We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog!
AGILITY
Master Agility Champion (MACH)
MACH George G RN MXB MJB XF TKP owned by Sophie Janavs of Studio City, CA
George is Sophie’s 6-year-old Novice A dog. He came to her in 2018, and she taught him the basics of agility using homemade and makeshift equipment. They started training more seriously in 2020 and had their first competition later that year. Since then, they have traveled the world to compete in agility. In July 2023, they represented Team USA at the Junior Open Agility World Championships in Southam, England, where they ended with three clean runs.
Most recently, George earned his MACH title on Jan. 27, 2024, at the Dog Agility Club of Ventura’s trial. “It had been a long-time goal of mine, and it was even more special that I was able to accomplish this milestone with my Novice A dog,” Sophie said. “George has not been an easy dog to work with as he isn’t your ‘typical’ agility dog. We have come so far and grown so much as a team. George has helped me accomplish everything I have ever set my mind to and so much more, and I can’t wait to see where else agility takes us!”
Photo by Scott Klar
MACH Tmhpr Rolling On The River MXS MJS OF owned by Christy A. Chilcott of Frisco, TX
Christie had been running Papillons in agility and decided she wanted a somewhat larger dog. She has a friend who worked with Take Me Home Pet Rescue (TMHPR) in Richardson, Texas, so she started following their website to look for a pup. And there she found the young dog who would become her “Huckidoo.”
A good Samaritan had picked him up, lost and with a large gash down his chest. The local shelter could not take him because of his medical needs, so TMHPR picked him up. He spent a long time in foster care while his wound was being treated and once ready, “he became mine and I became his,” Christy said.
He was then approximately a year old. “Agility was his jam from the beginning. He just understood the game and was patient with me while I learned to run him. I know I hit the lottery with Huck and am so proud of our journey.”
Huckidoo received his MACH on Feb. 17, 2024, at the Dallas Fort Worth English Springer Spaniel Association show in McKinney, Texas.
Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their names:
- MACH Lana Clair de Lune CDX BN RM MXB MJB MFB TQX T2B ACT2 CGCA owned by Sheryl Greene of Grand Haven, MI
- AGCH MACH14 Mighty Milo Vogel MXB4 PDS MJG4 PJS MFG TQX T2B5 owned by Kathleen Vogel of Bay City, MI
- MACH5 Stricklers Hey Mama Rock Me MXS2 MJG2 BCAT SWE SCME SEME SIM TKP owned by Kayde Grunhovd of Euclid, MN
- MACH3 Foxpoint Shiloh Bond MXS MJC MFB TQX T2B3 owned by Beth Bond of New Freedom, PA
- MACH3 Little Miss Maya MXC MJC owned by Marion Kasch of Hanover Park, IL
- MACH3 Mulberry’s Gogo Jojo MXG MJB2 MFG TQX T2B4 BCAT ACT2 CGC TKN owned by Molly Winder of Green Bay, WI
- MACH3 Sweetwater Prince MXC MJC MXF T2B SWM owned by Richard & Alison Studer of Xenia, OH
- MACH2 Rye MXS MJS2 PJS MFB T2B SWN SCA SIA owned by Elizabeth Devore of Ashtabula, OH
- MACH2 A And D’s Hobgoblin Gustif MXS MJS T2B owned by Alice Corey of Lakeville, MA
- MACH2 Mawp’s Gia RN MXS MJG XF CGC TKN ATT owned by Harold & Diana Berry of Deland, FL
PACH
PACH Maize V MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX SWE SCM SIM SEM owned by Judith Griffin of Anchorage, AK
Eight-year-old Maize “is always ready for fun and sport,” Judith said. “Eager to please and a capable athlete, she is a handler’s dream partner.”
The Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever cross earned her PACH with 24 double qualifications already scored, posting her final speed points at the Cook Inlet Kennel Club trial on Jan. 13, 2024, at Sirius Ranch in Wasilla, Alaska.
Maize first sampled agility in early 2018. During the past year, she was a Clean Sweep winner in the AKC Agility League for Seasons 4, 5, and 6. She ran on the Agility Artifacts team in the Limited Senior division at Alyeska Canine Trainers in Anchorage, Alaska.
