Karen is an eight-time AKC/USA World Team Member, a four-time
National Champion at the United States Dog Agility World Championships,
Gold Medalist at the World Agility Open (England) and a Silver Medalist at
the FCI World Agility Championships (Austria). She has also been a Finalist at National Events
here in the United States with each of her dogs (past and present) over the past 15 years.
Karen began participating in dog agility in 1992 when she started training her Chow/Sheltie mix, Simon. She loves training dogs of all motivation levels. Her success with many breeds demonstrates her effectiveness. She believes that all dogs can be taught to run to their full potential and agility should be a team sport and fun for the dog at all times. She believes the most important aspects of agility training are teaching the fundamentals and being consistent with your handling at all times. Karen currently owns 4 dogs (two Shelties and two Border Collies).
Registration Opens February 14th, 2015*
Registration Protocol: February 14th: Registration opens to those that attended last year’s seminars. March 1st: Registration opens to all current Synergy Dog Sports Students regardless of last year’s attendance March 16th: Registrations opens to non-students/general public
1. You must complete a registration form AND submit payment to confirm a spot OR be added to the wait-list.
Payments will not be deposited until April 1st AND you have a confirmed spot in the seminar.
There will be no refunds after April 1st unless your spot can be filled.
Your dog/team must meet the prerequisites of each seminar for your spot to be confirmed.
Please fill out and sign the following form and agreement:
Saturday, May 16th **9:00am – 12:00pm: Puppy/Young Dog Foundation Skills**
This seminar is appropriate for handlers with young dogs just starting their agility training. Karen will provide insight on training fundamentals she finds crucial to your agility teamwork and skills to promote a confident understanding of your handling cues. Your dog must be able to work off leash while multiple dogs are working and have a reliable recall. Limited to 6 working teams, unlimited auditing Cost: $90/working $40/auditing
**1:00pm – 5:00pm: Novice Handling Skills and Drills** This seminar is appropriate for teams getting ready to compete or competing at the Novice/Open Level. Karen will focus on skills that every successful agility team should have and build on providing consistent information to your dog on a variety of different challenges appropriate at the Novice/Open level. Your dog must be able to sequence jumps and tunnels 4-6 obstacles in length. Limited to 8 working teams, unlimited auditing Cost: $115/working $50/auditing
†Special = If you are working both sessions on Saturday, cost is $185. If you are auditing both sessions on Saturday, cost is $80.
Sunday, May 17th **9:00am – 5:00pm: Advanced Handling Skills and Coursework** This seminar is appropriate for teams competing at the Open/Excellent level. Handlers will learn skills important for course-walking, determining a successful handling strategy, and executing in a precise and efficient manner. Drills and Courses will vary in difficulty. Your dog must be able to complete full courses with proficiency on all obstacles at the Open and Excellent level. There will not be remedial obstacle training at this seminar. Limited to 12 working teams, unlimited auditors Cost: $200/working $80/auditing
Monday, May 18th **9:00am – 5:00pm: Masters Handling Skills and Coursework** This seminar is appropriate for teams competing at the Excellent/Master level. Teams will learn progressive handling techniques with an emphasis on precise timing and efficient lines on sequences and courses appropriate for the Masters Level. Your dog must be able to complete full courses with proficiency on all obstacles on Masters level courses. There will not be remedial obstacle training at this seminar.
Limited to 12 working teams, unlimited auditors
Cost: $200/working $80/auditing
Tuesday May 19th
** 9:00am- 5:00pm: International Handling Skills and Coursework** This seminar is appropriate for teams competing at the Master level. Teams will learn progressive handling techniques with an emphasis on the One Mind Dog training methodology on international level courses. Karen has completed training in Finland with OMD coaches and is a part of their OMD Coaching Program. *Instructor approval only* Your team must be interested in International level challenges (ISC and Masters Challenge) and/or preparing to compete in international level competitions. Limited to 12 working teams, unlimited auditing Cost: $200/working $80/auditing