We are fortunate to have a dog agility innovator living and teaching in the Puget Sound area.

Taking classes at Vortex Agility with Sandra has been an enjoyable and worthwhile education experience year after year.

Cheers and I started with Sandra in 2006 with many issues (teeter, weaves, handling techniques) and Sandra noted these areas and helped us improve. Cheers and I became confident and began to actually complete courses in class and in trials. I learned to add more "fun" and positive reinforcement to better communicate with my dog.

When my second dog Cooper came along, we started with foundation training, which I missed with Cheers. We learned the basics of agility in most positive way (for both handler and dog) and Cooper loved each class. I learned to improve each week, make sequences, and put all the pieces together.

Sandra brought insight from various agility organizations and experience as a judge and course designer to challenge students to look at courses in different ways. She also encouraged playing with your dog's natural strengths to include positive rewards and reinforcement.

As a result of taking classes at Vortex Agility with Sandra, these results (BRAG ALERT!) would not have been possible:

C-ATE C-ATCH4 APD NATCH AXP “Cheers”

USDAA: Performance Jumpers Silver; Performance Snooker Gold; Finalist 2011 NW Regional, Performance Grand Prix 12" Regional Champion

NADAC: Elite Versatility, ADAC: 2008 Championships, Skilled 12", 3rd place; 2010 Championships, 12": 2008 Championships, Skilled 12", 3rd place

CPE: 2012 Nationals (West): Level 5-Vet High in Standard 8", Veteran Games 8" 4th place

AKC: AJP, OFP, CGC

C-ATCH PDCH AX “Cooper”

USDAA: 2011 Cynosport World Games, Performance Grand Prix 12", 5th place; 2012 Cynosport World Games, Performance Grand Prix 12; 3rd place; Columbia Agility Team (CAT): 2012 Northwest Cup (Performance Mini-Dog; 2012 Nationals (West): Level C- Regular High in Standard 12"; Columbia Agility Team (CAT): 2011 Spring Classic, Level 5 High in Trial

AKC: AXJ, XF

— Stephen Champion, with Shetland Sheepdogs Cheers and Cooper