Agility is one of three competitive dog sports in which Maize excels. In AKC Scent Work, she is working toward her Master level title, with three of the four element titles already achieved. And in Flyball, she has earned the ONYX award, recognizing 20,000 points. She’s a reliable team member, running in any position, carefully catching and carrying the ball, and bouncing with anticipation to be released.
A playful, silly dog, as well as a willing worker, Maize makes canine friends easily. Beyond earning treats for performance, her favorite activity is off leash hiking where she can chase scents and run for sheer joy.
PACH Little Miss Nita Atim Sagueneene BN RE MXP3 MXPB MJP5 MJPS PAX MFP ACT2 SWN SEA SBA DJ CGC TKA owned by Nathalie A. Inho of Newington, CT
Nita is a 7 ½-year-old Doberman/Cane Corso mix rescued from Nathalie’s hometown of Saguenay in Quebec, Canada. She loves to work and has titles in both the US and Canada in obedience, rally, scent work, therapy dog, dock diving and her favorite activity, agility.
Only 18 months ago, Nita was recovering from her third major surgery in less than a year. In January 2022, she suffered an intestinal obstruction, underwent emergency surgery, developed an infection, and was back in the OR to repeat the surgery five days later. Nine months later, the same issue arose, and she underwent the third emergency surgery. These life-threatening events brought life to a halt. During the first few post-op days, Nathalie and Nita learned to take things six hours at a time. “Nita’s willpower prevailed, and she defied the odds,” Nathalie said. “We worked on rebuilding her physical strength,h and our bond grew even stronger as a result.”
Fast forward two years, Nita is ranked #10 All American in 20-inch Preferred, earned her PACH on Jan. 28, competed at the AKC National Agility Championship in March, and competed at Westminster Master Agility Championship in May.
“Nita is my Novice-A and one in a million do,g and I’m so lucky to have her by my side. Every time we can step out into the ring together is a very special gift.”
MACH3 PACH Abbey Bear Kothur MXC PAD MJC PJD MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX MFB TQX MFP TQXP T2B2 owned by Sri Kothur of Tallahassee, FL
Abbey, who turned 9 this year, and Sri have been together since Abbey was 10 weeks old. She is Sri’s first dog, a “maximally friendly poodle mix,” he said.
Less than two months after earning their PACH on Feb. 2, Abbey and Sri finished in third place at the AKC National Agility Championship in 12″ Preferred. This was their first national final after finishing in the top third for three straight years in 16″ regular. With PACH in paw, Abbey recently competed at her third consecutive Westminster Masters Agility Championship.
During her first three years of pre-agility life, Abbey took to clicker training and learned numerous adorable tricks. She brings drinks from the fridge, and after getting a tip, she goes back to close the door.
Piqued by Westminster agility advertised on a football broadcast, Sri found an agility class after searching for a year. That early trick training and relationship building made up for what they didn’t know. Six months later Abbey was ready to trial with a handler learning on the fly. Their first year of the excellent/master level coincided with the start of COVID, and they earned their first MACH under closed doors. By knowing so little early on, they had to find creative solutions and apply principles from other sports. Thanks to some quality coaching, Abbey kept getting faster, and Sri could focus on the mental performance side of agility.
It keeps getting bigger for Abbey. She will be at the 2024 AKC Premier Cup in Minneapolis on June 29. Though there will be no ball to catch, she will get to run on a Big Ten college football field.
MACH3 PACH Glenhighland’s Multiple Choice MXC PAD MJB2 PJD MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX NF CA CGC TKA owned by Laura Simonelli & Stefanie Rainer of West Islip, NY
Quiz earned her PACH on March 10, 2024, at the Fieldhouse Agility Center in Northford, CT.
She is an active dog who loves agility, leaping for a disc, and – most of all – swimming.
“But don’t let her active lifestyle fool you,” Laura said. “After a day of play, Quiz is all about those chill vibes. She’ll snuggle up beside you, offering warmth and love like nobody’s business. Honestly, she’s the best cuddle buddy you could ask for.”
