The Trainer
Jan Reid began agility with Star, her Yorkie, in 1991, and was one of the core group that brought Agility to the Southeast.
Georgia’s first USDAA Trial (1993) was Jan & Star’s competition debut. Star competed at 12” then, and for several years to come, without ever earning a qualifying score. At just under 4 lbs. and 7”, she couldn’t clear 12” jumps and scale the 6’3” A-frame in quite enough time to ‘Q’. Rather than be discouraged by this, Jan continued competing with ardor & enthusiasm, despite having no titles or Q’s to show for it.
Then…USDAA introduced the “Veterans Program”. Star earned her VAD, VAAD, and Veteran Snooker Titles. AKC Agility came along, Star shined!
She quickly earned her Excellent titles and competed at the first AKC Agility National. This, along with appearing on TV’s “That’s My Dog” with agility as their talent, brought Jan and Star recognition nationwide.
Agility organizations were known to have used Star as a barometer when evaluating performance standards for true toy dogs. Judges can recall their dilemma in calling refusals when little Star would gather herself as she approached 12″ jumps-at almost twice her height-hurdling herself over, rarely taking down a bar.
Jan showed that no dog was too small to do agility…and succeed, making great strides in the recognition of those that choose the “P” Programs based on physical limitations of an otherwise fit, well trained and conditioned dog.
Jan owns Rock Solid Dogs, outside Atlanta, and continues to compete with her rescued minpins. Jan is known for her positive and motivational dog training. Judges often comment on Jan’s upbeat attitude with her dogs…no matter *what* happens on course! Jan is an inspiration to agility handlers of dogs of all sizes … not just the tiny ones!
