About All FUR Fun Training and Event Center

Just like most people that are in the dog business I have loved animals of all types throughout my life. It didn’t actually occur to me until 1999 to “get into” the dog business. In 1999 I got a German Shepherd pup named Samson and wanted to raise him right, train him and have a dog that would be a pleasure to be around. I read everything that I could get my hands on, watched DVD’s, and attended seminar after seminar with the best of the best, positive reinforcement trainers in the world. I somehow found training methods that not only work, but involve no pain or discomfort for the dog. On April 15, 2009 I officially graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy and am now a Karen Pryor CERTIFIED TRAINING PARTNER. This was a very intense training course and I am very proud and honored to be among the first Texas graduating class and only 1 of 4 total that achieved certification. Now, present day, I am sole owner of the largest training center in Texas. How cool is THAT?! We pride ourselves in staying current on training as well as behavior, by reading, attending, and HOSTING the most up-to-date seminars and conferences by the best in world. Wanting to better the lives of people and dogs in a positive way is what keeps us loving our profession.

Elizabeth has been around dogs her entire life. Like many other agility competitors, Elizabeth was originally involved in horses, competing in hunter jumping and cross country. She grew up with cocker spaniels as pets, and many times had them doing “broomstick agility” in the backyard. In 1992, Elizabeth was given a gift: Ranger, a young Collie mix and she quickly realized that he needed a job. Elizabeth started him in obedience, but her competitive options were limited with a mixed breed dog. In 1996, she found the sport of dog agility, and was hooked. Over the years, she has titled in various venues with her own dogs in many different jump heights (Zoomer 12”, Buster 16”, Pandemonium 18”, Grissom 22”, Ranger 26”, Riggs 26”), often enjoying success at regional and national events. In 2004 her mix breed Zoomer was a regional Performance Grand Prix winner. With her Border Collie ADCH-Gold, PDCH-Gold, PACH Riggs, Elizabeth was USDAA National Grand Prix semi-finalist in 2005, 2006, 2007. In 2008 & 2009 Riggs was Southeast Regional Performance Grand Prix Champion as well as Performance Grand Prix National Finalist and Performance Speed Jumping National Finalist. The highlight of Riggs’ career was back-to-back National Championships in two organizations: 2009 USDAA Performance Grand Prix World Champion and 2010 AKC Preferred NationalChampion. ADCH-Silver Grissom, was a USDAA National Grand Prix semi-finalist in 2012 & 2013. Elizabeth was honored that Grissom was selected to compete internationally, representing the 2012 IFCS New Zealand World Team and 2015 IFCS Australian World Team. Elizabeth believes in a positive training process, that builds confidence and understanding in the dog and handler as a team.

Karen is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant having met the requirements through the IAABC with over 500 hours experience of behavior consulting with clients and attending over 400 hours of coursework, seminars and mentorships related to canine training and behavior. Canine Connection was started in 1994 after Karen worked with a local humane society and quickly realized the need to educate clients on canine behavior. She and her husband Bob now work together and teach group classes, provide private lessons and board & train programs. Karen now specializes in behavior problems including dogs with fearful and aggressive behavior. She has also joined the world of AKC Obedience Competition with her rescued Golden Retriever, Cassidy, who has overcome several serious behavioral problems herself and has now successfully competed at the national level. You may contact Karen directly at canineconnection@charter.net to schedule a consultation.

I started training dogs when I was 14, and have been practicing, reading, studying, and learning about dogs ever since. Through the decades, I’ve trained and competed in obedience, conformation, and agility, but it wasn’t until I discovered nosework, that I found my true training passion. Riley, my chihuahua, is the 19th dog in the USA to earn the Elite Nose work title in the UKC nosework program. I am currently a judge for the UKC nosework program (Certifying Official) and a judge and CSD (Chief Search Designer) for the USCSS venue. I am still learning and growing in this sport, and truly enjoy sharing everything that I discover.

Julie loves seeing dogs make a connection between what you're asking them to do and what they want (treats! play!). Her interest in dog training started as a child, watching her mom train their stubborn Carin Terrier, Fred, and it percolated from there. While volunteering at a local animal shelter, Julie began training the dogs available for adoption to ensure a more successful rehoming. When Julie saw the connection between dog training, science and helping people with their animals she became hooked and began attending seminars and workshops to learn more skills and the rationale behind them. One of her favorite sessions was a Bob Bailey Chicken Workshop where she learned the principles of operant conditioning while training a chicken. While working with her Australian Cattle Dog mix, Eleanor Frisbee, Julie has seen first-hand the benefits of teaching a dog to use his or her nose and enjoys the partnership created in the search. Learning how the challenges of changing the environment and its impact the odor has increased her appreciation of the sport. She sees nosework as a dance and loves watching the dog/trainer team learn the steps.