Meet the Coaches

Our classes are taught using only positive motivation, no harsh corrections will be allowed, and the word “No” should be left at home. We encourage using clickers in class and if you haven’t ever used one before, we will be delighted to introduce you to this wonderful training tool. We will provide food treats that we have found most dogs love and find very motivational. If your dog has food allergies, or doesn’t like our standard treats, then you will need to bring your own to class. We will also use various toys, tugs and balls as rewards, so plan to bring your dog’s favorite ones to class.

Agility requires a lot of equipment to be set up, moved around and then taken down for each class. Another reason our prices are so reasonable, is because we expect our students to help with the set up and break down of the equipment for each class. If you can’t lift heavy items, we hope you will help with jump poles and other light items.

Speaking of equipment – we will make suggestions of things that you should consider purchasing for use at home in training your dog. We don’t expect you to purchase full size agility equipment. There are lots of ways to make less expensive home versions for training. Your dog will need to be trained at home between classes. It takes more than “once a week at class” to make real progress.

Our goal will be “to teach you to teach your dog”. Each dog is unique and what works for one dog, may not work for yours. We will work together to figure out exactly what you need to do to help your dog succeed with each piece of equipment. We will develop “Attitude & Desire” in each dog. We want them to love this sport even more than we do. We will have fun before, during and after class. Bring your sense of humor – dog training, especially agility, requires a very good one.

Susan and Dyna

I have been involved the “dog show” world since 1976. I have trained and competed in conformation, obedience and tracking. Then in 1990 I discovered agility. All other dog sports have taken a back seat since then. My dogs over the last 25 years have earned titles in four different agility venues: AKC (American Kennel Club); CPE (Canine Performance Events); NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) and USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association). My students and their dogs have also earned many titles in all of these venues. Several have earned their agility championships.

I currently compete in AKC and CPE with my Miniature Poodle Louie. We share our home with two other dogs - Gabby and Trinket (both retired from agility), two cats, six rabbits and my very patient and supportive husband Joe.

Fun First Agility classes are designed to teach your dog how to correct perform each piece of agility equipment. They also teach you how to handle in the ring and for both of you to have a whole lot of fun in the process.

In addition to teaching agility classes, I work full time as a Project Cost Administrator for a General Contractor.

Our Training “Style”

Meet Susan King

Meet Janet Rhodes