Trainer's Articles Published in "Clean Run" magazine

Kristin Kaldahl, City Dogs owner and trainer, has been published in the nation's premier agility magazine, "Clean Run."  

Kaldahl wrote a series of articles on training dogs to compete in agility with physically limited handlers.  The series included three articles - one was an overview and the other two were on training distance and directionals.

"It's a huge honor to be published in such an incredible magazine," Kaldahl said.  "'Clean Run' is considered to be the clearning house for all new agility ideas.  To have my articles accepted by such a great agility institution has been a thrill."

Megan Magnant, a student at City Dogs, was the photographer for the first article, which inculdes several pictures of Kaldahl working her MACH2 sheltie, Aslan.

"I hope my articles can give others strugging with physical issues ideas on how to train and handle their dogs in spite of their physical struggles. People have successfully competed in agility in wheelchairs, on crutches, with severe loss of movement on one side of the body and with a host of other ailments."

Kaldahl has successfully competed in agility in spite of going through kidney failure. She now has a second kidney trainsplant after having the first transplant fail after 31 years.  She received her second transplant in December, 2008.

"People think they can't do agility because of a physical issue.  The truth is, if their dog has the drive for the game, of course they can compete," Kaldahl said.  "It takes more dedication and training, but it can be done - and successfully."

Kaldahl and her sheltie Aslan have qualified for AKC Agility National Championships five times, attended twice and earned two MACHs - all achieved regardless of kidney issues and mobility issues.

Kaldahl's articles appeared in the September, October and November 2009 issues of "Clean Run."  Click here to see the September issue.