In the Agility Zone with Contact Zonies
Oldest Phoenix-area agility club is 100% positivity based.
If you play agility with your dog in Central Phoenix, Arizona, chances are you’re running with Contact Zonies. Founded in 1992 by USDAA Hall of Fame Pioneer Bud Houston, Contact Zonies is the oldest of several Phoenix-area agility clubs and one of two affiliated with USDAA. It boasts some 140 members who train their dogs in agility, either for competition or just for fun.
Contact Zonies club president Chris Hill and Rikki (GreatDanePhotos)
“Contact Zonies is a club for everyone,” said club president Chris Hill. “We don’t just cater to those who want to be very competitive at the highest levels. Our class roster covers all levels, from Beginner through Masters.
“We do have several very competitive members who participate in several venues,” she continued. “However, we encourage families that want to get out with their dogs and have fun and exercise. We hold many events during the year for folks young and old wanting to learn about the sport of agility. We offer classes in rally and obedience, too.”
Based at Phoenix’s Melrose Swim Club for the past 25+ years, the club’s neighborhood location in North Mountain Village means that families and other nearby residents often stop by to watch training sessions. Contact Zonies also offers field rental with pre-set courses to club members so they and their dogs can practice on the equipment.
Member and equipment manager Devora Locke receives the Contact Zonies Kris Sandberg award,
presented annually in memory of a member who passed away from cancer.
As for competitive opportunities, Chris said, “We have two full USDAA trials per calendar year and generally put on a tournament trial as well. In our off season, we have evening fun runs, weather permitting.”
Club members are expected to volunteer at the club’s trials. By doing so, they earn Contact Cash, which can be used to pay part of their entry fees. Contact Zonies also sponsors local USDAA regional events and promotes local participation through national USDAA competitions.
Training at Contact Zonies is 100% positivity based, utilizing toys, treats and plenty of praise. As the club’s website puts it, “There are no ‘NO’s’ in agility.” Explained Chris, “If a dog does something incorrectly, it is lack of experience on the part of the dog or handler — or both. We highly discourage any negative feedback when training a dog. The dog is trying to understand. It’s up to us to provide a positive attitude and show the dog what is expected. Mistakes happen; it’s all about attitude.
“The best part for me is seeing the student’s success,” she continued. “Those little moments when the team connects, whether it’s in class or getting to see them run a sequence.”
Contact Zonies member Annie DeChance and Stuie
Further educational opportunities are provided by seminars on agility and other canine-centric topics. The club believes in doing community outreach as well. “We occasionally go out and do demos for groups interested in learning more about our sport,” Chris said. “We also rent to specialty clubs for dog-related events.”
Chris has been involved with agility for 30 years and a member of Contact Zonies for 20 years. She currently runs three dogs: Jive, an 11-year-old Border Collie; Rikki, an Australian Koolie; and Kayte, a 3-year-old Border Collie. Said Chris, “USDAA is my preferred venue for agility, and I hope to continue in the sport for many more years.”
In addition to teaching at Contact Zonies, Chris rents class space for her own training business, Wind Dancer Agility.
Contact Zonies members are delighted that USDAA’s Cynosport® World Games Presented by Purina® Pro Plan® will return to Tucson this fall. “The national event is great for folks to come and see how much fun the sport of agility is,” Chris said, “and to watch the dynamics between the dog and the handler.”