A former a high school chemistry teacher, Daisy has a wealth of information regarding both training and handling dogs to success in agility, and has competed at the highest levels of national agility competition.  In 2006, Daisy and her rescue border collie Fly came in 2nd place at the AKC National Agility Championship in Tampa, Florida, by a narrow 1/10 of a second.  In 2007, Daisy and her young border collie Jester WON the AKC National Agility Championship in Sunbury Ohio, becoming the first ever 26″ National Champions – this was Jester’s first trip to the AKC National Championships! In 2009, Daisy and her 2 year old border collie Solar won the 26″ USDAA Grand Prix World Championships, and less than six months later, won the 2010 AKC 26″ National Agility Championship. Daisy has been on the AKC USA World Agility Team twice – once with Jester in 2007, and with Solar in 2010.

With respect to agility:  Emphasis is placed on how body language (as well as verbal language) can be developed in order to maximize both speed and efficiency on and off the course, promoting a dog that is a happy and enthusiastic worker, and a handler that communicates clearly and positively to the dog on course.Positive and energetic methods are used to ensure that both the handler and the dog are actively participating as a team.  Agility is fun!  It is a great way to de-stress and to relax.  It’s also a great way to get exercise and to build a strong and lasting relationship with your canine companion.

Fast and efficient performances can only come if the following things are set in to place:

• a strong and trusting relationship with your dog
• a training foundation that ensures that the dog has a full understanding of the behaviors requested of him on an agility course
• clear, consistent, and confident handling .

Performance is not enough – the attitude must accompany the performance!  It is the responsibility of the handler to create this attitude and strive to be as they wish their dogs to be. Daisy’s classes are fun and PROGRESSIVE – if you aren’t learning something, then it isn’t a class….it’s just practice. And if you’re always just practicing and not learning, then you’re not progressing.

Daisy uses Linda Mecklenburg’s Awesome Paws Agility Handling System and Jumping Program for her dogs and for her students’ dogs as well.  All of Daisy’s training (agility and other) is based upon the principles of Operant Conditioning…You Get What You Reinforce!  Positive Reinforcement is the core to building a lasting relationship with your dog AND to getting the behaviors you want from your dog – around the house or the agility course, it’s all the same!

In December of 2007, Daisy attended Bob Bailey’s Operant Conditioning Workshop #1, or “Chicken Camp”, to learn more about Operant Conditioning, and to improve her mechanical skills so that she could help others to improve their own mechanical skills.  In September/October of 2008, Daisy again attended Bob Bailey’s Operant Conditioning Workshops, #2 and #3.  Daisy’s scientific background, combined with her mechanical skills and her passion for dog training, create the perfect blend to help students at Dog’s World achieve the success they desire.

Because Daisy is a teacher by trade, she is able to tailor instruction to the needs of the individual dog and handler using sound principles of learning theory and behavior that apply to both human and canine pupil alike.  Private lessons are available in addition to classes, so if you’re thinking of visiting, please contact Daisy as soon as possible! Classes are available, and private lessons and seminars are available as well.  Contact Daisy for more information.

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