Photo by Rich Knecht
Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned the PACH title:
- AGCH MACH5 PACH Giddy Up N Go Dallas MXS2 PAD MJC2 PJS MJP4 MJPB PAX MFC TQX MFP T2B5 SWN SCA SEA DS owned by Dianne Gabel of Lewisberry, PA
- PACH Frisco MXP3 MXPB MJP5 MJPS PAX XFP T2BP RATM CGC TKA owned by Gail Henshaw of Henrico, VA
- PACH Violet’s Blue Midnight Sky AX AXJ MXP4 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX owned by Joyce Laske of Mundelein, IL
- PACH Bisbee Quinn Perry MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX owned by Valerie Lee Perry of Hollis, NH
Congratulations to these dogs who have added more PACHs to their names:
- AGCH MACH PACH6 Paige MXB MJB MXP15 MXPS2 PDCP MJP14 MJPB2 PJGP PAX6 MXF TQX MFPG TQXP T2B2 T2BP5 CGC TKA owned by Flora Steffan of Ridgeville, WA
- PACH8 Elk Run Bella MXP29 MXPG3 MJP34 MJPB4 PAX8 OFP T2BP3 BCAT owned by marcella Smith of Bridgewater, VA
- PACH2 Schneider’s First Challenger MXP5 MXPS MJP6 MJPS PAX2 OFP T2BP3 TKI owned by Bobbi Jo Schneider of Moorhead, MN
- PACH2 Alfonzo Frankie Francis MXP7 MXPG MJP9 MJPG PAX2 NFP ACT2 owned by Angela Francis of Lavonia, GA
- MACH6 PACH2 Patterday’s Rocky Raccoon MXS2 PAD MJG2 PJD MXPB MJP5 MJPS PAX2 MFB MFP T2B2 T2BP BCAT TKN owned by Erin Day & JoAnn Patterson of Saint Peters, MO
- AGCH MACH15 PACH3 Olive Hawkins MXG4 PDG MJB5 PJG MXPS MJP7 MJPG PAX3 MFG TQX T2B9 CGC TKI owned by Stefanie & Craig Hawkins of Florence, KY
- AGCH PACH6 Chinnici’s Lucia MXP15 MXPS2 PDSP MJP15 MJPS2 PJSP PAX6 MFPG TQXP T2BP5 owned by Lori Chinnici of Shelby Township, MI
Coursing Ability – CAT
One of the easiest ways to get involved in the world of dog sports is with a Coursing Ability Test (CAT). Designed specifically for newcomers, each dog chases after an artificial lure on either a 300- or 600-yard-long course and must finish in less 1 ½ minutes and 2 minutes, respectively.
CAX – Coursing Ability Excellent
Ginger Of Edinboro CAX FCAT CGC owned by Nanette & Charles Zeller of Southern Pines, NC
Ginger was about 9 months old when she was rescued in 2020 and adopted by Nanette and Charles. She is mostly Labrador Retriever with some Boxer and German Shepherd. Nanette quickly realized Ginger needed a sport as an outlet for her athletic energy and for socialization. Along with basic obedience classes, Ginger was enrolled in dock diving, agility, and other classes. After her first FastCAT fun run, it was clear that Ginger loved chasing the rabbit best.
Luckily for Ginger, several local kennel clubs started holding AKC coursing events close to home. She earned her CA in Ocober 2022. On Feb. 25, 2024, she earned her CAX at the Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club test in Jackson Springs, NC. This was only a year and four months after her first run.
Ginger loves to run. Her grace, form and focus while on the course makes Nanette smile. “You can see she is in her happy place!” she said. Nanette loves telling people about coursing and is frequently asked how she trains Ginger for competition. Nanette explains, “Ginger doesn’t need any formal training. She just has a natural athletic ability for running. She loves to run zoomies in the yard, and we frequently bring out a remote-control toy car for her to chase.”
“We are grateful to AKC for offering these events to All American Dogs. Our bond has grown stronger through these competitions. Ginger is lucky to have been rescued, and I’m happy to give her these opportunities.”
Starfleet’s Beam Me Up Dood CD RE FDC CAX FCAT SCN SBN THDA RATN CGCA CGCU TKP ATT VHMA VSWB owned by Kelly Edwards of West Jefferson, NC
Scotty is a four-legged dynamo with boundless energy and an adventurous spirit. He achieved the CAX title in February 2024 at a trial held by Time to Fly Performance Dog Sports in Jackson Springs, NC.
