Starting Agility
by Austin Hoover

I first became interested in agility when I saw it on Animal Planet. My father is a retired professional handler, and with his help I was able to decide on an Australian Cattle Dog as a breed for me. We live on a farm with livestock, and a Cattle Dog seemed to be a suitable breed to have. We went in search of the perfect dog. It was truly a blessing when we found "Bob," a finished show champion in Florida. Bob landed at the airport in Kansas City ready for action.

The following week Bob and I started agility classes with Joan Meyer (who has made the USA team twice). We have been in weekly training for about a year. Bob has been a great dog for me. The hard work and practice have definitely paid off. My next project is a new puppy to show and then on to agility with her.