
Trainers
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![]() Deanna Levenhagen
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I was once asked what advice I would give a newcomer to training and competing. Here are some reasons why I think training is important:
- Never stop learning. Take each opportunity to learn about yourself, your dog, the training, and different environments.
- Have your own goals--regardless of your level of training. Many different methods can be used to reach your goal.
- Training is never really done. There is always something that can be improved or fine tuned.
- Don’t cut corners or expect quick solutions to problems. Be patient and take your time.
- Don’t avoid your or your dog’s weaknesses. Continue to train to make them better.
- Don’t forget why you do this! This is about sharing time and bonding with your dog. HAVE FUN!
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I started training my first dog, a Cocker Spaniel in 1991, and have been teaching Agility classes at Total Recall since 1994. Though currently an Agility instructor at Total Recall, through the years I have trained and shown my dogs in Breed, Obedience, Flyball, Therapy, and Agility. I have been judging AKC Agility since 1996, and NADAC Agility since 2000. Right now I own an English Springer Spaniel and a Manchester Terrier, but I have also owned American Cocker Spaniels and a Doberman Pinscher. They all have earned titles in Breed, Flyball and Agility, including owning the first Manchester Terrier to ever title in Flyball, having the top pointed flyball cocker in the country, and putting both a MACH and NATCH titles on a dog. I have also competed in several national competitions, and judged the AKC Invitational in 2007. I show and judge at least two weekends every month, along with teaching once a week. What I find most enjoyable about teaching is watching the dogs and handlers learn new things and apply that knowlege to their next lesson. I like to see them succeed in the sport--especially if they choose to compete. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, cooking (which includes some party catering and cake decorating) and training my own dogs. |