But Scotty is more than just a champion athlete; he’s also a multi-purpose service dog for Kelly. When he’s not busy fulfilling his service duties, Scotty loves nothing more than embarking on adventures with Kelly. Together, they explore a variety of sports, from Fast CAT to scent work and rally, showcasing Scotty’s impressive skills and indomitable spirit along the way.
“With his irresistible charm and remarkable accomplishments, it’s no surprise that Scotty has captured the hearts of many,” Kelly said. “He spreads joy, advocates for the proper training and use of service animals, and proves that with determination and a wagging tail, anything is possible.”
“In every wag and woof, Scotty exemplifies the true meaning of companionship. He’s a beloved member of the family and a perfect example of the extraordinary bond between humans and their canine counterparts.”
Middle Tree Down Home Tru Grit FDC CAX FCAT CGCA CGCU owned by Jenna Gillespie of Spartanburg, SC
Jenna got Mattie in November 2019 with the intention that she would become her sport dog. But by the time she was ready to go out and start working in public, COVID came and everything shut down. They continued to do some training at home, but Mattie had become a nervous puppy. They rejoined their local obedience club when the world reopened and began work on socializing. “With hard work, we earned our CGC with the help of our amazing club,” Jenna said.
They attended their first FastCAT event in November 2022, and it was “like a light switch had flipped in Mattie.” She gained confidence. Shortly after they tried CAT, and she came out of her shell even further. “After her first run she went directly to the judge and sat to be petted! In under two years of running, my girl went from very shy to letting strangers pet her.” She has since earned 11 titles, including her CAX in Jackson Springs, NC, on Feb. 25, 2024.
Tappy Toes CAX DCAT owned by Kim Incaprera of Slidell, LA
Mae was adopted by Kim on May 9, 2017, from the St. Tammany Animal Shelter. She was 2 years old. “She is the best snuggler and loves to have play dates with her boyfriend Tugboat,” Kim said. “She is such good company and the sweetest girl.” She earned her CAX in Bush, LA on March 24, 2024.
FastCAT
AKC ranks the fastest dogs of each breed in Fast CAT. Congratulations to the top five fastest All American Dogs in each height division! The speed shown is an average of the dog’s three top speeds for the season up to June 3, 2024:
| 18 INCHES OR GREATER | MPH | |
| 1 | Tcs Path Of Destruction BCAT TKN | 32.88 |
| 2 | Bam Of Pennridge FCAT | 32.40 |
| 3 | Maida BCAT | 32.38 |
| 4 | On Target’s Iron Streak BCAT CGC | 32.04 |
| 5 | Gaf’s Little Black Ninja BCAT | 31.92 |
| 12-18 INCHES | ||
| 1 | Sincity’s Polyjuice Potion CA BCAT ONYX RATS CZ8B DE DM HDM CGC TKA | 31.34 |
| 2 | This Girl Is On Fire AX MXJ OF CA FCAT4 RATN | 31.28 |
| 3 | Another Punch BCAT | 31.25 |
| 4 | Mvto’s Sweet Kiwi CA BCAT CGCA CGCU TKA | 31.20 |
| 5 | Missjiff.Gif MXP MJP2 MFP T2BP CA FCAT7 ACT2 ACT2J ONYX CGC TKN | 30.68 |
| BELOW 12 INCHES | ||
| 1 | Michelada BCAT | 25.28 |
| 2 | Miss Brindi Brindle FCAT5 | 24.56 |
| 3 | Tito Goes Where We Go FCAT | 24.39 |
| 4 | Crickenberger’s Crouton DCAT | 24.01 |
| 5 | Toni Bennett FDC FCAT CGC TKE FITG FTN | 23.87 |
OBEDIENCE
Obedience Trial Champion – (OTCH)
OTCH Olive Of Lindenbrook UDX OM2 BN RN CGCA CGCU TKP owned by Nan & Kevin Daley of Woodside, CA
In November 2017, Nan met Olive, who had been found wandering in a field in San Jose. No one claimed her, and Nan foster-failed her. Even though Olive was an adult, she learned fast and enjoyed the game of obedience.
