Tracy Sklenar has been training dogs and competing in dog agility for almost 25 years, and is likely the only handler in the world who has won medals in international Finals as a coach for 2 different countries AND as a handler with her own dog in both team and individual events. She is on the faculty of Agility University (www.agility-u.com) and Agility MasterClass (www.agilitymasterclass.com), and also travels extensively to teach seminars and compete. Her “Feet Forward” approach to handling, and emphasis on connection and reinforcement have helped handlers excel at every level and with every type of dog!
Tracy’s dogs have had very successful careers Regionally, Nationally and Internationally in agility and now she has added Flyball and disc to her dogs’ list of accomplishments! Tracy and her dogs have achieved many titles & championships, made many Finalist appearances as well as multiple podium appearances in the U.S., in Canada and in Europe. She has competed as a member of 5 European Open teams and the IFCS World Agility Championships Team. Tracy has competed successfully in agility with a variety of dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments. Export closed out his career with a National Championship in the Games Championship at the UKI US Open! During the Covid lockdowns, Voodoo and Crusher were the National Speedstakes Champions in their respective divisions at the virtual UKI Canada Open, with Voodoo repeating his Speedstakes victory at the virtual UKI US Open. Baby dogs Hot Sauce, Contraband and Elektra have kicked off their careers in agility and flyball, amassing titles, wins, and great times as well. The future is very exciting!
Currently, Tracy shares her life with 7 dogs: Voodoo (9 year old CS/BC mix), Hot Sauce (4 year old BC/terrier mix), two Papillons (10 year old Crusher and 8 year old Macho Nacho), Contraband (3 year old Border Whippet), Elektra (2 year old BorderWhippet x Papillon), and Ramen (Whippet puppy) She began agility with 2 mixed breeds and 2 Dalmatians, and also enjoyed fabulous high level careers with Export (Border Jack), Rebound (Rat Terrier) and Matrix (BorderStaffy). This range of experience with a variety of breeds and individuals has helped her become an instructor who can help all types of dogs and handlers!
Tracy also has extensive coaching experience, ranging from local competitors to international teams. She bases her Feet Forward approach on the streamlined international styles of handling found in parts of Europe and emphasizes teamwork, connection, independence, consistency, mental focus, play and fun for both the handler and the dog to build a clear system of communication for each team. She came out of team coaching retirement to coach Team USA at the IFCS World Agility Championships in Valencia, Spain in 2017 and stayed on to coach the 2018 USA team in Italy. In 2012 and 2011, she was the Coach/Manager of Team USA at the World Agility Open in Belgium and the United Kingdom, and in both years was proud to see the US team bring home more medals than any other country – both times! She served as the Manager/Coach for Team Canada at the IFCS World Agility Championships in 2008, 2010 and in 2012. These teams were also very successful, ranking high in the Individual medal count and bringing home medals in the Team event.
Outside of international competitions, Tracy’s local, national and international students from live classes, seminars, and online classes/seminars have achieved great success with a variety of breeds, including World Teams, championship titles, national finals appearances, top five finishes in their breed, Invitational appearances, and more! Tracy uses positive reinforcement, motivational games and shaping to build brilliant behaviors while teaching the handlers to be consistent and positive in their handling and dog training.
