Katie Brennan

Katie Brennan is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Professional Dog Trainer (CDBC & CPDT-KA). She has been training dogs professionally for over a decade. Her first dog, Kimma, helped forge her deep passion in dog sports. Once a fearful Finnish Spitz, Kimma became the first in her breed to earn numerous titles and hooked Katie on performance sports. Her notable accomplishments include: highest titling agility Finnish Spitz in history (also with the most QQs and MACH points), first female Finnish Spitz to be invited to AKC Agility Invitationals, highest earning Finnish Spitz in AKC Rally, and first female Finnish Spitz Trick Dog Champion.

Katie places a lot of importance on making the learning process fun and exciting for everyone, while still being sure to set up teams for success with proper foundational skills. She has also helped many students find solutions to behavioral hurdles that had previously prevented them from being able to shine in a competition setting. Through her success with her Finnish Spitz (a breed not typically seen competing), Katie has come to believe that there really is a sport out there for everyone. She loves helping owners realize the potential in their dogs.

Katie's expertise expands far beyond manners and performance training, as well. Throughout her career she has chosen to expand her knowledge into the working dog world, training Urban Search and Rescue dogs at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center and at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. Over the years, she’s found that what she has learned from training USAR dogs applies directly to performance training, as motivation, confidence, and timing are vital parts of successful working and dog sports teams. 

Along with her two Finnish Spitz, Kimma and Jari (who has broken his own share of breed records!), she also competes with her Sheltie, Sonya Blade, in a variety of venues.  She continues to work for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation as a recruiter, helping turn shelter dogs in need of rescue into rescuers. 

JEANIE BURTON

Jeanie began her agility journey at Kruisin Kanines nearly 19 years ago with a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a rescued Pit Bull mix. Since then Jeanie has gone on to be an instructor for a variety of agility classes. She has a wealth of knowledge which she has learned over the years from national and international instructors. One of her interests is shaping behaviors so they mature into fast dependable habits. She is also interested in fast and reliable obstacle performances and international handling. And while her calm demeanor might belie her competitive spirit, she is a master at creating drive while maintaining focus. A self-described "student of the game," her own students welcome her creativity and dedication to excellence that helps them succeed in the sport.

Jeanie has a soft spot for rescues. She has worked with a variety of rescues to achieve confidence, enthusiasm and ultimately develop into a successful team.
Jeanie's current competition dogs include MACH6 ADCH "River," a rescued Border Collie. River has qualified for AKC Nationals annually since the age of two. "River" and Jeanie made the Finals at AKC Nationals in 2014 and placed an impressive 5th in the 24" class. Her young Border Collie "WiFi" is has shown real promise but unfortunately has been sidelined with injuries. She is looking forward to the training journey with her newest addition to the pack, Switch.