On Feb. 3, 2024, Olive crossed the finish line, earned her OTCH and was high scoring dog at the Golden Gate Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fancier’s trial in Martinez, CA, under judges Geri Lopez and Lora Cox.
“My favorite thing about Olive is how loving and happy she is towards everyone, including total strangers and all dogs,” Nan said. “She has never met anyone she didn’t like.”
Obedience
Utility Dog (UD)
- RACH Xtra’s Dilly Of Adog UD BN GO RM2 RAE2 AX AXJ SWA SCE SIE SEE owned by Karen Marie Mellert of Racine, WI
- RACH2 Kai Updike UD RM4 RAE4 DS AS CGC owned by Chelsea & Chris Updike of Verona, WI
- RACH3 Handsome Jack Huddleson UD PCDX BN GN GO RM7 RAE6 CA CGCA CGCU TKN owned by Dahna & John Huddleson of Des Moines, IA
Utility Dog Excellent (UDX)
Congratulations to these dogs for earning the Utility Dog Excellent title:
- Ian Catrick Mcdoggal UDX OM1 RE TKI owned by Mary Scott of Jacksonville, TX
- Abby Sax UDX OM1 BN NAJ THDN CGCA CGCU TKE owned by Shirley & Ronald Sax of Eagan, MN
RALLY
Rally Champion (RACH)
RACH Morgan Of Morris CD PCD BN RM2 RAE2 CA BCAT CGCA CGCU TKA FITS owned by Katie Horzmann of Opelika, AL
Morgan was adopted at 2 years of age, by Katie, from the Cherokee County, GA, Animal Shelter in November 2020. Katie’s initial plan was that Morgan would be a couch companion and jogging buddy. She enrolled in obedience classes to refresh training techniques and help build a bond. It became apparent that Morgan loved to learn, and the team went on to take a Canine Good Citizen class, a trick dog class, and a rally class all in quick succession.
Katie had never competed in dog sports. “I wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference between conformation and obedience, and certainly had never heard of rally,” she said.
Morgan “has been a fantastic Novice A dog,” and the team competed in rally for the first time in August 2021, quickly earning Rally Novice and Intermediate titles. In spring 2022, the local training facility lost its building so Morgan and Katie kept working at home to learn the upper-level skills needed for Advanced, Excellent, and Masters. On their RACH journey, the team mainly trialed in Georgia and Alabama. Morgan also earned higher titles in CGC, Trick Dog, and earned up to Novice in Obedience. She has participated in Fast CAT and begun classes in agility. And Morgan excels at being a snuggle buddy and jogging and hiking partner, the original goals Katie had in mind for her.
Although initially Katie thought earning the RACH title to be out of reach for a novice handler, Morgan proved her wrong and earned her RACH at the Atlanta Obedience Club on Feb. 17, 2024, in Norcross, GA with a perfect score of 100 in the Masters class.
RACH Kami Tuggle CD RM5 RAE2 NAP NJP SWN SCA THDA CGCA CGCU TKP owned by Deborah Tuggle & Beverly Tuggle of Columbia, IL
Kami and her littermates were born in January and surrendered to the Animal Protection Association (APA) of St. Louis, MO. She was 9 weeks old when sisters Deborah and Beverly adopted her.
Kami passed her CGC test at 5 months. After a year of training and becoming an AKC Therapy Dog, their trainer suggested rally. He explained it to Deborah, and they started training with individual signs. When he transferred jobs, a friend recommended Dog Sports at Kim’s. After their first lesson, Deborah figured out that she and Kami had a lot to learn. “Nancy and April took this novice team under their capable wings and led us all the way from our first trial to our last trial,” Deborah said. On March 23, 2024, Kami and Deborah competed in the Greater St. Louis Shetland Sheepdog Club Rally Trial held in Wentzville, MO. They needed just six Master points to earn the RACH. Their goal was accomplished.
Kami and Deborah continue their quest for titles by training at DSK in Scent Work, agility, tricks and obedience.
