2009 AKC Agility Invitational

Judges – Sionag Black

Sionag (pronounced "Sheena") became involved with agility in 1994 with her first Golden Retriever, Katie. She took the advice of an obedience class instructor and enrolled Katie in an agility class "for fun." Sionag was quickly hooked and has never looked back. Although Katie was injured and could not compete beyond the open level, Sionag continued to show her second Golden, Midas, to the MACH3 title. She is currently showing Nike and training her young male, Trip. Each dog has presented a different training challenge, which is part of why Sionag so enjoys the sport of agility.

Over the years, Sionag has become involved in the sport of agility beyond that of exhibitor. She is a member of three different dog clubs and chairs two shows a year. She teaches for one of the clubs as well. But most importantly, she has been judging for the AKC since 2000. She decided to become a judge in part to give back to the sport that has given her so much enjoyment, and also because she truly enjoys watching teams with all level of challenge and ability.

In addition to agility, Sionag trains her Golden Retrievers for obedience and field. Sionag and her husband, Marty, currently live with their two Goldens in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Sionag has worked as a psychologist in a mental health clinic in Beaver Dam for the past 22 years.

Sionag is honored to be selected to judge at the 2009 Invitational. She finds it a great pleasure to participate in an event that showcases the best of all of the breeds.