About Fly Dog Sports

My journey with animals began early—long before I knew it would shape my life and career. As a young 4-H member, I was teaching sheep to walk on halters and lead for showmanship competitions, where I was judged not just on presentation, but on my knowledge and handling of a wide range of animals, from chickens to cattle.

In high school, I rode with a PRCA Drill Team, performing bareback and bridleless on a horse I trained myself. By age 17, I was teaching beginner western riding lessons to both kids and adults. Just a few years later, I became the assistant drill team captain, helping train young riders ages 8 to 18.

My interest in dog training began in college when I took obedience and trick classes so our first dog, Kaycee, could carry a flower basket in our wedding. That introduction led me to dog agility and Skyhoundz Frisbee competitions. I was hooked. My dog Oscar and I competed across the Northwest, eventually qualifying for the 2008 Skyhoundz World Championship in Chattanooga, TN.

In 2006, I became the Operations Director at SafeHaven Humane Society. That experience deeply shaped my understanding of dog behavior. On my first day, I adopted a fearful Miniature American Shepherd who became one of my greatest teachers. During my time there, I worked with thousands of dogs—assessing behavior, facilitating play groups, and counseling adopters. I also worked with dogs from neglect, hoarding, and abuse cases, including a notable group of wolf hybrids.

 In 2020, I was drawn back into agility training—this time to deepen my bond with Bridger, my Pomeranian mix. That led to an apprenticeship with local trainer Tammy Moody. I continue to assist in her classes while also teaching my own.

In 2023, we adopted a 3-month-old Australian Shepherd from the Humane Society. When it became clear she couldn’t pursue agility due to hip issues, I shifted my focus to scent work, which sparked a passion for the sport and led me to begin offering nose work classes to other students.

Today, I’m passionate about helping build stronger connections and partnerships between dogs and their people using positive reinforcement methods.

Continuing education includes:

2023 

Handling Problem Behavior & Mistakes, Karen Pryor National Training Center ~ Graham, WA

FDSA 3 day Camp ~ Albany, OR

Worked Up 2.0 with Sarah Stremming ~ Newberg, OR 

2024

Control Unleashed 2 day workshop

Clicker Expo, Portland, OR

APDT 3 Day Conference, Riverside, CA

Know the Nose Two Online Conference- FDSA

Aleks Woodroffe Nose Work Seminar Bend, OR

2025

 NACSW K9 Nose Work Training Fest Pacific Northwest

Vicki Lovejoy Nose Work Workshop