Lisa Barrett
Top Dog Agility Instructor
I fell in love with dog agility in 1994, and my love of the sport has led me so far that I became an agility judge for USDAA (a national agility organization) in 2001. In 1994, when the sport was almost unheard of in Vermont, I began attending national seminars and training my first agility dog, Betsy. Soon after, I got Jamie hooked on agility, and one year later she asked me to teach agility for The Dog School (then called Canine K through 12). We started with one class of six people. By 2003, I taught the Competition & Advanced Competition classes, and the school offered six additional levels of agility classes. I also offer individual lessons throughout the week
I love teaching agility and helping dogs and their people discover how much fun agility is. It enhances all aspects of our relationships with our dogs, encourages dogs and owners to exercise together, and is about the most exhilarating activity you can do with your dog. I see agility as an equal partnership 'a dance' between dog and handler.
While living with dogs my entire life, I have been happily addicted to agility since 1994. My shelter hounds, Betsy and Jenny, have treated me to wonderful adventures and successes in competitive agility. Jenny even took me to the semifinals in the USDAA Grand Prix of Dog Agility in Ohio two years in a row.
Before I discovered agility, Betsy and I received several obedience titles as well. I am currently training my young mixed breed, Fly, and hope to compete with him in 2004.
For several years I wrote a monthly agility column for Clean Run magazine. Every year I attend Clean Run Camp in Virginia, as a student or working auditor. I have attended several seminars on teaching agility, as well as a 5-day Bailey&Bailey Operant Conditioning seminar in Arkansas. I_m amazed to realize I have participated in more than 30 dog agility and dog behavior seminars taught by some of the greatest teachers and trainers in the world.
I am an active volunteer with the Humane Society of Chittenden County, where I teach agility classes for dogs in the shelter. I served as Vice President for several years and still remain on the Board. I also contribute many volunteer hours each week training and socializing dogs.
I share my home with Betsy, Jenny and Fly and one cat, Mr. Kitty. By day, I am employed as a lawyer for low-income Vermonters.
I love teaching agility and helping dogs and their people discover how much fun agility is. It enhances all aspects of our relationships with our dogs, encourages dogs and owners to exercise together, and is about the most exhilarating activity you can do with your dog. I see agility as an equal partnership 'a dance' between dog and handler.
While living with dogs my entire life, I have been happily addicted to agility since 1994. My shelter hounds, Betsy and Jenny, have treated me to wonderful adventures and successes in competitive agility. Jenny even took me to the semifinals in the USDAA Grand Prix of Dog Agility in Ohio two years in a row.
Before I discovered agility, Betsy and I received several obedience titles as well. I am currently training my young mixed breed, Fly, and hope to compete with him in 2004.
For several years I wrote a monthly agility column for Clean Run magazine. Every year I attend Clean Run Camp in Virginia, as a student or working auditor. I have attended several seminars on teaching agility, as well as a 5-day Bailey&Bailey Operant Conditioning seminar in Arkansas. I_m amazed to realize I have participated in more than 30 dog agility and dog behavior seminars taught by some of the greatest teachers and trainers in the world.
I am an active volunteer with the Humane Society of Chittenden County, where I teach agility classes for dogs in the shelter. I served as Vice President for several years and still remain on the Board. I also contribute many volunteer hours each week training and socializing dogs.
I share my home with Betsy, Jenny and Fly and one cat, Mr. Kitty. By day, I am employed as a lawyer for low-income Vermonters.