Oklahoma will be hosting this year's American Kennel Club National Agility Championship trials (March 28-30, 2008 at Tulsa's Expo Square). With that in mind, as well as a considerable number of members who are actively involved in obedience and agility training, we met with Kathy Rasmussen, Owner & Training Director of the new Norman Canine Sports Academy.
The academy provides central Oklahoma with a full spectrum indoor/outdoor training facility. Kathy has invested unnumbered hours, energy, and finances toward making this facility a success.
Kathy briefed us on the operation and management of the Academy, various levels of group & individual training, support & sponsorship which the facility is receiving from different individuals and organizations in central Oklahoma, and growth of the facility.
Training at the Academy is designed to address needs for canines at puppy, beginning, and advanced levels. Summer Camp for juniors gives them the necessary education in pet care and safety. Training is offered in all genres for adults and juniors, including conformation, agility, obedience, rally obedience, and canine good citizen.
Design and construction of the Academy gives central Oklahoma a climate controlled, state of the art training facility. The initial 6,200 square foot building, much of which is covered with custom matting, has abundant expansion potential on the accompanying five acres. Expansion plans include addition of training programs for tracking, therapy, clicker obedience training, flyball, freestyle dancing, and more. The exterior courses for agility training and exercising are scheduled for completion in Spring 2008. Kathy is joined by seven other professionals in conducting the Academy's programs. In addition to training, the facility is also utilized by clubs for conformation and competition events, meetings, etc.
Kathy Rasmussen brings thirty years' experience in training and competition to her role as Owner and Training Director for the Canine Sports Academy. She is well-known throughout central Oklahoma's canine community. Kathy is also involved with: International Association of Canine Professionals; Association of Pet Dog Trainers; Oklahoma City Obedience Training Club; Siberian Husky Club of America; Siberian Husky Club of Greater Oklahoma City; American Pointer Club; and, Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America.