Photo by Emily Scott
Congratulations also to these dogs for earning the RACH title:
- RACH Jay Dee CD RM3 RAE2 OA OAJ MXP MJP CGC owned by Terry Gray & Steven Petto of Las Cruces, NM
- RACH Tj’s Star RM4 RAE2 RC CGC owned by Sally McCoy of Redondo Beach, CA
- RACH Sandy Lee Hicks CD BN RM6 RAE2 RC2 CGC TKI owned by Patricia Hicks of Paducah, KY
- RACH Just Chillin’ CD BN RM3 RAE3 owned by Cheryl Driscoll of Kirkland, WA
SCENT WORK
Scent Work Detective (SWD)
Tilly Bragg SWD SWNE SWM CGC TKN owned by Chris Jane Bragg of Parker City, IN
Tilly was born on Jan. 25, 2015, and came to the Bragg family on March 23, 2015. She is a 9-year-old Aussie/Lab mix. From the time she was young and being taken on walks, she always had her nose to the ground. So, Chris, a member of the Muncie Obedience and Training Club in Muncie, IN, looked for a way to enhance that behavior.
Chris and Tilly trained in Barn Hunt until it was no longer offered at the club, and in 2019 they started Scent Work. Tilly’s first trial was in August 2019, and she qualified in both Novice container trials and placed third in one. She was off and sniffing! “We have had several wonderful instructors and attended three of Tony Gravely’s workshops, with another coming up,” Chris said. “The judges she has trialed under have been so helpful and informative; a huge thank you to them.”
On Feb. 25, 2024, Tilly earned her Detective title. She placed second out of 25 dogs at the Fort Wayne Obedience Training Club’s Detective trial in Fort Wayne, IN. Since that tria,l Tilly has also earned her Scent work Novice Elite title.
“Tilly is a great traveler and loves to meet new people. I am proud of her, and she is much loved. Her favorite things are walks, stretching out on the couch between my husband and me, hiding her Himalayan chew, her blankie, and cheese. We look forward to many more fun days of Scent Work!”
Congratulations also to these dogs on earning their SWD titles:
Naniloa NA SWD SWE SCME SHDME SEM SBM CGC TKI owned by Dee Long of Sunland, CA
Grassey’s Lola SWD SWM SCME SEME owned by Patricia Grassey of West Chester, PA
TRACKING
Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX)
- Schooner Richards RA TDX FDC DCAT SWN SIA RATS DM DS AM HDS CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWI FITS FTI owned by Danielle Richards of San Diego, CA
- CT Coastal’s Saint SWE SCME TDX owned by Sally Nesbitt & Robert Long of Spring Valley, CA
Tracking Dog Urban (TDU)
- Maya Sugar Merrifield TD TDU owned by Gary R. Merrifield of Saint Gabriel, LA
- Dona Doodle Two RM RAE TDX TDU CGCA owned by Sharon Price & Teresa Reynolds of Duncanville, TX
TRICK DOG
Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE)
Diamond With A Bit Of Moxie MXP AJP OFP TKE owned by Heidi Kowalchyk of Roberts, WI
Moxie is a 5-year-old Australian Cattle Dog/Springer Spaniel mix. “She has an energetic, joyful personality that makes you smile and laugh when she’s around,” Heidi said.
Moxie joined Heidi’s family in 2019 at 9 weeks old. Heidi was looking for a potential agility dog, and Moxie became the perfect teammate. They compete in agility one or two weekends a month and have begun dock diving and barn hunting lessons.
Heidi loves training and she started training tricks to keep “this bundle of energy” engaged in lessons and as “chill time” after dinner when she was a puppy. She’s a fast learner and gets very excited when Heidi brings out the props to practice or when she’s learning something new.
The Elite Perfomer story was performed at Rhy’s ‘n’ Shine Canines in Spring Valley, WI, on Dec. 26, 2023. Their story was “Going to the Rodeo.” In it, they were invited to the rodeo to perform between events. They started by getting the mail, typing a letter to the rodeo committee, going to sleep, waking up and having breakfast. They then get ready for the show and drive to the rodeo grounds to perform. Moxie’s favorite tricks are running around three barrels, riding in a wagon, and leading the pony around.
