004 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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Name
Marian Holman Nickname Maz How many years have you been training in dog agility? Since 2004 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. 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. Eszty - damn fast! My challenge is to try not to baby her in agility training - she doesn’t need it!! NOT a Velcro Vizsla - must be her Hungarian father??? - has won her first NZARO foundation course at the tender age of 9 months after strong peer pressure from fellow DAWG members to enter at the last minute. 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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