High Octane Agility -- Instructors

Instructors

Maureen Burke is a teacher by trade and presently teaches sophomore and senior English at Girard College. With summers off from her teaching job, Maureen spends her days at High Octane instructing group classes and offering private lessons.

As one of the founders and owners of High Octane Agility in Doylestown, Pa., Maureen brings 20 years of experience training dogs. She has instructed all levels of agility, Control Unleashed and Seminars which have included jumping, distance and impulse control among others. Maureen currently instructs weekly and offers private instruction when her schedule permits.

Her first dog, Corky, was a mix breed who introduced Maureen to dog training. Corky was titled in NADAC, USDAA and AKC and was CGC and TDI certified.

Maureen's next dog, Isis, earned her ADCH in USDAA and NATCH3 in NADAC. Maureen and Isis attended their first USDAA nationals together in October, 2011. Isis is now mostly retired at almost 12 years old.

Maureen's youngest dog, Rhyme, is competing at the USDAA Advanced and NADAC Open levels. Rhyme introduced Maureen to the wonderful worlds of: shaping, impulse control, and games.

Maureen has a special interest in dogs who can be fearful and she offers private lessons which include a strong foundation in Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed book and teachings. Another interest of Maureen's includes agility distance work to assist handlers with games in: USDAA Gamblers and NADAC Chances.

Since starting High Octane, Maureen has enjoyed teaching agility on a regular basis. Her expertise is seen in her ability to positively motivate dogs and handlers on all levels to succeed in their teamwork! She believes in motivating by using games and shaping and by highly rewarding success!

As a handler, Maureen trains on a regular basis with Mary Ellen Barry and Leslie McDevitt. She attends seminars to continue furthering her agility and training education.

Maureen is also available for seminars and lessons off site.

Dan Burke works fulltime as an electronics engineer with Inventworx in Rosemont, NJ.

As the other founder and owner of High Octane, Dan brings 11 years of experience training dogs with him. He instructs all levels of agility, but his expertise is with teaching advanced and master levels. Dan has a special skill with teaching the skills of the USDAA game, Snookers.

Dan's first dog was ADCH NATCH6 TC's Red October "Boomer", a Border Collie with only one speed, FAST! Boomer taught Dan to be timely with his cues and run quickly in the right direction.

Presently, Dan competes with ADCH Rival's Ready to Run "Simmer" who is a lot of dog in a little package. Together, Dan and Simmer have earned numerous Super Qs in Snooker and continue to be a strong team in Masters classes. This past year, Dan and Simmer attended their first USDAA Nationals. They placed in the top 20 in two team classes.

Dan and Simmer take lessons with Mary Ellen Barry and attend Kinetic Dog camps each year to continue furthering their education in the sport of agility.

As an instructor, Dan has a gift of timing with his students. He can explain how or why a dog responded as they did to a late, or inconsistent cue. With Simmer, Dan is consistent with his own handling, which is the best example of all!

Dan is also High Octane's secretary for their NADAC and USDAA trials. High Octane hosts 6 trials a year.

Dan is also available for lessons and seminars off site.

Sue

Stacey Manzo started training agility with her Australian Shepherd rescue, Beau, in 2001. She's been instructing agility classes since 2005 and in the Spring of 2007, she became a certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator and began giving classes and administering the CGC test in the Summer of 2007. In the agility “off season” (if there is such a thing), she has been known to compete in Rally Obedience.
Stacey is High Octane's ever important Agile Kindergarten instructor. She shares her knowledge of : obedience, hind end awareness, clicker training and trick training with those who start with our first level class. Stacey encourages handlers to become a team with their canine partner.

In May 2011, Stacey rescued her second Aussie, Diesel, who couldn’t be more different from her first four-legged friend and is teaching her a new world of training techniques. She believes that agility training is about 90% relationship with your dog and 10% actual training which is why she focuses on building bonds between handlers and their dogs. Clicker training, positive reinforcement and teaching tricks are some of the methods she uses. When Stacey isn't working, she enjoys running, hiking and just being active. Stacey and Diesel live with Stacey's husband Matt who serves as Diesel’s afternoon running partner