Penny Of Greysolon TKE owned by Lee Stuart of Duluth, MN
Penny was surrendered to Animal Allies in Duluth when she was 6 ½ years old. Lee adopted her in mid-December 2021. All Penny knew was “sit.” On their first walk, Penny pulled Lee off the porch into a snowbank. She pulled Lee into trees while chasing squirrels. One morning, she broke loose after a rabbit, and Lee fell hard on the ice. Thanks to a Facebook post for missing pets, she was home within hours. “She was frighteningly leash reactive towards other dogs,” Lee said. “I almost returned her to Animal Allies but believed that training for both of us could make our relationship successful.”
During their first year together (2022), they attended foundation, intermediate and advanced obedience classes at Dog Dynasty Duluth. Penny was a fast learner. Despite being the oldest dog in the class, she was the first to learn reverse circles. If she kept focused on the work at hand, she didn’t pay much attention to other dogs. Lee and Penny tried agility, and Penny learned the obstacles but was still too distracted by other dogs, so they opted out in intermediate.
Lee learned about the AKC Trick Dog program in January 2023. “The saying ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ didn’t apply to Penny,” Lee said. She loved learning tricks, especially for treats. On June 11, just after her 8th birthday, with barely six months of practice, she earned her Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Trick Dog certifications, and her Performer and Elite Performer on December 10 at the Twin Ports Dog Training Club. “Since receiving her Elite Performer, she has learned basketball, soccer, cross your legs and ‘sit pretty’ – not so easy for a Lab body type. “As for leash reactivity? Progress, not perfection, and we’re not giving up!”
Nothing Is Lost, Everything Is Transformed TKE VHMA owned by Morgan Elizabeth Gross of Perryopolis, PA
Koa, a Catahoula Leopard Dog/Aussie mix, was born deaf and blind on Dec. 1, 2020. Morgan heard about him and adopted him at the age of just 5 weeks. Right away, she saw that Koa was an eager learner and began training with him.
“He loves to do things with just me, so tricks were perfect,” Morgan said. His favorite tricks are shell games (he has a terrific nose) and ‘Paws Up’ for hugs. “Despite his challenges, Koa is always wiggly and happy and has achieved a lot in his young life.” He earned his TKE title on Feb. 6, 2024, at Keystone Canine Training Club in Pittsburgh, PA.
In addition to the new TKE, Koa has earned the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Award and VHMA titles. They recently participated in the AKC Spring Scurry and are working on Fit Dog titles.
Koa’s Trick Performer Elite routine is a story about him living his best life on a dude ranch in the Wild West. Since he is deaf and blind, Morgan communicates with him through touch cues. With 75 tricks and counting, Koa can’t wait to learn more and continues to thrive.
Bailey Whiteman Cretaux CGC TKE owned by Clemence Cretaux & Joel Whiteman of Pittsburgh, PA
Bailey, an 11-year-old Australian Shepherd/Chihuahua mix, was adopted by Clemence and Joel in 2016 after being found roaming in West Virginia. A friend working at the shelter called to let them know they had the perfect dog for them – a dog of about 3 years old that looked like a tiny Sheltie. They weren’t in the market for a dog but, once she arrived at their house and jumped on their bed, it was clear she was home.
“From the get-go, she was a very smart and active dog,” Clemence said. They got involved in training classes to keep her engaged. Her favorite activity is agility but, as she gets older, they have branched out to calmer activities like tricks. For her TKE scenario, they decided it should be about something Bailey would do in real life if she had the chance – stealing lots of cheese (her favorite!).
Because Bailey has been such a great dog, she paved the way for Clemence and Joel to adopt two more: Peanut and Acadia. “She is a very good older sister, and there’s no question who is in charge of our little dog pack,” Clemence said. “Bailey will always be my perfect first dog.”
She earned the title at Keystone Canine Training Club on Feb. 13, 2024.
Tucker The Fierce Squirrel Hunter RN THD CGCA CGCU TKE VHMA owned by Cammie Klein of Novato, CA
Tucker is a 4-year-old Poodle mix who loves performing tricks! Cammie’s family got him as a puppy when Cammie was 13, expecting him to be a family pet. Little did she know they would accomplish so much. In late 2022, Tucker became certified as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International, and they now volunteer at their local nursing home, putting on trick performances for the residents.
During COVID they started working hard on earning trick titles and eventually earned the Elite Performer title in late 2023.
