MEET THE TEAM
Scott Wenzel
Founder
I grew up on a farm around all types of animals. The animals were my refuge, my safe place to be me. Always there, nonjudgemental and comforting were my animal friends. Sam, our German Shepherd Malamute cross was always at my side. In high school a family friend introduced me to Lhasas and showing dogs. I got a puppy and took her to a few shows and loved it. I later acquired an Akita and started training obedience. A championship and a few obedience titles later and I was hooked. Over the course of the next few years I worked with dog handlers showing client dogs at conformation shows. This was an invaluable experience working with dogs of all breeds. I developed a skill for building confidence in shy dogs that came to us to be shown. I remember one dog to this day, Andrew. Andrew was a beautiful Irish Setter that was completely shut down, afraid of everything. Over the course of a month while preparing him for the show ring, his true personality emerged with a little coaxing from me. It was beautiful to see. My employer at the time told me I had “the touch” after watching this transformation.
Later on, I volunteered at the Animal Humane society first on the dog floor and then in the training school. My time there exposed me to what was to become my passion, nosework. I helped train the class and followed along with my pitbull at home. Energized by these experiences I attended the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers in Sonoma, California learning advanced obedience, behavior modification and canine management. I continued my nosework training with seminars, online training and training with nosework experts Holly Bushard and Tony Gravely.
I’ve competed in agility with my Am. Staff, Pickles, and have earned several titles. I compete in nosework with both Pickles and one of my Malinois, Pynk, with three organizations. Pickles is working on her AKC Masters title and NACSW NW3 Elite and Pynk is currently competing in NACSW Summit level and working on her AKC Detective title. My Malinois puppy is currently in training for agility and nosework and about to compete in her first nosework trial. I am an AKC scent work and fetch judge and CGC evaluator.
I am a balanced trainer that appreciates the value and importance of the bond between you and your dog. Dog sports are an incredible way to build this and enrich your and your dog’s life.
This is written honoring my dog, Pynk. She is so close to me and knows me better than I do at times. I am so grateful to share this life with her and appreciate the changes she has brought me and those around me. I am eternally grateful.
Prior to dogs Amy trained and showed horses. Her understanding of horse movement and jumping principles easily flowed to the world of agility. Amy started doing agility with her English Pointer but never competed with her. She began competing with her English Cocker Spaniel Fern in 2008. Amy currently Competes in AKC, USDAA and UKI. With Fern she completed a MACH, ADCH and PDCH titles before Fern retired. Thorn, her next agility dog, achieved a PDCH. Thorn also competed in both the UKI US Open by video and the UKI Canada Open by video during the COVID shut down. He did very well at each placing in both events. Amy currently competes with English Cocker Spaniel Tansy. Tansy is a unique individual who is teaching Amy many new things about working with distracted dogs. The youngest of the bunch is Border Collie Sway who has not yet begun competing. Amy’s English Cockers split their time between agility and field work with her husband. This sharing often creates the need for creative training that will work in both worlds. It can be a fun challenge. Amy began teaching roughly in 2011. She loves to see progress in her students and really enjoys ‘light bulb’ moments when teaching. Amy believes in teaching to the dogs needs and skills not a one size fits all program. Having struggled with injuries/surgeries impacting her running ability, Amy also understands handler limitations and enjoys finding ways to increase success within those limitations.
Amy edstrom
agility Instructor
Rose Miller
Obedience Instructor
Dogs have always been a part of my life. I grew up with many different breeds and got the training bug when the local 4-H club offered dog training badges. I was hooked. As an adult, I began obedience training and competed in several competition. I loved the relationship that grew between me and my canine partners.
One day, shortly after losing my obedience girl, a friend suggested I visit a local shelter - she knew of a lovely Border Collie mix needing a home. I didn’t think I was ready but once I met her, I knew she was mine. Rascal came home with me and soon after I was introduced to the world of agility. Once again, I was hooked.
That was 25 years ago and I’m still hooked. I am currently living with Border Collies 4 and 5 and love how each dog has taught me something new. Bravo was my first competitive dog and I learned so much from her. She was spunky and headstrong and she taught me how to play this game. We earned several championship titles from NADAC and CPE and even though we lost her in 2021, she’s still in my heart. Scout (13 1/2) is recently retired from agility after a great career – 16 Championship titles in NADAC and CPE. Scout has lots of drive but is a stubborn redhead. Scout taught me the gift of patience and reminds me to play often – especially when balls are involved. Scout needed a job after her agility career so we became a Registered Therapy Team through Pet Partners. Scout loves her hospital visits and brings smiles to both patients and staff. Scout has many fans! My newest teammate is Jax. He is just starting his competition adventures. Jax believes you should do everything FAST and twice if, possible. Jax is teaching me patience, calmness, and a sense of humor. I am excited to see where our journey takes us.
I believe each dog has potential and we need to discover what that is to be a successful team. The best teams are the ones that have a strong bonds with each other - there’s nothing more exciting than watching a team truly in sync with each other. I love watching team progress and become connected, confident, and most important, happy.
“If only one of you is happy on the agility field, it better be the dog.”