Agility arrived on Purple Hill more than ten
years ago and has been going strong on the farm ever since. Spot On's 24
acres include two fully fenced and equipped agility rings and plenty of
running room, all within a large, fenced play area.
Initially as a partner and since 2007 as the
sole owner/operator, Kathryn Harvey has offered training and rental
opportunities and hosted AAC-sanctioned trials for dogs and handlers at
every level of experience.
As a dedicated (some might say obsessed!)
student of the relationship between people and their dogs, Kathryn has spent
the last eighteen years gathering and applying knowledge about how to make
the learning experience the best it can be. Fascinated by the scientific
principles that govern the process of learning, Kathryn has developed a
sound and thorough understanding of behaviour modification -- the key to
developing a program of positive training that is clear, consistent, fair
and fun for every member of the team.
After several years of teaching and assisting
with obedience, tricks and agility classes in Toronto, Kathryn focused her
teaching somewhat, first on workshops covering the amazing potential of
clicker training and later on all things agility.
Six very special dogs have served as
Kathryn's in-house teachers over the years. Each has provided a range of lessons
that together have created a cherished education. Currently living with two
very well-loved border collies and a Zuckerberg shepherd, Kathryn has a great appreciation for dogs of
all breeds and backgrounds.
Backed by experience gained via Masters
degrees in behaviour modification and business, a vast library of resources,
and attendance at numerous conferences and workshops, Kathryn has been a
prolific contributor to a range of publications, most notably DogSport
magazine. Co-author of the sold-out book Citizen Canine: Practical advice
on living with dogs in the real world, Kathryn continues to write about
dogs and dog sports whenever the chance arises.
Kathryn's experience as a competitor,
instructor and trial host served her well during her two terms as President
of the Agility Association of Canada. Kathryn continues to support the evolution of the sport in ways that will
better meet the needs of competitors and their dogs.
