Criterion Agility was founded with the belief dog and handlers teams benefit from consistency, clarity and fun. Monique strives to meet those standards win each class.

With 15 years of agility training and 4 competitive dogs to her credit, Monique has taught the sport of dog agility to hundreds of enthusiasts.  Some of her students have gone on to the highest levels of competition, while others enjoy just the training, and fun in class. No matter your goal, your fitness level or your dog, Monique makes it fun and safe for all.  Her classes are energetic, challenging and very rewarding. Her exposure to a large variety of training methods and handling styles allow her to adapt methods to best fit each dog and handler. Her understanding of general dog behavior along with her ability to break down all skills to levels everyone can understand means all are successful. Monique works to make ALL dog and handlers teams the best they can be through consistency, clarity and fun.

She began her agility career 15 years ago with a Rottweiler named Bianca.  It was clear at an early age this dog needed direction and a job. While in pet obedience classes Monique’s instructor recommended checking out agility.

Their skill levels quickly surpassed those of local instructors and with a few trials under her belt Monique began teaching. While Bianca retired with a CD, OA and OAJ Monique continued her pursuit for top notch agility instruction, becoming an instructor herself.

Methods of training and training theories have changed since Monique’s time with Bianca and she has been there to learn all of them.  She has trained with the best in the World including World team members Jen Pinder, Linda Mecklenburg, Dana Pike, Karen Holik, Stacy Peardot-Goudy, Mary Ellen Barry, Syvlia Trkman and Sylvain Jacquemin.

Her methods work well with a variety of dogs as well, with students competing with the following: Bichon Frise, German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Chihuahua cross,  Mini Poodle, Standard Poodle,  Pit cross, Australian Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Mini Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Papillion, Cocker Spaniel, American Eskimo,  Doberman Pinscher, Flat Coat Retriever, English Bulldog, Pyrenean Shepherd, English Shepherd, Portugese Water dog, Siberian Husky, Jack Russell Terrier and many, many specially blended breed of dogs.

Monique’s own dogs have provided many lessons in patience, perseverance and understanding of canine behavior; while her own physical setbacks have granted her a greater understanding of humility, patience and determination.

She has reached the highest level in USDAA dog agility competitions in 2008, not only qualifying for the National finals to be held in Scottsda;le Arizone but also earning an ADCH ( Agility Dog Championship)  title with her 7 year old Pyrenean Shepherd, Rou.