The Spotlight shines on a new agility handler and dog team that are learning the ropes together. Amos Gingrich and his Border Collie, Piper, are the recipients of the AKC Agility League’s first Most Improved handler/dog team, which they won for their Summer Season performance. They live in Alaska and ran on the Limited Freshman team ACT Fur Fun. Amos tells us more about their agility journey and learning to handle his “Batteries Included” Border Collie!
Call name: Piper
Breed: Border Collie
Age: 4 years
Registered name: Amos’ Piper NAJ
Owner name: Amos Gingerich
City/State: Anchorage, Alaska
Team name and division: ACT Fur Fun – Limited Freshman
Tell us about Piper and her background. How old was she when she came to live with you?
Piper came to me at about 8 weeks. She was the last but definitely not the least of her litter. She came fully charged and ready to play from the very beginning. Definitely “Batteries Included.”
When did you start your agility journey? Had you competed with dogs in the sport before or this is a new adventure for both you and Piper?
Piper and I started our agility journey with an Agility Foundations class for puppies when she was 9 months old at Alyeska Canine Trainers in Anchorage. We progressed on to Agility Classes 1 through 5 as she neared 2 years. We encountered tons of challenges along the way including handler injuries, a spinning habit, fear of the teeter, missed contacts, and forgetting weaves, among many other things. Piper is relatively quick, and I’m not so fast so that’s been a big hurdle for us. With patience, persistence and lots of helpful guidance, we gradually developed our skills as a team. Mastering a reasonable rear-cross and distance handling has been key to Piper and I finally meshing as a team. We’re still beginners but are having lots of fun!
Do you compete or train in any other dog sports?
While agility is our primary focus, we’re excited to be trying an introductory nose work class. She has shown a knack for sniffing out hidden items around the house so we’re going to give it a try. Rally might be another possibility for the future.
What is Piper like to train and live with?
Piper learns fast but has a whole other level of energy and enthusiasm when it comes to agility that can be difficult to corral. She is crazy about hikes, walks and toy-play but has learned to relax when all the balls and toys are stowed out of reach. On hikes and walks a bit of herding instinct kicks in, she likes to have her people together and will go back and forth to encourage the “laggards.”.
Favorite rewards?
Piper loves treats, balls, discs and toys. Among toys, she has a strong preference for balls. She likes regular dog treats but also has a taste for fresh treats like apple bits, blueberries, carrots and raspberries. She even eats broccoli! Her absolutely most favorite treats are small bits of honeydew melon or those last few licks from my vanilla ice cream cup.
What does she like to do in time off?
Piper is energetic and always ready for an outing. There are tons of hiking opportunities around Alaska, and Piper and I take full advantage of that. She will settle for a walk around the neighborhood along with a stop at the park to catch discs as well. She relaxes around the house provided all balls are removed from reach but is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
What do you like best about League and how has it helped your training program?
AKC Agility League is the perfect format for fun, relaxed competition. It’s an easy way for Piper and I to compete regularly and develop our team skills in small slices. We’ve definitely started putting it all together during our League runs. It’s been fun and a great help!
Future goals?
We recently got a Novice NAJ title under our belts and are eager to continue our agility journey. We’re looking forward to many more years of agility,
Anything else you want to add?
We owe a lot of gratitude to all the folks who have taught and coached Piper and me along the way. Lynda, Diana, Chelsea, Shari, Patti, Sabrina, Lindsey and all my student peers among many others that have contributed to our progress. It’s all been incredibly fun and thank you all so much for your insights and help!!