Judy has been involved in agility for 7 years. She has trained and trialed with both Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies. Her dogs have won many titles in both AKC and USDAA competition. Her dogs have been team finalists at the USDAA World Cynosport games in 2006, 2007 and 2008,2009 and includes a 2nd place overall finish in 2008 against 200 teams from around the world. Also in 2008 her young dog's team won the team relay making that her second podium finish. In 2009, Opal's team once again finished 3rd for another podium finish. Opal was also in the top 10 world team points. At the 2009 AKC nationals, her young dog Opal was the top dog from Pennsylvania in the team competition and led the Pennsylvania team to it's first ever state finals with a 2nd place finish. 2010 AKC nationals, Opal was once again the top dog from Pennsylvania, and Ty was 2nd place in the state team competition. They once again led Pennsylvania to a medal finish for the second year in a row. Judy believes in positive training for the dog and building confidence for the handler. She feels that the handler and dog need to learn to trust each other to develop the best team possible. She also helps handlers to develop their own personal handling system by analyzing skills and abilities. She has studied and trained both in the Greg Derrett system and the Linda Mecklenburg system. And for the dogs, she believes in a strong foundation of skills encompassing jumping, contacts, weaving, motion and speed. This is done by breaking down skills, high rate of reward and building the dogs confidence. She teaches classes, seminars and does private lessons at both her house and at other training facilities. She attends many seminars and camps by the top instructors in the country. This allows her to bring back new training methods, new exercises and information to her students.

Sharon started her agility training in 2003 as a way to have fun with her Rat Terrier, Rocky and to provide an outlet for his boundless energy. She started to compete in 2004. Currently she competes at the Elite level of NADAC and most recentely began to compete in USDAA.
In 2007 she began to train with HOA. She has participated in numerous seminars and workshops offered by world class competitors that focus on foundation training, enhancing handling skills and promoting teamwork.

Sean began to compete in agility in 2004 with his first agility dog, Pete, a Rat Terrier. They currently compete in the Elite level of NADAC and most recently started to compete in USDAA
In 2007, he began to train with High Octane. He also began to train his first Border Collie, Zip. As a result of training with HOA, Sean has been able to instill a strong foundation on Zip for knowing his criteria for contacts, hindend awareness, and skills for safe jumping. He has participated in various seminars and workshops with world class competitors which include flatwork, lateral motion and distance training

Jan

Carleen started her agility training in 2004 with her English Bulldog, Morgan. Needing an outlet for Morgan’s unusual energy, agility served as a great way to provide fun and exercise while allowing a way for the two to bond. After training with a few different trainers,
Carleen and Morgan began training with High Octane in 2010 and since then their agility skills and ability have reached a now once unobtainable level. Training an English Bulldog has had its challenges and Carleen has been able to find patience and innovation when tackling a new skills. Additionally, Morgan’s breed has also taught Carleen to know her team’s limits. Morgan competes in NADAC at levels from Novice to Elite, occasionally Morgan competes in USDAA. Most recently, Morgan and Carleen earned the Judge’s Choice Award at the PlayBow NADAC trial in Accord, NY.
In addition to competition and regular training, Morgan and Carleen also participate in seminars and workshops.

