Welcome to Echo’s Sports and Performance Page!

Unleashing the Joy of Dog Sports!

Dog sports are an incredible way to build a stronger bond with your canine companion while keeping them mentally and physically engaged. Whether you are looking to explore the high speed excitement of agility, the creativity of trick training, or the teamwork of obedience and rally, there is a sport for every dog and handler team.

Join Echo and I in celebrating the joy of movement, learning, and teamwork – because a happy, active dog is a thriving dog!

Echo’s Achievements

Echo’s Agility Journey | Titles Earned and the Road to MACH

Agility has been an exciting adventure for Echo and me, filled with challenges, victories, and an ever-growing bond between us. From our first trials to our most recent accomplishments, every step in the ring brought us closer to our ultimate goal: enjoying one another. We hope to garner the Master Agility Champion (MACH) title along the way and maybe even grace the halls of the Westminster Dog Show.

Earning a MACH title is no small feat – it requires 20 double Q’s (qualifying in both Standard and Jumpers on the same day) and 750 speed points (earned by running courses under the standard time).

Echo’s Agility Titles So Far

Our first big step into the world of AKC agility, where we built confidence and learned the ropes of competition lead us to earning our first agility course test and novice agility titles:

✅ ACT1 | ✅ ACT2 | ✅ ACT1J | ✅ ACT2J

✅ Novice Agility [NA]

✅ Novice Jumpers [NAJ]

✅ Novice Fast [NAF]

The vortex of Open. This is where we worked to refine our teamwork and handling skills, tackling more complex courses with speed and precision.

✅ Open Agility [OA]

✅ Open Jumpers [OAJ]

✅ Open Fast [OF]

Now we are striving to master technical sequences and build the speed necessary for higher-level competition without making mistakes.

🔷 Excellent Agility [AX] | Legs Earned: 0

🔷 Excellent Jumpers [AXJ] | Legs Earned: I

🔷 Excellent Fast [XF] | Legs Earned: II

By this point we will be honing our skills even further and accumulating qualifying runs at the master level, setting the foundation for our MACH pursuit.

♦️ Master Agility [MX]

♦️ Master Jumpers [MXJ]

♦️ Master Fast [MXF]

Echo’s Trick Dog Journey | Titles Earned and Our Goal of Elite Performer

Trick Training has been one of the most rewarding and fun ways to bond with Echo, and it’s incredible how far she’s come! From mastering the basics to performing complex routines, every new trick strengthens our connection and showcases Echo’s intelligence, creativity, and enthusiasm. Now, as we set our sights on the prestigious Elite Performer title, I want to reflect on the journey that got us here and the challenges ahead.

Echo’s Trick Dog Titles So Far

Through the AKC Trick Dog program, Echo has earned multiple titles, each one marking a new level of skill and training.

✅ Novice Trick Dog (TKN)

This was the start of our trick training adventure, focusing on foundational behaviors like spin, shake, and high five.

✅ Intermediate Trick Dog (TKI)

We built upon the basics with more challenging tricks, including leg weaves, play dead, and backing up.

✅ Advanced Trick Dog (TKA)

Echo really started to shine here! This level introduced complex tricks like retrieving objects, carrying items, and jumping through a hoop.

🔶 Trick Dog Performer (TKP)

This title is in the queue to be completed. It required us to showcase our skills in different and challenging ways.

🔶 Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE)

This title pulls it all together where Echo and I create a routine requiring both discipline and finesse.

A Proud Accomplishment

At 8 months old, Echo successfully completed each part of the CGC evaluation, demonstrating that training isn’t just about obedience – it’s about trust and teamwork. Her CGC title is a reflection of that journey, proving that even challenges can lead to incredible progress when approached with patience and understanding.

AKC Family Dog Program

Earning the CGC was just the beginning for Echo. I am excited to announce that we finished out the AKC Family Dog Program by securing Echo’s Community Canine (CGCA) and Urban CGC (CGCU).

  • ✅ S.T.A.R. Puppy
  • ✅ Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
  • ✅ Community Canine (CGCA)
  • ✅ Urban CGC (CGCU)

    Our Journey to AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification

    I have always believed in building well-rounded, confident, and well-mannered dogs. One of my goals was to achieve AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, a program designed to recognize dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. This test evaluates key behaviors, such as accepting a friendly stranger, walking politely on a leash, and demonstrating basic obedience and self-control.

    Why the CGC Matters to Us

    As a responsible dog owner, competitor in dog sports, and all around adventurer, I want my dogs to be an ambassador for their breed.

    For Echo, this journey is particularly meaningful. She’s naturally reserved with strangers, preferring to take her time before feeling completely comfortable with new people. While this trait is common in herding breeds, it presents a challenge for certain parts of the CGC test, such as calmly accepting petting from a stranger.

    Building Confidence Through Training

    Rather than seeing this a setback, I approach it as an opportunity to help Echo develop trust in new situations. My training focuses on:

    • Positive Exposure – giving Echo time to observe and engage at her own pace without pressure.

    • Reinforcing Choice – letting her approach when she feels ready, so interactions remain positive.

    • Building Confidence – practicing in different environments and rewarding her for calm, relaxed behavior.

    Though we are continuously working on our introverted ways, Echo (and I) have learned that meeting new people can be a positive experience, and I will always be here to support her in those moments. It is not about changing who she is, but rather helping her feel comfortable and confident when interacting with the world around her.