I am honored to judge at the 2009 BCSA National Specialty! I have been involved with agility since 1994, when I began training my first Belgian Tervuren. We started trialing in NCDA later that year. Since then I have put well over 100 agility titles on my Tervs in AKC, UKC, USDAA, NADAC and ASCA, including multiple agility championships. I was a founding member of the Cream City Canines agility club in 1997, and also formed CAPER LLC, a dog event secretarial service. Between those two businesses, I am involved in the hosting of many AKC and USDAA agility trials each year.

Agility is only one of the activities I do with my dogs. My Tervs are active in obedience, rally, conformation, tracking, and herding as well, and have several upper level titles (CH, TDX, UD, HX, RE). I have also been show/trial secretary for all these events, so I have a good perspective from all angles of dog activities.

I became an AKC agility judge in 2000. Being a judge has allowed me to watch many thousands of runs, and has given me a perspective on agility handling that no other position could give. My philosophy for agility courses is that the dog's path, when handled correctly, should be smooth and safe, and the handlers are the ones that should be doing the "hard work" of the team. After all, the dogs are only doing what we are asking them to do! But most importantly is for both ends of the team to enjoy the chance to play together on the agility field, as it is truly a privilege that should be savored. I hope everyone has a great time on the courses this week, and enjoys the entire Specialty.

Have fun!

Page Updated 07.05.2009