Lucy, one of the rising stars in the dog agility scene, has captured the hearts of many with her passion and determination. Based in Melbourne, Australia, she and her spirited Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Dino, are known as Team Flying Sword. What began as a fun pastime quickly blossomed into a profound connection, fueled by the innovative OneMind Dogs methodology. Join us as we explore Lucy’s remarkable journey, her insights on agility training, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.
Q: Hi Lucy! It’s wonderful to have you here. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your interests outside of agility?
Lucy: I moved to Melbourne from China 24 years ago, and about seven years ago, my husband Mark and I brought home our first dog, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Dino. The name means “little sword” in Italian, which perfectly captures his bold and outgoing personality. As a first-time dog mum, I was eager to explore all sorts of activities with Dino, but it was agility that truly captured our hearts. The thrill and challenges of the sport have kept us engaged ever since, and we proudly call ourselves Team “Flying Sword.”
In my free time, I love to explore my culinary passions by baking all sorts of treats. There’s nothing I enjoy more than hosting tea parties for my friends and family, complete with freshly baked goodies. I also have a deep love for travel and experiencing new cultures and cuisines.
Q: What inspired you to start dog agility training with Dino in the first place?
Lucy: To be honest, it was simply a desire to try everything as a new dog mum! During Dino’s puppy school classes, the staff mentioned agility as an option alongside obedience training. After giving obedience a try and finding it a bit boring, I decided to explore agility instead. I joined a local dog agility club, and that’s where our adventure began.
From our very first agility class, I could see Dino’s excitement and enthusiasm. He loved navigating the obstacles and the challenge of the course. It was incredibly rewarding to watch him thrive in an environment that encouraged his natural instincts and energy. I knew then that we were embarking on something truly special together.
Q: It sounds like you and Dino were a natural fit for agility! What challenges did you encounter when you first started out, and how did you overcome?
Lucy: At the beginning, I started dog agility just for the fun of it. And Dino’s had a natural jumping ability that made our foundation classes really enjoyable. However, everything changed during our first mock course run before the Christmas break. My run was a disaster! I struggled to remember the sequence of obstacles and felt overwhelmed by the handling techniques required.
Watching more experienced members run effortlessly left me feeling frustrated and a bit lost. As a competitive person by nature, it was tough to see myself lagging behind. I remember thinking, “How can I improve? Why can’t I keep up with the others?” It was a humbling experience, to say the least.
During the holiday break, I decided to do some research to find ways to enhance our training. That’s when I discovered the OneMind Dogs methodology. I was eager to give it a try since my local club only provided a basic introduction to agility. The resources and training materials they offered were a true game-changer for us.
Q: It’s great that you discovered OneMind Dogs and decided to dive in! Can you tell us more about your training journey and how their method has impacted your goals?
Lucy: When we started training with OneMind Dogs, we joined their Agility Premium subscription and fully immersed ourselves in their approach. The step-by-step handling techniques, along with the rich resources and demonstration videos, were incredibly helpful. Initially, I didn’t have any specific goals in mind. I just wanted to gain a deeper understanding of agility as a sport.
As I began practicing the OneMind Dogs techniques at home, I noticed a significant improvement in my handling skills and course comprehension. I learned the importance of clear communication with Dino and how to better read his body language. The more we practiced together, the more confident we became as a team.
Even with the weekly training at our local club, I often felt lost. However, as I continued to implement the OneMind Dogs methods, my skills and knowledge grew exponentially. I realized that agility requires a blend of technical skills, patience, and a deep understanding of your dog.
Most importantly, the OneMind Dogs approach taught me to see things from Dino’s point of view, which was an invaluable shift in perspective.
Q: What are some memorable moments or milestones you’ve experienced during your agility journey together?
Lucy: One of the most unforgettable moments was witnessing how agility boosted Dino’s confidence. He truly believed he was a Border Collie in a Corgi’s body because he truly flew over any obstacles! There was this one night during training, when one of the hurdles was set too high for him. It was still at 500mm, which is for larger dogs.
By the time he reached it, it was too late to stop him. However, he flew over the bar without hesitation, showing how confident and bold he had become. From that point on, he always jumped over, no matter the height!
Another incredible milestone was our participation in the 2024 Australian National Agility Championship. Competing for the first time at a national event, Dino excelled, finishing 5th out of 50 top dogs. This achievement still fills me with pride, as it was a true testament to all the hard work and dedication we’ve put into our training. Seeing Dino compete at such a high level and succeed was an indescribable feeling and one of the highlights of our journey together.
Q: How has your relationship with Dino changed through agility training?
Lucy: In agility competitions, we’ve become Team Flying Sword. The ups and downs of each event, the clean runs and even the not-so-great handling choices, have built a strong trust between us. Outside of agility, we’re just a mum and her fur baby, but the communication skills we’ve developed on the agility course have strengthened our everyday relationship. I’ve learned to be more attuned to Dino’s needs and emotions.
Q: How has OneMind Dogs influenced your journey?
Lucy: OneMind Dogs has been instrumental in our agility journey. It’s the only methodology I have followed because it makes sense, it works, and I trust it completely. Although it was quite challenging to understand at first, like any learning process, once you practice and get that “click,” it becomes a very effective tool. Their unique approach has revolutionized our training.
The support from the OneMind Dogs community and access to their comprehensive training resources have been invaluable. This methodology has made our agility journey incredible and helped Dino become a master dog quickly.
Q: What advice would you give to others considering agility training with their dogs?
Lucy: My advice would be to jump into agility training without hesitation—it’s so much fun! If you’re considering this sport, start now. You’ll embark on an unforgettable journey that goes far beyond just having a pet.
More importantly, whether it’s agility training or daily family life, always try to understand your dog from their point of view, not just yours. Be patient and consistent, and always praise your dog. Joining a supportive community like OneMind Dogs can provide valuable resources and motivation.
Q: What are your future goals with your dogs?
Lucy: For now, my goals with Dino include continuing to compete in agility trials to keep him engaged and happy, while also seeking my second agility dog. As an experienced handler now, I trust my abilities and skills, and I believe I can handle a fast dog. I’d love for my second agility dog to be a Border Collie. I intend to keep learning and practicing the OneMind Dogs methodology, as learning is infinite, and dog agility is already part of my endlessly fun and exciting lifestyle.
Lucy’s journey into the world of dog agility is a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes from understanding and bonding with our pets. With guidance from OneMind Dogs, she has transformed challenges into triumphs, deepening her connection with Dino. Her story invites us all to take the leap into the exciting world of dog agility—just like she did with Dino, you might find a new passion that enriches both your life and your dog’s.
