Laurie Kruger

I have been training dogs and people in the sport of agility for 15 years. For the first half of those years, I soaked up any and all knowledge from my mentors, coaches, instructors, seminars, workshops, classes and more classes and now more recently on-line training. I am an avid learner and have a passion for teaching agility. I have 4 dogs of my own that range in age from 3-1/2years to 20 years old.  They all bring different training challenges to our journey and I love trying to find solutions to bringing out the absolute best in my training sessions. I am a firm believer in building solid foundations and understanding all the layers of skills that build upon one another to maintain that foundation as you progress and grow in the sport of agility. The more I can help people build strong relationships with their dogs the better as that will set the stage for lasting fun, joyful training, and positive journeys. 

People ask what my philosophy is for dog training and my first response is, I will never say my dog cannot, or will not do “that”, but you dig deeper and look harder to find an answer, it is there with the dog or handler. The answer may present itself as a different picture and there are many ways to solve a problem but most important, embrace the challenge and open your mind up to learn something new and exciting about your dog.  

Laurie Kruger and Kari Manning are combining their efforts to provide open coaching and training on Master level full courses in a small group setting in a new format of a training session. Laurie also offers Foundation Handling classes in small, personalized groups for young or inexperienced dogs. The times and dates are on the calendar and website.

I began my dog carrier about 25 years ago after moving to Spokane, WA and joining Spokane Dog Training Club. My foundation is in obedience but shortly after joining SDTC I discovered agility and was hooked. I have been training in agility for the last 25 years and have personal trained and competed with Shetland Sheepdogs (PACH), a Border Collie (MACH) & Doberman Pinchers. I began teaching/instructing agility approximately 20 years ago and have worked with dogs of all sizes (Corgis to Akita’s). I have been in agility for so long, I remember when the start & finish line were orange cones, and the timer was a person with a stopwatch.

I believe that building a strong foundation of teamwork and trust is a major component through the training and learning process. My training is based on positive reinforcement, and I have used both verbal and clicker methods when training and/or instructing. I believe obedience and agility training are not and should not be separate. Basic obedience training can support your agility career.

Each dog and handler are unique and have their own personal challenges. My first love is problem solving training … helping teams with a specific problem and finding the best way to communicate what is wanted in a language understood by both the dog and handler.

I believe the mental game is as equally important as obstacle and skills training. If you are not having fun and enjoying the game .. ask yourself why. During my agility career, one of the best compliments I received was from another competitor…she told me … “if I don’t see your run, I can’t tell if you qualified or not at the end, you are always so happy and smiling .. either way”. My dogs never asked to run agility, they do it because I chose that sport for us … why wouldn’t I celebrate every run .. regardless of a “Q” or not.

Limited Agility Problem Solving Privates are available (contact issues / weaves / start line / team connection / jumping/ etc…). Contact privately for details

A Bit about Gail Eikanas
I began my agility journey 20 years ago with my Bernese Mtn Dog who needed socialization and exercise.   I have now trained and competed with a Min. Schnauzer, Sheltie, Toller, Border Collies and my current teammate, a Min. American Shepherd, each breed and dog presenting its own challenges and joys.  For the past 15 years I have had the pleasure of training/instructing other handler/dog teams from foundation to competition and along the way have gained friendships I will cherish forever.
I believe that building a solid foundation on each piece of equipment and each handling skill is the key to success.  My job as a trainer/instructor is to help the handler break down each of these into super fun, positive and highly rewarded “parts and pieces” shaping behaviors which will give both the handler and dog a clear, strong and confident foundation to move forward.  Each dog/handler team will have their own (sometimes unique) challenges along the way that we will work through together.