The spotlight shines on the AKC Agility League team that made the most improvements in the Spring/Summer Season: the Sheboygan Wagging Wonders of Wisconsin. This team competed in the Limited Freshman class and showed great strides from the early rounds to the later rounds. Captain Linda Toppins tells us this team is truly a success story as most are new handlers and deal with issues ranging from their dogs’ being fearful to their own ring nerves. But they have amazing support for each other and, with work, training and camaraderie, they prevailed and are looking forward to more agility.

Team Name: Sheboygan Wagging Wonders

Captain: Linda Toppins

Division/Skill Level: Limited Freshmen

Location: Sheboygan Dog Training Club, Sheboygan, WI

Run Indoors/outdoors? Indoors

How did you come up with the team name?

It’s a wonderful thing to play agility with our happy four-legged teammates.

What do you attribute to the success of these young dogs on your team this past season?

This team initially felt intimidated about competing in the summer league of AKC Agility League. For many members, it was their first experience working with an agility dog, and several dogs presented unique challenges, with personalities ranging from impulsive and strong-willed to reactive and fearful. Plus, there were injuries, and both handlers and dogs had to deal with ring nerves.

These handlers have shown remarkable dedication. Through obedience work, training fearful dogs, agility practice, and seeking out advice and research, they helped their canine partners gain confidence and enjoy the sport. Along the way, they celebrated not only their own dogs’ achievements but also one another’s successes.

Perhaps they should be called the Wagging and Women Wonders, as their teamwork, encouragement, and unwavering support for each other and their dogs were truly incredible.

List the team members:

• Valerie Sarnowski, Daphney, All American Dog
• Anneke Teaters, Max, Miniature American Shephard
• Kimberly Nickel, Faustina, All American Dog
• Stephanie Damrow, Harlee, Border Collie
• Ana Murphy, Jojo, Australian Cattle Dog

Anything else you would like to add?

It was a great learning experience for handlers and their dogs. The methodology of league is a wonderful thing: learning how to compete in a trial-like environment with less pressure, teams gaining confidence, and learning the rules of what competition is like. We are looking forward to playing league again!