Joining the Sport

Advice from international coach and puppy trainer Ann Braue

This article was originally published in the April 2024 OVERview digital magazine.

Ann Braue's dogs Suspect and YES meeting for the first time

Originally from Verona, Wisc., Ann Braue has owned and operated several training facilities in the Badger State. In October 2023, she opened a new location, In Sync Agility, in Madison.

Ann currently offers two to three puppy seminars each year to help teams lay solid foundations heading toward dog sports, especially agility. She also offers private lessons to dogs of all ages and focuses on positive reinforcement and classical conditioning to bring teams to their full potential.

“If you have an active, physically fit pup, you very well may have an agility prospect!” Ann said. “If you’re new to dog sports, I highly recommend researching your local training facilities and clubs. Spend time talking to people who are active in the sport and ask them for their recommendations. Additionally, if you find a trainer you think you’d like to work with, observe how they interact with their own dogs.

“While there are certain breeds that have a reputation for excelling in agility, there are many, many mixed breeds participating in the sport,” she added. “The most important factors to consider are whether your dog is physically sound and fit enough to participate in such a physically demanding sport. And be sure to have fun!”

Ann’s journey through dog sports started in competition obedience. She began experimenting with agility after purchasing her first Border Collie in 2000 and made her first World Team in 2005 with her second dog. She has podiumed multiple times at numerous regional and national events including several Cynosport^® tournaments. She was also the head coach for the USA European Open Team from 2013 to 2023.

More information on Ann’s classes, seminars and other events can be found at InSyncAgility.com.