Ellen started teaching agility classes and workshops in 1988! (you do the math!) with a wide variety of dog and handler teams.  She has worked with many different breeds and mixed breeds from Irish Wolfhounds down to Yorkshire Terriers.  She brings with her the knowledge she has collected by attending seminars with some of the “biggies” in the agility world such as Ann Breau, Stuart Mah, Julie Daniels, Chris Zink DVM PHD, Dan Dege, Wendy Pape and many more.   She has also attended the intensive Clean Run Camp with many of the best instructors in the country.  She likes to keep an open mind when training agility and uses various methods depending on several factors; the dog’s breed, temperament, history and the handler’s abilities.   

 

Ellen Hizer started in agility with her first Labrador in what is now the UKC format.  She earned the Ag I and Ag II titles in her first weekend with a High In Trial!  Needing a little more challenge she tried USDAA next and qualified in ’90 & ’91 for the USDAA Grand Prix Nationals.   She has since earned titles in agility in AAC (Canada), NADAC, AKC, and CPE.  She has worked with 8 of her own agility dogs; 7 Labradors and a Terrier mix, and has earned as high as a MACH O-NATCH, NADAC Triple Triple, and several C-ATCHs.   She has also had several of her teammates qualify for several National events including AKC, NADAC and CPE.  

Ellen's  teammates also participate in Obedience, Tracking and Hunt Tests.  She will soon be adding Rally-O to that list. She currently judges for CPE, and has judged for AKC and NADAC.   Her seminars have been well received all over the country.

 

MACH O-NATCH, C-ATCH, U-CD Star’s Independence Day MX, MXJ, (NADAC’s first Lab) Triple Triple, EJC-V, EAC-V, TG-E, TN-E, WV-N, CDX, ASCA/CD, TD, JH, WETX, TT, CGC  (VCD-2) ~~11 yr old yellow Lab

 

C-ATCH, NATCH Chamois The Weasel, TG-E, TN-E, WV-E, Elite Versatility, EJC-V, TT~~10 yr old All American ( little Terrier mix)

Morning Star’s Amber Waves CGC... Lab puppy in training!

 

And fondly remember;

 

AM Star’s Whistlin’ Dixie , OA, OAJ, CGC~~ 2 yr old Yellow Lab.   Taken before her time.

 

NATCH (first Lab), C-ATCH (first dog of any breed), U-Ag I, U-CDX Morning Star’s Liberty Belle A/CDX, ASCA CD, C/CD, AD, MX, OAJ, V-EAC, V-EJC, V-EGC, WETT, TT, CGC, TDI ~~13 ½ yr old Yellow Lab

 

U-Ag I,U-CDX  Morning Star’s Pride And Joy A/CDX, C/CD, WC, NA, NAC, CGC, TDI ~ 15 ½ yr old Black Lab

 

U-ACH, U-CD Morning Star Spangled Banner A/CDX, C/CD, TD, WCX, OA, AD(First Lab), ADC, OAC, OJC, OGC, CGC, TDI ~~ 12 yr old Yellow Lab

All classes are taught by Ellen Hizer, West Michigan ’s most experienced agility competitor and instructor.  Ellen has been a performance events trainer, exhibitor, and instructor since 1987.  She has multiple titles in the United States and Canada in AKC, NADAC, CPE, UKC, USDAA and AAC in Agility, Obedience and Tracking.

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Agility classes run in six week sessions for five different levels:  Beginners, Advanced Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced and Competition at 4 different West Michigan locations; Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Holland and Middleville.  Class sizes are limited.

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A basic obedience background is recommended as the goal is to work the dog off lead.  Dogs will be expected to be under control.  All dogs will be tested for accepting a stranger, accepting unfamiliar dogs, and obeying basic obedience commands.

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Beginners: This class provides a positive approach to agility training.  Control and accuracy will be emphasized while introducing you and your dog to AKC and International Styleobstacles.  The weave poles and teeter-totter will not be taught in this class.

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Advanced Beginners: A continuation of the Beginner’s class with added emphasis on basic handling skills and problem solving.  The weave poles and teeter-totter will also be taught in this six week session. Pre-requisite: LABKAT’s Beginners class or approval by instructor.

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Intermediate:  A continuation of the Advanced Beginners class.  Control and accuracy will be emphasized to better prepare you for International Stylecompetition (AKC, NADAC, USDAA, CPE).

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Advanced: A continuation of the Intermediate class.  For handlers who want to continue  developing their competition skills.

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Competition :  For those competing in the higher levels of agility,  who want to keep their competition skills sharp and who want to develop new skills.

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Private lessons :  Private lessons are also available by appointment.  Please call for cost and to reserve a time.

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Questions?  Call (616) 785-0687 or email ehizer2@aol.com