Dana Pike began agility in 1991 with her Bernese Mountain Dog, “Riley.” She had always had a passion for dog training and soon after her introduction to agility began to seriously study handling and training techniques.
In 1994, she became one of the first judges for the AKC agility program and continued to learn more about course design and handling. Prior to judging for AKC she was also a judge for NCDA and later the UKC agility program. She has judged the AKC, UKC, and AMBOR nationals.
In 1999 Dana began K9s in Motion Agility, offering group classes and private instruction. First and foremost, she strives to help every handler improve their relationship with their dog. Her training is based on positive reinforcement techniques for both the handler and the dog, she lives and teaches that all training MUST be fun for BOTH teammates. Students have come to appreciate her knowledge, skills, humor and direct approach. She credits those students, both human and canine for teaching her as much she's taught them.
Agility has taken Dana around the world as a competitor and instructor.
Her first international competition was with her Jack Russell, Maybie in 2004 at the IFCS world championships, where they went on to win multiple gold medals! Since then, some of her competition achievements include going to the 2008 IFCS world championships with her very young dog, “Tangle,” and having been a multiple national finalist with many of her dogs in AKC and USDAA. She cherishes every experience and loves to share memorable moments from each of her trips. Tangle was the winner of the USDAA Grand Prix Finals in 2011 as well as making the IFCS world team for 2012.
Tangle was also invited to the 2011 AKC Agility Invitational, and became the first All American to win this prestigious event!
Most recently, Dana became interested in the newest dog sport, K9 Nose Work. She is currently training two of her dogs in scent work, and has recently completed the requirements to become a certified nosework instructor through the NACSW.
