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Agility Seminars with Kelsey Kirkpatrick
TCOTC is excited to bring back Kelsey Kirkpatrick for a series of agility seminars March 20-22!b Kelsey is a seasoned instructor and handler with 24 years of agility experience as a competitor, instructor, and coach. Her January 2025 seminars were very well received and we’re thrilled that she’s returning to share her expertise and knowledge.
Working spots are $150 members/$180 non-members, and audit spots are $40 members/$60 non-members. No refunds unless we can fill your spot. If a session is full and you’d like to be added to a waitlist, please email anneschenk@tcotc.com with your request.
Friday, March 20:
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Advanced/International Handling
This seminar will offer handler and dog teams a chance to train international-style challenges. Whether you are preparing for a major UKI event, thinking about entering ISC, or just want to sharpen your skills for AKC Premier, this session will be a chance to push out of your comfort zone and discover your potential! All equipment might be used. The session is open to dogs training at senior/champ UKI, masters USDAA, or Excellent/Masters AKC level courses.
Saturday, March 21
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Winning Weaves
Reliable weave poles don’t happen by accident. Kelsey Kirkpatrick breaks down the key components that create confident, independent, and consistent weaves, even in challenging environments. Handlers will learn how to build and maintain commitment to the poles, develop strong and accurate entries, and systematically proof against distractions such as motion and handling pressure. The seminar will address common weave issues including popping out early, missed entries, handler dependence, and loss of focus. This seminar is ideal for teams working at any level, from dogs still developing weave understanding to experienced competitors looking to strengthen reliability and speed under pressure.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Skills and Drills
This seminar focuses on building strong, confident handling through intentional practice. Using very short sequences made up exclusively of jumps and tunnels, handlers will break down and tackle common agility course challenges without the pressure of full courses or contact obstacles. By isolating skills in simple, repeatable drills, teams will learn how to improve timing, clarity, and commitment while sharpening both handling mechanics and dog understanding. These sequences are designed to highlight real-world challenges you see on course, making them highly transferable to competition and training alike.
Perfect for teams looking to strengthen foundations, clean up handling choices, and gain confidence through thoughtful, efficient training.
Sunday, March 22
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Young Dogs!
Designed for puppies and young dogs ages 6–18 months, this seminar focuses on developing the foundations! Through age-appropriate exercises and short, thoughtful drills, teams will build skills that support confidence, focus, and clear communication. Emphasis will be placed on engagement, value for work, body awareness, flatwork skills, and early handling concepts. This seminar is ideal for handlers who want to start their young dogs on the right path and create a solid base that will carry through future agility training.
A fun, supportive learning environment for both dogs and handlers, with plenty of practical takeaways for ongoing training at home.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Novice/Open Skills
This seminar is designed for teams competing at the Novice and Open levels who are ready to build confidence, consistency, and smoother teamwork on course. We’ll focus on practical skills that translate directly to the ring, including handling choices, timing, lines, and efficient communication between dog and handler.
Participants can expect thoughtful coursework, clear instruction, and individualized feedback to help polish foundation skills while addressing common challenges seen at the Novice and Open levels. Emphasis will be placed on reading courses, making smart handling decisions, and maintaining flow while supporting your dog’s confidence and understanding.
Whether you’re preparing to move up a level or looking to solidify your performance where you are, this seminar offers a supportive environment to learn, problem-solve, and gain tools you can immediately apply to your training and trialing.
About Kelsey Kirkpatrick: Kelsey has been doing agility for 24 years. She teaches classes weekly and teaches online students. She is a 5-time National Champion with 3 different dogs and a 37-time regional champion with 4 different dogs. She’s a 5-time World Team Member and has placed or been a finalist at numerous regional, national, and international events. Her students have also joined multiple world teams including AWC, EO and IFCS. Kelsey is big into getting tight lines and getting the most speed she can out of her and her students’ dogs. She also believes that agility is not a one size fits all. She believes in working with the dog that you have in front of you.
