Kim and Jynx
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I entered the competitive dog world in 1990. I started competitive obedience and agility training at this time. My first, wonderful partner was a 7 month old Border Collie named Allie, who went on to become my best teacher and a wonderful ring partner.
Over the years I have attended seminars and camps taught by some of the greatest people in the world of Agility. I have learned a lot from the people of this sport, both notable trainers and novice handlers, but the biggest influence and inspiration in my training and handling has, and always will, come from my dogs.
I train with Cheryl Bartlett and Darren Plummer. We train as a group. We bounce suggestions and theories around between us. We have found this a very successful method of training.
We train with a combination of positive reinforcement and motivation, some clicker training and variable reward systems. Of course, each dog is different, so we adjust our methods to each individual dogs needs.
My basic training is focused in obedience. All our dogs, regardless if they ever trial or not, learn basic obedience. We find this helps teach dogs to think and analyze. It's also a benefit in the sport rings as, when things are going wrong, obedience commands reign the dogs back in, enabling the team to go forward in control. |
I also teach my dogs absolute obstacle discrimination and train them to run a course both with intense handling as well as with me sitting in a lawn chair on the sidelines, from the center of the course, or sitting on my back deck.
I prefer a high pace, intense, running style of handling. However, I handle each of my dogs for who they are. With Allie and Dave, for example, that encompassed running the outside of tunnels. I am very much an advocate of teamwork with my dogs!
I believe that each person's handling style should reflect both the physicality of themselves, and their dog. We must keep in mind that a Samoyed doesn’t run like a Belgian Sheepdog, which doesn’t run like a Border Collie and so on. I like to see the team having fun above all else!
I train with methods that will ensure longevity to my dogs. I try to stay away from high impact moves that, over time, could shorten a dog's career.
While all my personal training has been on Border Collies or All Canadians, I am now working with our jrt, Pixel. I have also had the pleasure of running my friend's Belgian years ago, I have trained and handled a wide variety of drive, from the VERY low drive (Dave) to the high speed (Jynx) and even up to a new level of speed – Mach II (Quinn!).
I am a Masters level AAC Judge and an all levels CKC and UKI judge, as well as an AAC Course Approver and Facilitator. I compete regularly in CKC and AAC as well as the occasional AKC, NADAC and USDAA trial. I compete in all classes: Regular, Specials and Veterans (or in the US, Performance and Championship) with dogs. I am also a CKC and CARO Rally O Judge.
I have been blessed to win 3 National Championships with 2 different dogs. Jynx and I won twice; 2002 and 2004, then Spring and I won in 2009. The wins with Jynx were very exciting, but I must say the most heartwarming win was with Spring, for several reasons. First being, she is my breeding. Second, she has overcome so much, including paralysis to do this, showing the heart this little dog runs with.
In 2011, Fia and I attended the WAO World Championships, very exciting as she is an excellent partner but also, she is a 2nd generation of my own breeding. Her sister Britt also went, making me double proud! Both girls put in an excellent showing, with Britt winning a bronze in the biathalon.
I enjoy the variety that each association offers, from the open speed courses of NADAC to the more intense, convoluted USDAA and AAC courses.
My dogs also compete in Rally O, we have a great time competing as well as entertaining with it! With the reinstatement of the Border Collie in CKC, my BCs will again enter the CKC obedience ring.
In 2003, Jynx was invited to compete on the Canadian Agility Team in France at the FCI World Cup. It was the crowning achievement to her wonderful career. However, with her being 10 years old, I felt the time had passed for her to jump 26", so turned down the opportunity.
My husband and I breed registered Border Collies under the "Standsure" prefix, and we do own the "Jynx" prefix also, as well, we are actively involved in Border Collie Rescue.
I n these pages you will see bio's of the accomplishments on these exceptional souls. These wonderful dogs are my friends, partners and heart songs. |
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