Explore Stories About Our Members

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I’m Peter, and my dogs are Charley and Luna (black and white), both Border Collies. Luna is the pup of Charley’s sister. Our agility journey began with a chance meeting at the Canyon Country Tractor Supply Store, where I was shopping and socializing Charley as a puppy. She’ll be eight in 2026. Eagle-eyed Tammy immediately spotted my friendly little working dog, and they’ve shared a special bond ever since. Charley still insists on a hug every time we meet.

We exchanged details that day and soon started training. Luna joined the family a few years later, and we’ve been part of the Santa Clarita Valley Australian Shepherd Club since its inception — a wonderfully friendly, supportive group of like-minded agility enthusiasts. Tammy’s patience is endless as she helps us correct bad habits, master tricky courses, and prepare for whatever trial comes next.

Competitions bring good days, amazing days, and a few best remembered mainly for the fun and the food. We’ve come first, come last, earned Q’s — qualifying runs — and even took High in Trial one weekend with Charley, despite attending only a single day. But prizes aren’t why we do it. Win, lose, or get lost on the course — whatever comedy the hapless handler creates — the dogs, with raw enthusiasm, just love it.

Hi, I’m Shannon, the hospitality chair of our club. It’s been a joy to be part of this compassionate group that shares a passion for their furry friends.

Six years ago, my twin sons wanted a dog, so we researched and decided to adopt. Initially considering a Golden Retriever, we discovered Wire-Haired Pointing Griffons through a breeder. We fell in love with a puppy named Wookie and adopted her at eight weeks old. Encouraged to try agility training, I began researching in 2020 and met Tammy, who helped us start obedience and agility boot camp.

Agility was meant for fun and exercise, but with encouragement, we joined trials. Despite a busy schedule, we persevered and, after 12 trials, moved up to the Open level from Novice. We’re also mastering the weaves!

Now that my sons are in college, my husband and I are eager to participate in more trials. Our bond with Wookie has grown through this journey, and I’m grateful to the Santa Clarita Agility Club and my family for their support. I hope for Wookie’s long life so we can continue this adventure. 

Hello, my name is Krystal and I have two Aussies named Willie and Jolene. Willie was originally supposed to be my older teenage sons dog, but as teenagers are notoriously distracted by things other than their dogs I found myself at home with a young dog that needed enrichment activities. I was also desperately in need of a reason to get out of my home, being more active and always thought agility looked fun. A quick google search took me to ASCSCV and the fun began. Like Pringle’s, I couldn’t have just one dog and brought my girl Jolene home too. Since we started at the club we have been to nationals twice competing in agility, rally, obedience, and stockdog (herding cows, sheep, and fowl) events. Willie even made top ten in Most Versatile Aussie this year and was 14/75 last year. Jolene has been first or second in rally and obedience both years. This club is filled with great people that and encourage and support each other in triumphs and defeat and my dogs have quite literally rescued me.

Hi,

My name is Debby, I live in Dayton NV. I’m a long distance club member. I have been competing in agility for close to 20 years. 

I first meet some of the Santa Clarita people a couple years ago at a trial, at WAG. Then again at a trial in San Martin. I was so in awe of how the club members supported each other, as well as helping the non club members. 

I entered their trial in Norco last year (2024), and WOW. It has been many years since I was at a trial where the host club offered a get together for anyone who entered at the end of the day, we all sat around had a bbq dinner and chatted about the day. 

I came home and filled out a membership form. I cannot attend all the clubs special events, but I will drive the distance to support this club as I feel they really care about the people in the club as well as the people who enter the other trials. 

Last year I earned my very first A-TCH, with my partner Pickle at a trial in San Martin and did not even know it. After finding out Charlene had the most beautifully customized special A-TCH ribbon made for us and the club presented it to me at another trial, I have no words that can express how much that ment to me. 

I was asked if I would,help with the clubs pre trial for the 2025 ASCA Nationals, I gladly stepped up to help. All The members worked so hard at nationals, I was happy to be a part of the team.

Hi!  My name is Sam and my agility girl is Sadie.  Sadie is an Australian Labradoodle and was born during Covid.  Because proper puppy socialization was such a challenge during Covid, I wanted to find an outlet for all her energy and playfulness and help her become more comfortable with other dogs and people.

A friend of mine trains at Santa Clarita Dog Agility Club and encouraged me to check it out. I resisted for a long time.  I didn’t really know what agility was and was very reluctant. I certainly had no intention of ever competing.  I just wanted to train and have fun with my dog.  I finally went up to the ranch and observed a lesson.  I met Tammy, the head trainer, and decided it might be worth a try.  I started with obedience and beginning agility classes.  It was apparent from the start that Sadie was learning and having fun!  We soon began to advance in our skills and Tammy encouraged us to compete.  No Way!  I’m not competing...we’re just here to have fun!

Soon, our club was sponsoring a local trial and I volunteered to help work there.  I watched my friends competing and, with much encouragement, decidedthat maybe we’d give it a try.  Fast forward to today – Sadie has earned many titles, won “High in Trial” four times and has advanced in her competition level.  

Here is the most important thing…Sadie’s social anxiety is so much better.  She is well behaved (most of the time) and it is apparent that she loves agility.  Tammy says “Sadie runs with joy”, and she does.  She runs to the door when she knows she gets to go to agility.  The added benefit of this is that it isn’t all about the dog. I have met so many nice, like-minded people and made some great friends.  This isn’t just a training facility – it’s a club.  There are social events, trials, doggy game nights, community events, etc. that bring us all together and help us bond as friends and as a club.