	Maureen Burke is a teacher by trade and presently teaches sophomore and senior English at Girard College. With summers off from her teaching job, Maureen spends her days at High Octane instructing group classes and offering private lessons. As one of the founders and owners of High Octane Agility in Doylestown, Pa., Maureen brings 20 years of experience training dogs. She has instructed all levels of agility, Control Unleashed and Seminars which have included jumping, distance and impulse control among others. Maureen currently instructs weekly and offers private instruction when her schedule permits. Her first dog, Corky, was a mix breed who introduced Maureen to dog training. Corky was titled in NADAC, USDAA and AKC and was CGC and TDI certified. Maureen's next dog, Isis, earned her ADCH in USDAA and NATCH3 in NADAC. Maureen and Isis attended their first USDAA nationals together in October, 2011. Isis is now mostly retired at almost 12 years old. Maureen's youngest dog, Rhyme, is competing at the USDAA Advanced and NADAC Open levels. Rhyme introduced Maureen to the wonderful worlds of: shaping, impulse control, and games. Maureen has a special interest in dogs who can be fearful and she offers private lessons which include a strong foundation in Leslie McDevitt's Control Unleashed book and teachings. Another interest of Maureen's includes agility distance work to assist handlers with games in: USDAA Gamblers and NADAC Chances. Since starting High Octane, Maureen has enjoyed teaching agility on a regular basis. Her expertise is seen in her ability to positively motivate dogs and handlers on all levels to succeed in their teamwork! She believes in motivating by using games and shaping and by highly rewarding success! As a handler, Maureen trains on a regular basis with Mary Ellen Barry and Leslie McDevitt. She attends seminars to continue furthering her agility and training education. Maureen is also available for seminars and lessons off site.
	Dan Burke works fulltime as an electronics engineer with Inventworx in Rosemont, NJ. As the other founder and owner of High Octane, Dan brings 11 years of experience training dogs with him. He instructs all levels of agility, but his expertise is with teaching advanced and master levels. Dan has a special skill with teaching the skills of the USDAA game, Snookers. Dan's first dog was ADCH NATCH6 TC's Red October "Boomer", a Border Collie with only one speed, FAST! Boomer taught Dan to be timely with his cues and run quickly in the right direction. Presently, Dan competes with ADCH Rival's Ready to Run "Simmer" who is a lot of dog in a little package. Together, Dan and Simmer have earned numerous Super Qs in Snooker and continue to be a strong team in Masters classes. This past year, Dan and Simmer attended their first USDAA Nationals. They placed in the top 20 in two team classes. Dan and Simmer take lessons with Mary Ellen Barry and attend Kinetic Dog camps each year to continue furthering their education in the sport of agility. As an instructor, Dan has a gift of timing with his students. He can explain how or why a dog responded as they did to a late, or inconsistent cue. With Simmer, Dan is consistent with his own handling, which is the best example of all! Dan is also High Octane's secretary for their NADAC and USDAA trials. High Octane hosts 6 trials a year. Dan is also available for lessons and seminars off site.
	Sue
	Stacey Manzo started training agility with her Australian Shepherd rescue, Beau, in 2001. She's been instructing agility classes since 2005 and in the Spring of 2007, she became a certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator and began giving classes and administering the CGC test in the Summer of 2007. In the agility “off season” (if there is such a thing), she has been known to compete in Rally Obedience. Stacey is High Octane's ever important Agile Kindergarten instructor. She shares her knowledge of : obedience, hind end awareness, clicker training and trick training with those who start with our first level class. Stacey encourages handlers to become a team with their canine partner. In May 2011, Stacey rescued her second Aussie, Diesel, who couldn’t be more different from her first four-legged friend and is teaching her a new world of training techniques. She believes that agility training is about 90% relationship with your dog and 10% actual training which is why she focuses on building bonds between handlers and their dogs. Clicker training, positive reinforcement and teaching tricks are some of the methods she uses. When Stacey isn't working, she enjoys running, hiking and just being active. Stacey and Diesel live with Stacey's husband Matt who serves as Diesel’s afternoon running partner
	Judy has been involved in agility for 7 years. She has trained and trialed with both Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies. Her dogs have won many titles in both AKC and USDAA competition. Her dogs have been team finalists at the USDAA World Cynosport games in 2006, 2007 and 2008,2009 and includes a 2nd place overall finish in 2008 against 200 teams from around the world. Also in 2008 her young dog's team won the team relay making that her second podium finish. In 2009, Opal's team once again finished 3rd for another podium finish. Opal was also in the top 10 world team points. At the 2009 AKC nationals, her young dog Opal was the top dog from Pennsylvania in the team competition and led the Pennsylvania team to it's first ever state finals with a 2nd place finish. 2010 AKC nationals, Opal was once again the top dog from Pennsylvania, and Ty was 2nd place in the state team competition. They once again led Pennsylvania to a medal finish for the second year in a row. Judy believes in positive training for the dog and building confidence for the handler. She feels that the handler and dog need to learn to trust each other to develop the best team possible. She also helps handlers to develop their own personal handling system by analyzing skills and abilities. She has studied and trained both in the Greg Derrett system and the Linda Mecklenburg system. And for the dogs, she believes in a strong foundation of skills encompassing jumping, contacts, weaving, motion and speed. This is done by breaking down skills, high rate of reward and building the dogs confidence. She teaches classes, seminars and does private lessons at both her house and at other training facilities. She attends many seminars and camps by the top instructors in the country. This allows her to bring back new training methods, new exercises and information to her students.
	Sharon started her agility training in 2003 as a way to have fun with her Rat Terrier, Rocky and to provide an outlet for his boundless energy. She started to compete in 2004. Currently she competes at the Elite level of NADAC and most recentely began to compete in USDAA. In 2007 she began to train with HOA. She has participated in numerous seminars and workshops offered by world class competitors that focus on foundation training, enhancing handling skills and promoting teamwork.
	Sean began to compete in agility in 2004 with his first agility dog, Pete, a Rat Terrier. They currently compete in the Elite level of NADAC and most recently started to compete in USDAA In 2007, he began to train with High Octane. He also began to train his first Border Collie, Zip. As a result of training with HOA, Sean has been able to instill a strong foundation on Zip for knowing his criteria for contacts, hindend awareness, and skills for safe jumping. He has participated in various seminars and workshops with world class competitors which include flatwork, lateral motion and distance training
	Jan
	Carleen started her agility training in 2004 with her English Bulldog, Morgan. Needing an outlet for Morgan’s unusual energy, agility served as a great way to provide fun and exercise while allowing a way for the two to bond. After training with a few different trainers, Carleen and Morgan began training with High Octane in 2010 and since then their agility skills and ability have reached a now once unobtainable level. Training an English Bulldog has had its challenges and Carleen has been able to find patience and innovation when tackling a new skills. Additionally, Morgan’s breed has also taught Carleen to know her team’s limits. Morgan competes in NADAC at levels from Novice to Elite, occasionally Morgan competes in USDAA. Most recently, Morgan and Carleen earned the Judge’s Choice Award at the PlayBow NADAC trial in Accord, NY. In addition to competition and regular training, Morgan and Carleen also participate in seminars and workshops.