2026 marks 30 years since we have been training. We’ve spent most of those years in the world of dog agility, training and competing with dogs of all shapes and personalities. This is a bit of a long read, but includes the most important lesson learned with each dog. Together, we focus on safety, teamwork, and making agility enjoyable for both dogs and handlers.
One of our favorite sayings is that “You don’t always get the dog you want, but you do get the dog you need.” They all teach us something different.
Some of the dogs we’ve had the honor to work with include:
- Amber Crystal Lace, CD, MX, MXJ, MJG – Amber was our 12″ Cocker Spaniel and our Novice “A” dog. While she didn’t reach MACH, she retired with 9 QQs and a wealth of points, leaving a legacy of determination and spirit. Through Amber, we learned the importance of building strong foundation skills before entering the ring—a lesson that has guided us with every dog since.
- Shadrach “Bubba,” CGC – Shaddy was our first rescue and a truly sweet companion. A Shetland Sheepdog with a big heart, he had a charming habit of barking whenever we said “I love you” as we left the house. Shaddy taught us the joy of patience, love, and the special bond that comes from giving a rescued dog a forever home.
- MACH4 PACH Izy Busy Bee, MXS2, MJB2, MXP4, MXPB, MJP3, MJPB, PAX – Bee was a rescue Border Collie with incredible athleticism, jumping 20″ with ease. She taught us the value of consistency and patience in training. When we were one leg away from qualifying for Nationals, Bee got up from her stay at the line, and we chose to leave the ring. When a student asked why we didn’t continue, we explained, “What good would it be to go to Nationals without a stay on the line?” Bee became the inspiration for our motto: “No Stay, No Play!” She also earned the distinction of being the second MACH dog in Oklahoma and the first MACH Border Collie in the state.
- MACH Barwood Okies Sassafras, MXS, MJS – Sassy, a 16″ Shetland Sheepdog, belonged to our dear friends Jack and Jeanne Landrum. Jack struggled with ring nerves, and we were honored to run Sassy in competition. She became the third MACH dog in Oklahoma and the first MACH Shetland Sheepdog in the state. We coached Jack in all of Sassy’s training, and I ran the finely tuned machine he created.
- MACH Next Generation Clean Run, MXG, MJB – Q was a 20″ Border Collie with remarkable speed and drive. Over the years, he taught us many lessons, but the most important was that you can’t race your dog—they will always win! Q’s enthusiasm, intelligence, and spirit left a lasting impression on how we approach training and handling.
- MACH2 Boston Legal, MXG, MJG, NF – If Q was a rail dragster, Dannie was a Porsche. As a puppy, she was a little fur-ball of sunshine, full of energy and joy. We were heartbroken to lose Dannie in her prime, but her spirit and enthusiasm continue to inspire us in every dog we train.
- MACH PACH Long Tone, MXB, MJB, MXP4, MXPB, MJP4, MJPB, PAX –
- Short Tone, NAP, NJP –
- Inigo Rocinante, OA, NAJ – Roci was a 16″ Border Collie with incredible speed and energy, a miniature “Q” in every sense. Through training and competition, Roci reminded us to cherish every moment with our dogs. In Standard, Roci progressed quickly from Novice to Open, reaching the Excellent level, while Jumpers presented a fun challenge of its own. We were deeply saddened to lose Roci at just two years old, but the lessons and joy Roci brought continue to inspire us.
- MACH PACH2 Crl Paz A Tily, MXB, MJB, MXP, MJP, OF, XFP, T2B2 – Tily, a Red Merle Border Collie, is at 18.5″ and is our current working dog. Tily will be 5 years old Jan 2026. Tily qualified for her first Nationals twice, once at 20″ and then again at 16.” Once Tily finished her MACH at 20 inches, we decided to move her down to 16″ Preferred, where she has earned two Preferred Agility Champion titles. Tily is fast, but only a little bit of a speed daemon. There are many dogs out there that are faster, but very few that are as consistent. Tily has earned three Agility Champion Titles at the tender age of 4.
Each title represents countless hours of shared training, trust, and teamwork. Our experiences have shaped how we guide dogs and handlers, helping them build confidence, strong bonds, and successful agility careers.
We remain active in the agility community through training, mentoring, and competing, always excited to share our knowledge and help others experience the joy of agility.