Meet Our Instructors
Contact our Training Director Jeanie Burton for more information about classes and private instruction.
Jeff AbelOver the course of 15 years as an agility instructor, Jeff has
worked with a wide range of dog and handler teams from beginners though accomplished international competitors. He recognizes that each team learns at their own unique rate regardless of the class level. Jeff's cornerstone for teaching is detail and consistency resulting in teams with better confidence and understanding. Often pushing students beyond their comfort zone. This helps expand their limits and redefine their own personal goals. Jeff is able to improve team communication while reinforcing speed - all while centering their experience on fun and laughter. From teams just entering their first agility competition to teams in the Excellent or Masters classes, or those focusing on improving their international handling abilities, Jeff skillfully uses a myriad of tools learned from top national and international instructors to help teams achieve their personal best. He has owned dogs that include the historic 5-time AKC Invitational MACH 2 and USDAA Master Agility Dog "Tipo" (Spanish Water Dog). MACH and USDAA ADCH “Snafu” (Border Collie), a semi-finalist at the 2015 USDAA Cynosport World Games. Both dogs have had many impressive rankings and wins and are multiple AKC Nationals qualifiers. His recent competitive partner is AKC MX, MXJ and USDAA MAD “Fray." She has competed at the AWC International Tryouts and the AKC European Open Tryouts with impressive showings. In 2019, she was a UKI National Championship Finalist. He also owns his upcoming agility partner “Hookah”. |
Jeanie BurtonJeanie began her agility journey at Kruisin Kanines nearly 16 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 she has learned over the years from national and international instructors. One of her interests is the early shaping of subtle 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 and through a variety of rescue behaviors. She works to modify and reshape them in an effort to achieve confidence, enthusiasm and ultimately, successful teams. Jeanie's current competition dogs include MACH4 ADCH "River," a rescued Border Collie. River has qualified for AKC Nationals annuals 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 now embarking on his agility career and shows tremendous promise.* |
