About Us
Kara Mackenzie has been involved in dog agility and training since the mid 90's, and is currently an active competitor and instructor. Kara’s first dogs came to her at 9 years old, a Golden Retriever named Nala and a mixed breed named Mitty where she read books on dog training and learned on her own. Luckily, her horse riding instructor told her about an agility school having a summer class for Juniors starting up, and luckily, some very good instructors were at that facility. That summer class was the beginning of it all. She also dedicated to learning as much as she could about training with any stray dog she fostered, so they could easily find wonderful new homes.
Originally from a small town outside of Houston Texas, now Kara is currently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She comes from having a mother who was a PE teacher and coach, so you could say coaching is in her blood. In addition to agility, Kara was very active in USEA Horse Trials, Pony Club, and a variety of high school sports while growing up. She has trained and learned from a variety of trainers throughout the years. She has stayed active in competition herself ever since starting teaching classes.
Kara started teaching in 2010 while in college. She is familiar with a variety of breeds and has personally trained and competed with different breeds and mixes. She believes that agility training should not be a “cookie cutter” style, and formulates custom plans for each handler and dog team as needed. She keeps her methods all similarly based, but tweaks them to get the most out of each team. She believes that no handler and dog combo are the same, so she teaches with that in mind. She trains and teaches methods that are as natural as possible for the dogs to understand. Be prepared to be pushed a little out of your comfort zone, as she enjoys challenging students and encouraging them to always keep learning. Kara teaches a variety of levels of agility classes at FASTDoggie. She teaches all ages, all levels, and only requires an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Kara’s personal accomplishments in dog sports have included: • 2019 European Open World Team Member • 2017 European Open World Team Member (alternate) • Podiums and Finalist spots at National Events and World Team Tryouts • Multiple AKC Agility Championships (MACH) • Multiple UKI Agility Championships (IAC and IWAC)• Multiple titles in AKC, USDAA, and UKI • Multiple podiums in UKI Classics • Invites for Dockdogs World Championship • Multiple Dockdogs titles • Participant in Purina’s Wonderful World of Dogs at age 11 •Multiple Scent Work Titles •Multiple Barn Hunt Titles
Success is determined by those whom prove the impossible, possible.
I hope that when you run your dog, you begin and end with joy and gratitude that you get the opportunity to play this game with them. Results, speed, or "perfection" are not what is important. The memories will be one day all that you have.