Meet Alyssa Daube, a Dedicated Agility Competitor
Name: Alyssa Daube
Age: 17
Hometown: Edwardsville, IL
Grade: 12th
Family: Parents, Rosemary Jones, Jason Daube, brother Jacob Daube, and stepfather Mike Jones
Allyssa is an avid agility competitor who has qualified for the NAC two years in a row – 2022 and 2023 (which she will be attending in March). She has attended the JAC three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022). She and Piper placed 2nd in the 16-inch division in 2022, her last as she is aging out.
She competed in the AJOO (Agility Junior Open Online) placing 3rd in her individual jumpers run and placing 7th overall in the 16-inch height. Allyssa was on the JOAWC 2022 Team USA (Junior Open Agility World Championship), “an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I made many new friends and memories and had an amazing learning experience. I still connect with the people I competed against, danced with, played games with, and was on the team with. I am very thankful for my coaches Joan Meyer and Chris Brewer. There are also many people in my area who I call my Agility moms/Agility dads. They always help me in any way possible, offering snacks, rides to major competitions such as JAC or Nationals, and even recording my runs.”
AKC: How old is Piper and how did she come into your life?
Allyssa: Piper Grace turned 6 on November 28th. I had been looking for a smaller dog to start competing with such as an Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, or a Sheltie. All my cousins, friends, and family knew I was looking for the right dog. My cousin Chelsea had a friend, Katie, whose dad owned Piper (then known as Lucy). Katie’s dad thought that this dog had too much energy and wanted to find a new home for her. My cousin sent a text to my mom saying that this dog was available, and we would only have to pay her vet bill, which was $100. My mom and I packed up the car and drove that following weekend to Aliquippa, Pennsylvania to get Piper. It was a 21 hour round trip.
AKC: What got you started in dog training?
Allyssa: I became interested in training when I saw my cousin Chelsea compete at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO. It was the most amazing and fun thing to watch. I became more interested as the day went on and knew right then that this was something I wanted to do. I asked my mom if we could stay all day, and we did. Being so intrigued by how these people had such a connection with their dog that they would listen to every command, I had to see it again. We stayed for all three days of this event. I then googled it on my phone and continued to learn more until I was able to save enough money to buy my own dog.
AKC: Is your family involved in showing dogs?
Allyssa: At first, when we got Piper, my mom would come and learn the basics of obedience and then agility. We both attended class and took turns with Piper for the first year. Then, I took over and my mom would record me so I could watch the videos to learn how I could do better. Just last year Piper earned her CGC (Canine Good citizen) and became a therapy dog and an Emotional Support Animal for my mother.
AKC: What sports does Piper compete in and what titles/honors has she earned?
Allyssa: As of right now, Piper Grace and I only compete in agility but are going to get into Fast CAT and dock diving this year. She has earned all her novice, open, excellent, and most master titles. In November, we received our first MACH. Her full name with all of her titles is MACH Piper Grace Daube MXB (Master Standard Bronze) MJB (Master Jumper Bronze) XF (Excellent FAST) T2B (Time 2 Beat) CGC (Canine Good Citizen). Hopefully this year we will earn MACH 2, attend Westminster, and gain some other titles.
AKC: Tell us about what dog training has meant to you.
Allyssa: Competing in a variety of national and international competitions has been immersive, challenging, and rewarding, allowing me to do things that I thought were not possible for my Novice A dog. For me, agility is not just about running a course with your dog, it’s stepping to the front lines with your best friend and teammate. Trusting one another, ready and able to change commands when needed to get your dog in the right place. Every time I step to the line, I hope and fear this isn’t our last run because we don’t know what the future holds. When I got into high school I dropped all of my other sports and decided to focus on agility because I knew that this was what I wanted to do. My dog is my life, my love, and my passion. Earlier last year in February, right after I found out that we had made the JOAWC 2022 team, Piper started throwing up blood. I thought that this was the end of her career or maybe even her life, but I stayed hopeful and let the vets run their tests. After figuring out what it was, I was able to adjust what we needed, and now she is very happy and healthy. This goes back to treating every run like it’s your last, because no one knows what will happen from day to day. I like to make it a run that leaves me smiling, even if we mess up because I know Piper is doing what she loves.
AKC: Tell us about any other dogs you may have – names, ages, and what sports they compete in.
Allyssa: My other dog is a 13-year-old Pitbull named Missy who likes to sunbathe. She does not compete but prefers to sleep most of the day. My mom just got a beagle for Christmas and his name is Gunner. My dad has four dogs whose names are Titus (a purebred boxer who is 7), Max (a mix of lab and Pitbull mix who is 8), Foxy (a Maltese who is 13), and Tito (a Poodle mix who is 1).
AKC: Do you own any “non-dog” pets?
Allyssa: We currently do not own any non-dog pets, but our family has owned many non-dog pets such as ducks, bunnies, and fish.
AKC: What are your goals in the sport of dogs?
Allyssa: I plan out my overall goals with Piper every year. Some of them are to get multiple MACHs, and then PACHs. Also, to get an AGCH, a MXS, MJS, MXG, MJG, to qualify for invitationals, to run at Westminster (hopefully this year). Some of my goals for this coming year would be to get MACH2, qualify for the NAC again, to go to the 3rd annual Illinois Premier Cup, and to get some trick dog titles. I just went to my third and last JAC, and I will be attending the Nationals in Tulsa in March. I will be attending trials in other venues, something new for us. We have run international courses before but never for these organizations. This past JAC was amazing, Piper was flying more than she normally is… and this is how I know she went out there and gave it her all. She always pushes herself and has fun while doing it.
AKC: Do you plan to do something animal related as a career?
Allyssa: I was planning on becoming a vet, but I decided to change my career path to become a surgeon for people.
AKC: What extracurricular activities are you involved in addition to dog sports?
Allyssa: In addition to dedicating myself to agility training, I also dedicate myself to my friends, school, organizations, church, and volunteer work. As an honors student I am president of Animal Rescue Club and Edwardsville Peer Influence Club. I am also in NHS (National Honor Society), NEHS (National English Honor Society), and FFA (Future Farmers of America). I am in the handbell choir at my church. I play lacrosse for my school, and I became captain of the team for this year. Even though being captain is an important job, agility will always be my number one priority. This is why I am missing my first game of the season – to attend Nationals.