Tucker and Cammie have become involved in dog sports too. They compete in rally, obedience, FastCAT, agility, and Barn Hunt. “His favorite sport is Barn Hunt, because he loves hunting – it’s why his name is “Tucker The Fierce Squirrel Hunter,” Cammie said.
Cammie never imagined getting a dog would have such an impact on her life. She now works with dogs in her area and hopes to train service dogs one day. “Tucker is truly an example of how far your Novice A dog can take you, and we’re only just getting started,” she said. “The AKC Trick Dog program helped us get into the dog world and start our journey. Thank you so much for all the opportunities!”
Tucker earned his TKE on Feb. 4, 2024.
Damien Felmy RE THDA CGCA CGCU TKE VHMA VSWB FITB owned by Heather Felmy of Benton City, WA
Four-year-old Damien is an active dog who loves playing fetch, swimming, and chasing butterflies in the yard. He does not let his short legs slow him down. Damien is a certified therapy dog, and he and Heather have been volunteering in their community for the past two years. His favorite places to visit are assisted living and memory care homes.
“He’s very smart and likes training,” Heather said. He’s earned several AKC titles including Rally Excellent, Advanced Therapy Dog, and Canine Good Citizen Advanced and Urban. Most recently, he earned the Elite Performer Trick Dog title, virtually, on March 12, 2024. He loves to show off his tricks when he’s out volunteering. “Damien has a lot of personality, a little attitude, and he’s a great companion.”
Gary Johnson CGCA CGCU TKE owned by Sarah Johnson of Columbus, OH
Gary earned his Trick Dog Elite Performer title at Sunnyside Training Center in Johnstown, Ohio, in March 2024. “Gary Goes to Medical School” showcased the journey of applying to medical school, going through clinical rotations, and choosing a medical specialty. “Trick dog training with Karen and Megan at Sunnyside helped us improve communication, develop confidence, and have fun performing together as a team,” Sarah said.
Gary was born in early 2019, and Sarah met him at a bereavement program called “Healing with Hounds.” She was completing a hospice and palliative fellowship, and Gary was one of the dozens of puppies there to help provide a healing presence for grieving families (and healthcare workers).
Training for Gary began at The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating puppy kindergarten, he continued puppy classes at CynoCentric.
Gary enjoys agility, rally, and nose work classes; he recently ran his first FastCAT. He loves going on adventures with his dog friends at Good Karma Canine Training.
Photo by Jenna Strayer, 2024
Chan Pi TKE owned by Tsan Yung Agnes Lee of Tong Mi, HKG
Chan Pi (Pipi), 5 years old, brings boundless joy and love to her family in bustling Hong Kong.
Her love for the outdoors is evident in her enthusiasm for hiking and camping. Whether exploring scenic trails, camping, or simply enjoying playing on the grass, she finds pure bliss in the natural world.
She earned her TKE in March 2023, an accomplishment that reflects her intelligence, training, and the strong bond with her devoted family.
Her talents and charisma have gained recognition. She performed at the prestigious K11 Musea (HK Famous Shopping Mall) in May 2023, captivating the audience with her impressive tricks and endearing presence. In February 2024, she left a lasting impression with a performance at Landmark North.
Beyond her achievements, Pipi is cherished as a loyal and affectionate family member. Her gentle demeanor and playful spirit bring warmth and companionship, spreading happiness and laughter to everyone around her. “This extraordinary girl has left an indelible pawprint on the hearts of her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her,” Agnes said.
Bitsy Blackington TKE owned by Lauren Blackington of Sorrento, FL
Bitsy earned her TKE on March 21. “She has always been a super smart pup who loves to learn; she picks up new things so quickly,” Lauren said.
A normally shy dog, Bitsy has gained confidence through tricks, agility, and scent work. “We had so much fun working our way up through the titles, and it was a great bonding experience.”
Congratulations also to these dogs for earning the TKE title:
- Starfleet’s Princess Leia RATN CGCA CGCU TKE VHMA FITB owned by Savanna Schmidt of Fort Wainwright, AK
- Roo B Doo TKE VHMA owned by Azzy Moretti of Ogden, UT
- Puffy Fung TKE owned by Jo Fung of Hong Kong, HKG
- Maru Lo TKE owned by Wan Yin Loof Hong Kong, HKG