Janet Kolakoski

I started in obedience training in the early 80's when my employer and mentor, Julie Hogan introduced me into the joy of dog training. Her philosophy was "Dog Training is not any means to an end. A lesson learned with love is not soon forgotten" She was involved in obedience, tracking and field work with her springers and before long I had springers of my own and was competing in those arenas. Over the years I have put many CD's and CDX's on dogs in both the US and Canada. I enjoyed tracking too, a sport like Nosework where you have to totally trust your dog.

I can remember attending a camp where a new activity was being presented called Rally. It was such a cool change to the formality of the obedience ring. Of course Rally became hugely popular and it gave me yet another way to spend time with my dogs.

I started agility to build confidence in my first springer for the obedience ring. I soon was hooked! I love the fun of getting my dogs through courses. I am currently working Gee and her daughter, Ila at the master level in AKC Agility.

In all the different dog activities I play in, I try to keep Julie's philosophy in mind and remember that it is ALL about the relationship! My dogs are beloved pets first and foremost and being a competitor is the icing on the cake. I love to hear "your dogs look like they are having so much fun." It is why we do what we do to have fun.