Sarah Westcott Agility Seminar

June 27th and 28th, 2026

Sarah Westcott has been training in agility for over 15 years and competes nationally and internationally. In addition to running Doggie Academy and the Brooklyn Dog Training Center in NYC, she teaching agility at UnitedDog and Kruisin Kanines in PA. Her coaching style combines her career as a professional pet dog trainer & behavior consultant with her background in the theater. She strives to be specific and scientific, entertaining and supportive.

She regularly competes in the Northeast, at events such as USDAA Regionals, UKI Cups & Classics, ISC events, the European Open Team Tryouts and Westminster. Some of her accomplishments include 2023 Denmark Open Finalist (7th Place Large Dog), 2022 AKC National Agility Championship Finalist and 2023 UKI Speedstakes Finalist and 2nd Place Masters Series Finals. Her Novice A dog was a Labrador x Coonhound named Hank. She now competes with her Border Collies, Fever and Riddle, and is enjoying training her puppy, Gotham.

Fast Dog/ Slow Handler: Forward Focus and Verbals

Sunday 6/28/26 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm

You don’t have to outrun your dog to stay connected.

This seminar is designed for handlers who feel physically behind their dogs—or dogs who naturally move faster than their handler can support with motion alone. We’ll focus on building stronger forward focus, understanding commitment, and developing clear verbal communication so your dog can confidently work ahead without losing connection or accuracy.

Topics may include verbal discrimination, extension vs collection cues, obstacle commitment, and handler strategies that reduce the need for constant physical support. We’ll also work on improving efficiency of motion and identifying where handling is creating unnecessary pressure or confusion for the dog.

Rather than trying to “keep up,” the goal is to create a dog who understands the job clearly enough to work with greater independence and confidence.

Ideal for:

Handlers with naturally fast dogs
Teams working on distance and independence
Handlers managing physical limitations or injuries
Dogs who lose clarity when working ahead
Teams wanting stronger verbal understanding and commitment skills

Seminar Schedule

Working Spots are $165 and Audit spots are $65 (tails members $58.50)

Young Dogs: Not ready for Prime Time:

Saturday 6/27/26 from 9:00am to 12:30pm

This seminar is designed for young or green dogs who have some foundation skills but aren’t yet prepared for the complexity, speed, and pressure of “prime time” coursework. We’ll focus on building the pieces that matter most at this stage: commitment, clarity, connection, and confidence.

We’ll train on commonly seen sequences using jumps, tunnels and 6 weave poles that help dogs—and handlers—develop understanding and confidence. We’ll work on timing, handling mechanics, and reinforcement strategies that set your dog up for long-term success.

Ideal for:

Young dogs transitioning out of foundations
Dogs who struggle with commitment or understanding handling
Teams who feel “in between” levels
Handlers who want to build strong, thoughtful skills—not just get through sequences

Sensitive Dogs and Connection Issues : Strategies for engagement and confidence

Two Sessions available

Saturday 6/27/26 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm &

Sunday 6/28/26 from 9:00am to 12:30pm

Does your dog check out, shut down, or struggle to stay with you in training?

This seminar is designed for dogs who are easily overwhelmed, environmentally sensitive, or inconsistent in their connection with their handler. Whether your dog disconnects in new environments, avoids pressure or self-reinforces with zoomies, we’ll focus on building a more stable, confident working relationship.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, each team will receive individualized coaching based on your dog’s specific challenges, strengths, and responses in the moment. You’ll learn how to read your dog more effectively, adjust your training in real time, and create conditions where your dog can stay engaged and successful.

Ideal for:

Sensitive or environmentally affected dogs
Dogs who disengage, avoid, or “stress down”
Dogs who “stress up” and engage with anything other than the handler
Handlers looking to improve timing, clarity, and reinforcement strategies