RACH Hi-Star Striving for Excellence – “Excel”

BN RM2 RAE2 NA NAJ OF DS TKI CGC CCA

Excel is the puppy that I kept from Strive’s litter. He is sweet, cuddly, and goofy, and I adore him.

He’s taught me how important life skills are for performance dogs, and much of his first couple of years was spent focused on being calm around other dogs, loose-leash walking, and being comfortable in his crate. Excel has also taught me the importance of clear criteria and reward markers and how that reduces frustration. He is exceptionally intelligent and consistently strives to excel in everything he does.

Excel earned the AKC Rally Championship, the Beginner Novice title, multiple agility titles, the Dock Dog Senior title, and the Canine Good Citizen Advanced title.

Excel has become particularly attached to my youngest daughter, and through 4-H, they have earned many Grand and Reserve Championships together in obedience, rally, agility, and showmanship.

Excel loves spending time with my daughter, especially cuddling and playing fetch. I’m grateful for their relationship and the many lessons he is teaching her. I look forward to watching where their journey takes them.

FDSA Workshop

Fast & Accurate: Around Foundations for Finishes, Circles, and Rally Skills

Start Date: December 7, 2025

Registration Opens: November 22, 2025

Teach your dog the powerful foundation skill of “around”! In this workshop, we’ll start with introducing the around behavior—sending your dog around an object—and then build it into circling the handler. From there, you’ll see how this simple yet versatile skill translates into so many useful applications.

We’ll cover how the around foundation can be used to teach smooth setups, right finishes, create confident handler circles, and set your dog up for success in rally signs such as the Left About Turn, finish forward signs, and more. By breaking down the steps and layering in enthusiasm and precision, you’ll gain a clear training plan to add speed and reliability to your dog’s performance. Since rally is a timed sport, the quicker and more efficiently your dog can get around you, the stronger your overall performance and scores will be.

Whether you’re training for rally, obedience, or just want a fun way to build teamwork, “around” and handler circles are engaging skills that improve your dog’s focus, understanding, and enthusiasm.

RACH Hi-Star Striving for Excellence – “Excel”

BN RM2 RAE2 NA NAJ OF DS TKI CGC CCA

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Fast & Accurate: Around Foundations for Finishes, Circles, and Rally Skills

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