Laura Dolan

Laura began agility training and competing in 1995. Over the years, she's had the privilege to be taught by 6 of the best dogs. Laura has competed at the national level since 2003 and the international level since 2005, winning multiple national titles with 4 different dogs in the AKC, UKI and USDAA venues.  

Internationally, Laura has been honored to represent the USA at the FCI Agility World Championships 5 times with Remi (Sheltie) in 2005, Race (Sheltie) in 2012 (winning the bronze in team jumping) and 2015, Pre (Miniature Poodle) in 2018 and 2022, and Coos (Miniature Poodle) in 2022, earning win on spots for both dogs at World Team Tryouts.

Both Poodles were on the 2024 and 2025 USA World Agility Open teams competing in the Netherlands.  Coos won the 2024 Gold Medalist and 2025 Silver Medalist in the games challenge, as well as multiple placements in individual and team classes.

Laura has also had the privilege of attending the FCI European Open with Race 2013 (Belgium), Pre in 2018 (Austria), 2019 (Netherlands), 2020, 2022 (Belgium), 2023 (Denmark) and 2024 (England), and Coos in 2022 (Belgium), 2023 (Denmark), 2024 (England) and 2025 (Portugal). In England, both Poodles were on the small dog team that won the Silver Medal in team finals. Laura and her dogs have qualified for finals at every European Open. In 2025, at the Senior Agility World Championships in Portugal, Coos was the Small Dog Gold Medalist and Pre was Bronze in the small dog division.  Both Poodles were also part of USA’s Small Dog Team that won the Gold Medal Team in Portugal.

Laura has been teaching agility since 2000.  Her education and previous career were in Electrical Engineering.  This background in engineering has given her a mindset for problem-solving training issues as well as course analysis, always striving to plan and handle for the most efficient and fastest lines through any course.  Competing at the highest levels allows her to stay in tune with the most advanced handling skills and current course challenges. This understanding allows her and her students to have the skill sets needed to be successful on all types of courses.

Her philosophy on agility training emphasizes bringing out the best in every dog, solving the puzzle to find their inner superstar, and enjoying every moment with them. Train the skills, trust your training, and give your best every time you step to the line.  Laura will also push each handler to give their dog as much energy as they ask of them.

Remember, you and your dogs are athletes, prepare them for the job and you too!