OUR INSTRUCTORS:

-TRISH-

I have loved agility since I first started learning it as a teenager (with my American Eskimo Dog named Lucky.) We trained for years and learned how to compete. I have learned A LOT since then and have trained other dogs of my own as well.

I am passionate about agility because it’s so much FUN for a variety of people and dogs. It is a challenge, and is exciting to do with your own dog(s). Agility is VERY addicting!

For over 20 years, I have invested in professional development. keeping up my learning and development through competitions, online courses and attending seminars under many different professional dog trainers.

My husband helped me start Prairie Dawgs so that I could share my love of dogs and agility with everyone- making it accessible and fun for others to try too! We have trained hundreds of students already and each team is unique. I find it so much fun to teach, it doesn’t even feel like work!

-DAN-

Trish introduced me to the sport of dog agility At first, I came to watch her compete but soon was completely hooked- especially because Trish let me compete with her dog!

Through the years, I have trained and competed with many of our dogs. I especially enjoy the mental challenge of working with my dog through the maze of obstacles.

As an educator (both a dog trainer and an Online Teacher), I take great joy from seeing my students succeed!

When I am not teaching, my other passion is working on the behind-the-scenes aspects of making Prairie Dawgs successful- Paperwork and maintenance. I, also, enjoy teaching and visiting with you all!

-DESIRAE-

I got into agility when I was a young teenager, after my mom let me practice with her dog. Since then, I have competed and now how my own agility dog - a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) named Trix. I love teaching agility, competing, taking part in seminars and working with people and their dogs. I especially like working one-on-one in private lessons and watching the great improvements in both the handlers and their dogs!

-TANYA-

I started agility just over 2 years ago and I have taken classes at Prairie Dawgs year round. I have a very active Labrador family- Lucy, Olive, Murphy, and Cedar. Olive and Murphy are involved in agility and Cedar is an active hunting dog.  Lucy is 14 years old and loves slow, sniffy walks (and has since passed away).

I have participated in dog obedience, scent detection and dock diving. As well, I am certified in canine emergency first aid -  Canine Health Canada (Southern AB K9 First Aid).

Last October, I started as a teaching assistant with Dan and Trish and have recently started instructing Level 1.  It’s amazing to see the progress that the dogs and owners make from the first lesson through to the final graduation. I believe it’s so important to learn in a positive and encouraging environment.

There is nothing more rewarding than when you and your dog complete a successful sequence or when you see your dog’s “happy” face and tail wag. It’s a lot of fun!!! 

I look forward to working with you and your dog.

-NATASHA-

Hello Prairie Dawgs students! My name is Natasha, and I am excited to work with you all as one of Prairie Dawgs’ new instructors. I have been a student here for 3 years now and I instantly fell in love with the sport. It’s so much fun learning how to navigate sequences and new ways of handling obstacles as my dogs and I strengthen our bond. I have 2 Bernedoodles, Chestnut and Pearl, and my mom and I share my other dog, Yeti, a black and grey merle standard poodle. This year, we started competing in CKC and AAC trials, which were such fun learning experiences. It was great to see familiar faces and cheer everyone on. My other interests include obedience and rally obedience, with our first trial coming up this August, and working towards my Prof. Dog Trainer certificate. See you in class and remember to have fun!