Kathleen spent the first thirty years of her life training and showing horses. She was a professional horse trainer and riding instructor until the age of 34 when she went to medical school and became a Podiatrist. In 2000, she discovered dog agility.
She started with “Maggie,” the Border Collie she had had for three years and successfully showed her in several agility venues. Maggie went on to acquire several advanced titles in CPE and AKC and the Accomplished Agility Dog championship title in USDAA.
In 2002, Kathleen rescued “Annie,” a then eleven month old Border Collie. Annie went on to get the C-ATCH championship title in CPE and has the Gold Agility Dog Championship title and Tournament Masters-Platinum title in USDAA. She also has the Gold Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005, Annie was a finalist in Dog Agility Masters Team competition at the USDAA National competition held in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In 2006, Kathleen acquired “J.B.,” then an eight week old Border Collie from Nancy Gyes and Jim Basic. Now at the age of four, J.B. has the Silver Agility Dog Championship title and the Silver Lifetime Achievment Award title.
Kathleen’s dog training philosophy centers on positive reinforcement. Through positive reinforcement training, the dog/handler relationship is nurtured and strengthened. She believes that training and agility should be fun and enjoyable for both the dog and handler. This can only happen when the dog trusts the handler and enjoys working with her.