My license plate says it all – “My Doodle Loves to Run, Jump, Teeter and Weave”

My name is Brooke, and I share my life with two Australian Shepherds, Jedi and Jinx. As a pet dog trainer, I’ve always prioritized giving my dogs plenty of playtime, walks, and hikes—but I knew they needed something more to truly thrive.

About a year ago, I discovered ASCSCV, and with it, a community of supportive, like-minded handlers who quickly became friends. Agility has given my dogs an outlet they genuinely love, turning work into a game they eagerly look forward to.

Training in the sport has deepened my understanding of how we communicate. It’s been an incredible journey of learning that each dog has their own way of thinking, processing, and engaging with the world. I love the challenge and the constant opportunity for growth.

Jedi and Jinx have earned their Novice titles and are currently working toward new titles! Jedi has earned one High in Trial award at the Novice level, and Jinx is right on his heels with her own developing skill set. I’m excited to continue growing with both of them in this amazing sport. I’m grateful for the club, as it’s brought incredible people into my life and made this journey even more meaningful.

My name is Alycia and I am the current ASCA affiliate rep for Santa Clarita Valley ASC. I began my infatuation with Aussies in 1981 when I got my first show dog.  I quickly learned that this hobby was for me and added many more dogs over the years showing in Conformation and Obedience(Rally and Agility were not available back then).  Along came motherhood and I took a very long break from showing to raise my 2 boys and after the nest was empty, I took Luna, my 8 year old Aussie for some private agility lessons with Tammy.  I was quickly “dragged”  back into the world of competitive dog sports and have since added Abby and Lacey.  Luna has retired, but Abby and Lacey keep me busy competing in Conformation, Agility, Rally, Obedience, Dock Diving, and Scent work. I have made so many new friends in this club and many of us have ventured out into other dog sports(agility is still my favorite) which we practice on weekends when we are not trialing in agility.

Hi, my name is Debbie, and I have been with dogs since I was 9 years old and my parents were raising Saint Bernards.  When I was a teen, I showed several different breeds in obedience including my Saint “Duke” who earned a CDX. There was no agility or rally back then. If you fast forward a lot of years I eventually got involved in agility, herding and rally with my daughters two dogs “Quila”, an Australian Shepherd and “Fable”, a Norwegian Elkhound. Quila became the second Aussie to earn the AKC Agility Grand Championship, she was my first agility, rally and herding dog, earning titles in multiple venues.  Fable was an amazing Elkhound who loved herding and therapy work, but she also did agility, rally, barn hunt and obedience. 

My current dogs are two Aussies - Panda and Max, and a Norwegian Elkhound - Morgan. All are agility, herding, rally, and scent work dogs. I’ve known Tammy for several years through trials in ASCA agility. She has always been supportive of her students. I am relatively new to the club. I have enjoyed the fun of working with the other handlers at both the classes and the trials that SCVASC puts on.  I was at first hesitant because Max has very high energy and tends to act out. Tammy has been very patient with my training and Max has come a long way. Max has been learning to be more tolerant of others, and it helps with our show activities. Morgan loves training in Tammy’s agility environment and is aways excited about going to class. Panda just loves to go; she is my first ASCA Performance Champion, having advanced herding, agility and rally titles. I enjoyed working with the club members on getting ready for the ASCA National Pre-trial, and the dogs love the fun nights that the club has put together, lots of fun for people and dogs.

My name is Dana, and I’m the vice president of our club. I’ve been competing in dog sports with my two dogs since 2018. My journey began with Roxi, my chocolate Labrador and certified therapy dog. After she was attacked by another dog and became fearful around dogs, I sought a positive way to help her regain confidence and feel comfortable in a dog-rich environment. That’s when I discovered Tammy and the sport of agility. Roxi went on to compete through the elite level, earning three titles before deciding that the sport wasn’t her passion anymore. However, in my journey, I realized that agility had become a strong passion of mine.

I never imagined owning an Australian Shepherd, but my love for agility led me to meet Bodhi, a fluffy and beautiful Red Tri Aussie. He quickly proved to be the perfect partner. Bodhi has earned multiple High in Trial awards in Novice and has since moved up to Open, while also competing in rally and obedience. Of all his sports, dock diving is his favorite, with a personal best jump of over 24 feet.

Over time, the training environment has grown into a very cohesive club of over 40 members. We’ve hosted trials and events for the past three years. If you’re looking for a fun group of people and amazing dogs, this is your place.

My name is Kathie and my BFF is Oakley. She is a four-year-old Bordadoodle. We got her right after we had lost our lab as a puppy. She has been a great addition to our family. She super smart and eager to learn and please. A friend of mine introduced us to Santa Clarita Valley Dog Agility training club and Oakley just loves it and is thriving! She gets so excited when we start driving down the road she paces back-and-forth and whines in excitement. She just can’t wait to run. Charlene has been such a wonderful trainer, we started in January of 2025. She’s patient and understanding and will help you through any learning obstacles. Oakley loves her as do all the dogs and people in my class.
We have only done a couple trials, but she is doing so well. In 8 months time Oakley went to her first Agility trial. She learned her 12 poles weaves and teeter which are the two hardest obstacles to learn. Those were the two determining factors as to when we could begin to compete. Charlene, along with the clubs support is so helpful! They will mentor you all to way to fulfilling your goals! We stayed consistent and determined in our training and never gave up! In a years time now, we have already received our first title! 

Agility is a wonderful way to bond with your dog, work their brains & bodies and your own! It’s a win win for both! It’s not about speed or getting it right it’s a good way for your dog to get out there and have fun. It’s all about having fun with your dog.