Dog agility training is not just a sport or fun hobby. It’s a wonderful way to connect with our dogs and enhance the bond we share with them. Stephen McKay, a dedicated OneMind Dogs Instructor, has an inspiring story about how he found his way into the world of agility training and how it transformed his relationship with his dogs. Hear more from Stephen in his interview with OneMind Dogs’ CEO Noora in our podcast: From The Dog’s Perspective.
The beginning: A new puppy and big dreams
Stephen and Jamie were newly married when they decided to bring a puppy into their lives. They welcomed Keltie, a good-natured Golden Retriever, into their home. Their goal was simple: raise a well-behaved dog they could trust in various situations. To achieve this, they enrolled in local pet training classes, eager to learn the fundamentals of dog training.
But they didn’t stop at classes. They read books, scoured articles, and absorbed any information they could find about dog behavior and training techniques. Their commitment to understanding their new family member was impressive and laid the groundwork for their future adventures in agility.
Falling in love with agility
As they continued their training journey, they got a recommendation for dog agility classes. Intrigued, Stephen and Jamie decided to give it a try and from the moment they stepped onto the agility course, they were hooked. The excitement of watching their dogs navigate obstacles and the thrill of teamwork was unlike anything they had experienced before.
Stephen, being one of the more athletic students in the class, often found himself running with Rosie, an enthusiastic Shetland Sheepdog. Rosie’s owner faced mobility challenges, but she loved watching her dog run with someone who could keep up. This experience opened Stephen’s eyes to the joy of agility and the special bond that forms between handler and dog.
Learning from Experience: Piper’s Journey
As time went on, Rosie had a litter, and Stephen and Jamie couldn’t resist welcoming one of the pups, Piper, into their family. Piper was eager to learn but struggled in competition environments. She often fled the ring, overwhelmed by the sights and sounds.
Recognizing that they needed to change their approach, Stephen and Jamie decided to pause their competitions. Instead of pushing Piper, they focused on learning what emotions dogs experience in stressful situations. To understand if they could change how dogs associate with situations and environments.
The OneMind Dogs Approach
During a dog agility seminar, Stephen was introduced to the OneMind Dogs method, which emphasizes training from the dog’s perspective. At that time, the OneMind Dogs learning platform and teaching method wasn’t fully developed, but it resonated with him. Mary Ellen Barry, one of the first U.S. OneMind Dogs Coaches, played a crucial role in this moment.
After a frustrating run where Stephen miscued Piper, Mary Ellen asked him a simple but profound question: “Stephen, you said Piper is sensitive, right? And Piper knows you weren’t upset with her because…?” This question sparked a shift in Stephen’s thinking.
Seeing Agility Through the Dog’s Eyes
From that moment on, Stephen began to see agility through the eyes of his dogs. He realized that understanding their perspective was essential to creating a positive training experience. It wasn’t just about getting through the course. It was about ensuring Piper felt safe and confident every step of the way. This new understanding helped him cultivate a deeper bond with Piper and allowed him to approach training in a more compassionate and effective manner.
The Impact of OneMind Dogs Training
Stephen’s journey with OneMind Dogs has provided him with valuable insights that have transformed his training style. Here are some of the key lessons he’s learned about dog agility along the way:
1. Fairness to the Dog
One of the most important lessons Stephen learned is the significance of being fair to the dog. Training with an emphasis on the dog’s perspective ensures that the experience is enjoyable and rewarding for them. It’s about creating an environment where dogs can thrive, learn, and have fun.
2. Commitment and Cueing
Stephen discovered that timing is everything in agility. The OneMind Dogs method emphasizes the importance of commitment and timely cues. Before this training, he often found himself late in cueing his dogs, which led to confusion and mistakes. By being proactive with his cues, he noticed a significant improvement in his handling skills and the overall flow of their runs.
3. Handling Elements
Another key insight was understanding how different handling elements work together to communicate effectively with his dog. This understanding helped Stephen execute more complex handling plans and navigate courses with greater ease. Once he realized that dogs responded in specific ways to certain elements of human body language, handling made a lot more sense!
Teaching and Sharing the Passion
In 2005, Stephen was asked to teach dog agility lessons at his local training club. This opportunity allowed him to share his newfound knowledge and passion with others. By 2012, he and Jamie made the leap to become full-time dog trainers, welcoming their first Border Collie, Scorch, into their lives. Stephen’s formal introduction to OneMind Dogs classes with Soshana Dos further enriched his training philosophy.
As Scorch approaches retirement, Stephen continues to embrace the “Agility from the dog’s perspective” approach that he learned from Tekla and Janita. He finds immense joy in passing this concept along to his students, nurturing the human-canine bond that flourishes when trust and communication are prioritized.
Stephen recently returned from a week-long road trip with his four dogs, a testament to the deep connection he has cultivated with them. Jamie gifted him a t-shirt from a store called “The Lucky Dog,” which reads, “If you’re lucky enough to have a dog, you’re lucky enough.” Stephen feels beyond lucky; he feels blessed to have learned how to listen to his dogs. If you want to hear more from Stephen, don’t forget to listen to his interview with OneMind Dogs’ CEO Noora in our podcast: From The Dog’s Perspective.
The Joy of Dog Agility Training
Agility is not just about speed and precision. It’s about understanding, connection, and mutual respect between dogs and their handlers. Stephen’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of agility training through the OneMind Dogs method. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a newcomer to the sport, embracing the dog’s perspective can lead to profound growth and joy for both you and your teammate.
Join the Agility Adventure
If you’re interested in exploring dog agility training and live in the area, consider joining Stephen’s classes in Westchester, New York, or attending one of his upcoming seminars. Visit McKay9 Dog Training for more information and to start your own journey toward a deeper connection with your dog. Otherwise, you can also learn agility online through OneMind Dogs!
Agility training is a rewarding experience that goes beyond the obstacles and courses. As Stephen’s story shows, when you approach training with empathy and a willingness to learn from your dog, the possibilities are endless. So sign up and enjoy the incredible journey that awaits you both!