Kelby
The newest addition to Debbie’s household is Kelby. Born in September 2017, this little dog is Debbie’s first Sheltie to come to her as a puppy. Selected because of his confidence, outgoing personality, and major play drive, Kelby’s agility training is underway. Debbie is looking forward to seeing what’s in store for her with this lightning fast boy.
Ryker
Born in March 2014 as Caddo’s Fast Strider, this youngster is trying hard to be even faster than his big brother, Braedan. He’s still a work in progress, but Debbie is enjoying the challenge of training this wild ‘n’ crazy boy and has high expectations for him. Ryker is competing at the Masters level of USDAA, earning his first ADCH in 2018, as well as in the Master level of AKC. At USDAA’s Nationals (Cynosport) in 2017, Ryker was a Steeplechase finalist.
Braedan
Born in November 2009, Braedan embarked on his agility career with great gusto and still keeps Debbie on her toes. He has his USDAA ADCH, as well as his Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum ADCH, and he completed his Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award in late 2018. In AKC, he’s earned three Master Agility Championships (MACH 3) and has moved to the Preferred program where he will jump 16″ for the remainder of his career. He was a Grand Prix Finalist in USDAA Nationals (Cynosport) in both 2016 and 2017, finishing in 6th Place in 2017.
Senna
Acquired from Border Collie Rescue of Texas (Houston), Senna came to live with Debbie at the age of 13 weeks in March 2003 and turned out to be a great addition to the Spence menagerie. He loved agility, playing tug, and chasing frisbees, squeaky balls, and all the vehicles coming into and leaving the PAWS agility field (from the inside of the fence!). Senna actively competed in AKC and USDAA agility and earned an AKC MACH 3, USDAA Platinum Agility Dog Championship (ADCH-P), and a Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award. He retired from agility in 2012 and went to the Rainbow Bridge in October 2018.
CameronCameron was acquired from one of Debbie’s agility students in May 2004. Born in October 2001, this little Sheltie had fear issues to overcome (which caused freezing in the agility ring) but, through positive training, he went on to live life to its fullest and excelled at agility. Cameron earned an AKC MACH 3 title and both a USDAA ADCH and Performance ADCH. In addition, Cameron was ranked in 2011 in USDAA’s Top Ten — 9th Place in Performance Snooker and 6th Place in Performance Standard.
TristanBorn in 1996, Tristan is Debbie’s third Border Collie. He was a “wild thing”, and Debbie had to learn to work with a high-drive, fast, intense dog. In addition to a USDAA Bronze ADCH, NADAC Superior NATCH, and AKC MACH, Tristan held the Clean Run Ultimate Weave Pole Challenge record from June 2003 to August 2004, completing 60 weave poles in 12.77 seconds. Tristan won the USDAA Veterans Grand Prix in 2004 and took 2nd Place his first time at NADAC Nationals the same year. Retired from agility at the age of 12, Tristan enjoyed his retirement by begging for treats from Debbie’s agility students until his trip to the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 16 1/2.
BoomerIn February 2000, Debbie acquired Boomer, a 3 1/2-year-old Shetland Sheepdog. With no previous training whatsoever (either obedience or agility), Debbie immediately started her positive training methods with Boomer. He caught on more quickly than she expected, and within a few months, Boomer was entered in his first agility trial where he earned a qualifying score in NADAC Jumpers. During his career, Boomer earned his USDAA ADCH, his NADAC NATCH, and his AKC MACH titles.
CatcherIn 1995, Debbie acquired Catcher (also a Border Collie) from rescue at the age of 7, and he started his agility career shortly thereafter. Although Catcher loved agility, his personality was such that he required lots of praise and reward for a job well-done. Debbie had to make sure to keep Catcher’s training motivational and fun. After earning 13 agility titles in three different organizations (USDAA, AKC, and NADAC), Catcher retired from agility at the age of 12 1/2.
KallieKallie, a Border Collie, was Debbie’s first agility dog. Because little was known about how to teach agility in its early years, Debbie had to overcome significant training challenges with Kallie, who went on to obtain her USDAA Agility Dog (AD) and AKC Agility Excellent (AX) titles before retiring at age 11.
