Emily Klarman and Vanish shine at the 12th Annual Westminster Masters Agility Championship, sharing insights on teamwork and training.
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Emily Klarman: Vanish is a very special dog to me, and together we accomplished a lot in Agility. This Westminster win is special to me as Vanish is starting to get older. I can’t help but think our competitive days are starting to become more limited. I am thrilled that at 8.5 years old she is still able to compete with the best.
Emily Klarman: Westminster is a unique event where the atmosphere is much more electric. We are in the heart of NYC, which is not common for an Agility competition. Vanish loves competing with the crowds and spectators. The environment at Westminster is not for every dog. It is busy and loud. That can be overwhelming for a lot of dogs. Vanish takes it all in stride and focuses on the tasks at hand. She loves Agility, so the rest is just white noise.
Emily Klarman: In 2005, when I was 12 years old, my Mom took me to a local dog expo where they had Agility and Flyball demos. I had a young Border Collie at the time, so she signed us up for Agility classes. I have been hooked ever since. I have been doing Agility for 20 years.
Emily Klarman: Border Collies are very smart and athletic. They are always up to learn more. Agility for the handler is a difficult sport. There are a lot of small details and it takes a lot of practice. Some dogs are not forgiving (even some Border Collies) to repeat things over and over again. Most Border Collies are patient to let the handler figure it out and are happy to try again within reason. Border Collies are working dogs and they take their job seriously.
Vanish has all the great traits a Border Collie should have. What makes her better than others is her calm mind but quick feet. Some dogs get really excited and that can distract them on course and cause errors. Vanish is very precise and also fast, which is a unique trait. Usually it is one or the other. She is very excited to compete, but the dog I have in training is the same dog I have in competition. Not all dogs are like that. She is predictable, which says a lot, considering our partners are living animals that don’t speak English.
Emily Klarman: Find a training club that focuses on positive training and solid foundations. Sometimes the foundation exercises don’t make a lot of sense in the moment, but they build up to a confident and intuitive partner. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be intimidated by people around you who have been doing it longer. We all started out with our first Agility dog. Agility class is not a dog park, so please do not let your dog go up to other dogs without the other person’s permission. Basic manners and obedience are a must. If your dog has a recall and a stay, there are endless possibilities in Agility.
Agility
Watch the inaugural AKC Agility Team Challenge on ESPN2 as six cities compete in a fast-paced team Agility competition.
